This year is proving to be heavy for many of Minnesota's Latino residents. But a new documentary reveals hope that's been building for some time.

"Nuestro Norte" is a short film directed by Martín Blanco, a first-generation immigrant from Venezuela who arrived in Minnesota at age 10. His movie is a portrait of five community leaders from across Minnesota, and their experiences are interwoven with symbolic scenes and original musical performances. It was filmed last September, before the recent federal immigration crackdown here, but Blanco said it serves as a foil to real events.

"I think the film is an opportunity to experience the joy that we've been lacking," he said, "[and] to experience a strong sense of dignity and belonging in this landscape."

Themes such as the arts, community activism and agriculture are explored in sharing these lived experiences, while landmarks such as the State Capitol serve as a backdrop for the film.

The Minnesota Humanities Center and the group LatinoLEAD are partners in the project, helping organize public and private screenings, including a fully booked event on May 20 at the Heights Theater in Columbia Heights.

Melissa Vazquez, LatinoLEAD's communications and community engagement manager, said they hope the film brings focus to unsung community leaders who are helping inspire innovation and social bonds in towns and cities all over Minnesota.

"We are hoping to move the narrative from one of just recent arrivals to one of longstanding contribution," she said, "highlighting that Latin Americans have always been in Minnesota building and leading society here."

MayKao Fredericks, the Humanities Center's director of cultural initiatives and immersive programs, called it a beautiful human story with characteristics that all Minnesotans should want and strive for.

"Imagine a state with this kind of heart and love for land, for each other, for our elders, for planning the future for our youth," she said.

Source: Public News Service