Welcoming America // Portrait of a Dreamer
At a time when the immigration debate was reduced to statistics and policy soundbites, Welcoming America set out to create something more human. Instead of numbers, we focused on people. Instead of headlines, we told personal stories. The goal was to move the conversation from abstract to intimate, and to show how this country is shaped and strengthened by different cultures, colors, and voices.
Today, in an even more divided climate, with immigration once again dominating headlines and enforcement actions intensifying, the work feels just as urgent, if not more so. These films serve as a reminder of what connects us. Beneath the politics are human beings, shared hopes, and the idea that what unites us is far greater than what separates us.
Portrait of a Dreamer tells the story of Fidencio Fifield-Perez, an undocumented artist who came to the United States at seven years old. As he grew older, he became curious about the exact journey he had taken to get here. That search led him to maps, which became central to his work and a powerful medium for exploring identity, migration, and memory.
The film offers a glimpse into Fidencio’s experience as a DACA Dreamer, culminating in his decision to complete the unfinished George Washington portrait from the one dollar bill, a symbolic act that reflects both belonging and the complexity of the American story.
United Voices
In United Voices, Natalie Ringsmuth, founder of #unitecloud, shares her vision for bringing together a community divided by ethnicity, religion, and immigration.
In St. Cloud, Minnesota, she works closely with immigrants and longtime residents alike, creating spaces where personal stories can be shared. By focusing on lived experiences rather than labels, Natalie helps her community find common ground and rediscover what they share.
Created at TBD with
Sara Uhelski (copywriter)
Rafael Rizuto (chief creative officer)