We, our crew, advisors, and collaborating protagonists are a multicultural, age-spanning mash-up that includes: an old white guy, a semi-old Jewish gal, Mexican and Mexican American adults, indigenous Mixtec, Zapotec and Purépecha youth ages 17 to 20-something, with more delicious diversity to come.

THE LOWDOWN

Untitled Oxnard Project spends a year with a group of Mexican-born Mixtec, Zapotec and Purépecha teens and young adults whose families labor in the fields of Oxnard, California—Strawberry Capital of the World. Moving from the berry rows to the classroom, from traditional Oaxacan "devil dancing" to May Day demonstrations, the documentary takes an intimate look at the unique challenges they face, both individually and together, as they navigate economic necessity, access to higher education, cultural preservation, and the social and environmental justice needs of their indigenous farmworker community.

For these young people—bound together by shared vulnerability and the desire to change their families’ destinies—progress can be elusive. As they begin to map their futures, our government is rolling back the very protections they seek to gain. Weakened environmental regulations, lax labor laws, a push for more deportations…and suddenly  Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is rescinded, driving a stake into the heart of their community.

Interwoven with the characters’ journeys is a decision the City of Oxnard must make, a dilemma with echoes across the country. Oxnard has been challenged to declare itself a Sanctuary City. Much is at risk for a place with such large numbers of undocumented agricultural workers, as the City weighs security for its residents against the threat to its fiscal solvency from potential retribution.

In times like these, for young people whose lives have always been steeped in uncertainty, it takes a tremendous leap of faith to chase a dream.

 

 

A COLLABORATIVE METHOD

On our part, we’re shooting a combination of observational footage and casual interviews. But as this is a story of youth shaping their identities and finding their voices, a critical aspect of the project is agency—empowering these young people with the tools to tell their own stories from their own cultural perspective. To that end we’re providing several HD camera kits with good microphones, and coaching in digital storytelling. Our goal is to provide a skills building opportunity, and to fold the resulting first-person material—some observational, some in video diary or vlog form, some in the form of spoken word poetry, rap, or even podcast—into the documentary. We’re looking forward to the creative challenge of mixing in this character-sourced material.

 

 

WHY NOW?

In the current political climate, with immigration issues center stage and Mexicans among those singled out for abuse, it’s imperative to break down monolithic and stereotypical concepts of who these Mexican immigrants are. With the demonization of any immigrant group comes the idea that all its members fit the same uniform, inflexible mold. "Good immigrants" are seen through rigid lenses of "usefulness." We hear this more and more in discussions of who to let into our country.

Indigenous youth from Mexico, living, working and studying in the U.S., are prone to staying in the shadows. They’ve been bullied in school, by Anglo and Mexican students alike, for their dark skin and small stature. They’ve been denied educational opportunities because of inherent language barriers; many arrive here speaking neither Spanish nor English but only their native tongue. They face systemic underestimation. They’ve often needed to take time out from school to work in the fields to help their families financially. Their immigration status can make higher education unattainable, especially now with the recently announced end of DACA. With so many vulnerabilities, it’s no wonder the unique stories of these young people have not often been heard. And yet they persevere…and succeed. Understanding complex, well-delineated individuals—their struggles, their joys, and most of all their resilience—is key to creating a counter-narrative.

 

 

WHERE WE ARE AND WHERE WE'RE GOING

After half a year of Research and Development, we began shooting in earnest in May, starting with an energizing May Day rally through the streets of Oxnard. We're about halfway through our Production timeline, and have gotten to this point on our own dime. We're sending lots of grant applications out into the world for the inevitable Post Production expenses. But there are some unavoidable Production costs that we need help covering now. That's where you come in. Your support at this current stage would help us finish shooting and get us closer to the start of the editing process. Any funds raised over $15,000 will be put towards Post Production.

 

 

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU? - KICK ASS INCENTIVES!

Hopefully you're with us on wanting to change the narrative! But a little enticement never hurt anyone and so we've gathered some amazing goodies for you. Since so many of our characters come from small villages in Oaxaca, our friend Joan Gollub, an artist living in Tlacolula, generously offered to do some shopping for us at her local market (one of the oldest continuous Sunday markets in Mesoamerica) and in Ciudad Oaxaca to bring you a little taste. Our great incentives section is like a mini mercado—with Zapotec heirloom seeds; handicrafts; woven towels, blouses, and coasters; knitted hats; plastico picado banners; and more to be added. If you don't want stuff, how about a party—you come to ours, or we'll bring the party to you, including the mezcal of course. Or, collect our documentaries. Our last, Escaramuza: Riding from the Heart, was a favorite on PBS (watch teaser below).

 

 

 

 

Check back often for new incentives.

 

THE BOTTOM LINE

We need to reach 80% of our goal to be funded, so please contribute in any way you can...every little bit helps. A BIG way you can pitch in is by sharing this campaign with your own social networks. Even just hitting that "follow" button counts. So whether you're following, sharing posts, collecting swag, racking up miles with your airline credit card, or want to party, it's all good. 

We promise to do our part by making a movie we can all be proud of. 

Oh, and please feel free to hit us up with any questions.