Elena 2018
Distributed by Pragda, 302 Bedford Ave., #136, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Produced by Michèle Stephenson
Directed by Michèle Stephenson
Streaming, 30 mins
High School - General Adult
Activism; Civil Rights; Race Relations
Date Entered: 05/30/2023
Reviewed by Rachael Dreyer, Head of Research Services for Special Collections, Pennsylvania State UniversityElena, a short film from documentarian Michèle Stephenson, offers another personal perspective of the subject she more fully examined with 2020’s Stateless. Viewers may wish to note that was originally released in 2018; and the short reviewed here is the U.S. release of the film. In Elena, Stephenson zeroes in on the story of Elena, a young Dominican woman of Haitian descent. As Elena struggles to get her government documents in order that proves her Dominican citizenship, she finds refuge in activism in support of the democratic process - Elena is unique. Many in her situation (and she alludes to this) would have succumbed under the burden of proving their legitimacy, their existence. But Elena engages in discussion and dialogue with those who would deny her right to citizenship whenever possible - at the taxi stand, on the road that runs through her town, during poll worker training, at the polling place.
For a more comprehensive exploration of the situation that Dominicans of Haitian descent encounter in the Dominican Republic, Stateless offers more detail, more history, and the dual perspectives of Dominicans of both Spanish descent and Haitian descent. By contrast, Elena offers minimal context of the humanitarian situation and explores one woman’s personal experience. Yet, in choosing this more personal lens, Stephenson shows how the act of legitimizing one’s legal right to participate in society through systems such as education, democracy, and employment can literally pull a person out of obscurity by giving them a legally recognized identity. Audiences watch Elena’s face as it becomes radiant when she receives her government-issued identification. After investing immense effort and time in order to file and obtain her documents through the appropriate channels, Elena has grasped the means to turn her life around.
Recommended for general audiences, with much in parallel with the United States' divisive political rhetoric regarding how our own immigration system should address undocumented immigrants. With the expiration of Title 42, immigration is a topic that is ever-present in our collective consciousness.
Awards: Blackstar Film Festival, Jury Award Best Short Documentary; Philadelphia Latino Film Festival, Lola Award - Honorable Mention
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