Watch Letters To Our Children: Stories of Refuge

"Letters To Our Children: Stories of Refuge" is a documentary film that captures immigrant stories of mothers and fathers separated from their children by borders and circumstances. The film is an emotional journey that explores the plight of immigrants who fled their homelands due to violence, persecution, poverty or other reasons, with no choice but to leave their children behind. Through personal letters written to their children, the parents express their grief, love, and hopes for the future, while grappling with the painful realities of their separation.

The film follows the lives of four families from Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador, who now reside in the United States, and are raising their children from afar. The parents recount their journeys, their memories of their homeland, and their longing for their children who remain behind. They share their hopes and dreams for their children, many of whom were left with grandparents or other relatives, while they worked hard in the U.S. to provide financial support and a better future for their children.

The unique format of "Letters To Our Children" provides an intimate look into the lives of these families, through beautiful animation, emotional voiceovers, and stunning cinematography. The letters serve as a window into the parent's souls, as they pour out their hearts and bares their souls for their children, hoping to create a connection that spans the distance between them.

The stories in "Letters To Our Children" are filled with hope, sorrow, longing, resilience, and triumph over adversity. The viewer experiences the emotional toll of being separated from one's children and the heavy price that immigrant families pay for the chance at a better life. Yet, amidst the pain, the families also find joy in their children's accomplishments, and the small victories that make life meaningful.

One of the most striking aspects of "Letters To Our Children" is the diversity of experiences of these families. Each story is unique, with its own set of challenges, but at the same time, there are many similarities too. Ultimately, the film is a reminder that despite our differences, we are all human beings who share the same emotions, dreams, and desires for our children.

The film's director, Anaïs Michel, creates a rich tapestry of sound and color that brings the viewer deep into the world of these immigrant families. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the immigrant experience, Michel transports the audience to the streets of Mexico City or the rural countryside of Guatemala, allowing the viewer to see the world through the eyes of the parents.

"Letters To Our Children: Stories of Refuge" is a deeply moving documentary that shines a light on the immigrant experience, in all its complexity and bravery. The film is both timely and important, providing a humanizing look at the struggles that face undocumented immigrants every day in the United States. Through the lens of these immigrant families, audiences will gain a greater understanding of the sacrifices that so many people make in order to provide a better life for their children. In doing so, "Letters To Our Children" expresses the ultimate message of hope, that love can survive even the toughest borders and that our shared humanity will always triumph over fear and division.