Educational Media Reviews Online

Dear Homeland is a compelling lyrical look at the struggles of undocumented people in the United States. The film follows singer/songwriter Diana Gameros who initially came from Juarez, Mexico to Michigan to pursue her dreams of attending college to study music. Gameros was unable to extend her stay as an international student and spent the next 18 years in limbo. She was unable to leave the United States to see her family or her home for fear of not being able to return to the career and life she built in California.

The film, directed by Claudia Escobar, expertly weaves footage of performances, interviews and location shots to create a beautiful visual poem. During interviews Gameros speaks openly about her love for Mexico, how she misses her family as well as her love for her chosen home. Through her music and words, Gameros conveys the fear and isolation of being an undocumented person, how it kept her from forming relationships and took a toll on her health. Eventually Gameros found her voice in her music and became an outspoken activist for herself and other undocumented people. Throughout the film we see her working to address her own status. The film culminates in a resolution of her legal status in the United States and a joyful reunion with her family in Juarez.

Dear Homeland humanizes the experience of undocumented people in the United States, a narrative that too often gets lost in a discussion of numbers and statistics. Though it centers on Gameros and her very personal story, it touches on the damaging rhetoric surrounding people who immigrate to the United States, especially people of color. All of this is set against footage of Gameros’ music which is a haunting, moving tribute to her homeland and the struggles of people who are caught between countries. The film is quietly powerful as it asks you to rethink your assumptions.

With a runtime of just under an hour this film would be ideal for classroom use and discussion. Highly recommended for high school or college level. Good for general film collections or collections with a focus on music, gender studies, immigration or public policy.

Awards:
Official Selection, 2020 CinelasAmericas Virtual Showcase; Official Selection, 2020 San Diego Latin American Film Festival

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