Film Synopsis
"Home" explores the journey of Dominican immigrants through the lens of the director's personal story, whose mother left the Dominican Republic by boat when she was three months old. Through interviews and personal narratives, the film examines why people risk their lives to leave their homeland, featuring stories of both successful crossings and tragic losses. The documentary weaves together contemporary interviews, personal reflections, and historical context to explore the complex meaning of home.
The word "home" carries profound meaning - a shelter, a center of domestic affections, one's native place. As a filmmaker exploring the complex narrative of Dominican migration, I find myself constantly reflecting on what home truly means. My journey with "Home" began with my own origin story: When my mother made the perilous journey across the Mona Passage, leaving me with my grandmother as she sought a better life for both of us.
Through intimate interviews with individuals like Maxima, who lost her son to the Mona Passage, and Margarita, whose dreams led her to leave everything behind, we explore the profound question that drives this film: What makes someone willing to risk everything for an uncertain future?
Through the stories of some of the natives, we witness the complex economic and social factors that drive migration. Their testimonies reveal that behind the pristine beaches and perfect weather lies a deeper story of struggle and aspiration.
As both director and child of immigration, this project is deeply personal. Returning to film in the Dominican Republic, I found the streets I grew up in to be much quieter— a metaphor for how migration has transformed both the landscape and its people. As a lot of the people I grew up with have left the island, hoping to find a better life in other countries. Through "Home," I aim to capture not just the physical journey of crossing the border, whether by land or sea, but also the emotional voyage of leaving one home in search of another.
Through this film, I hope to honor both those who made it across and those who didn't, contributing to a larger dialogue about immigration while preserving these crucial narratives for future generations. These stories, including my mother's, are a testament to the enduring human spirit and our eternal search for something greater than ourselves.
Thank you!
