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The US is home to 51 million immigrants, about half of which struggle with English. This hinders their access to basic needs — employment, healthcare, and education — and negatively affects communities everywhere. ESL explores what happens when people step across the barriers that so often divide us — when communities make an effort to serve their neighbors. When individuals and organizations dedicate time and resources to reach out to other human beings, especially when faced with the frustrations of language barriers, incredible transformations unfold, for everyone involved.
[ WHY MAKE THIS FILM ]
The US is home to 51 million immigrants, who made up around 14% of the total population in 2020. About half of these individuals struggle with English, which hinders their access to basic needs—employment, healthcare, and education. This language barrier is more than a practical inconvenience; it frequently leads to isolation, fear, and poverty. needs—employment, healthcare, and education.
ESL explores what happens when people step across these barriers that often divide us. When individuals and organizations dedicate time and resources to reach those whom American society has too often overlooked, especially when faced with the frustrations of language barriers, incredible transformations unfold, as shown in these stories in this documentary. Everyone benefits, and new Americans gain the empowerment and support they need to thrive in this country and in their communities.
Our vision as filmmakers is to make impact: 1) for minds to be changed when faced with another who does not speak their language. 2) to expand access to comprehensive ESL resources by empowering community leaders to support multilingual families through programming that serves three-generations of language learners. 3) to create sustainable, inclusive programs that promote equitable access to education, services, and meaningful relationships.
[ NOTE FROM THE FILMMAKERS ]
As a group of predominantly white filmmakers telling the stories of a diverse range of people, we recognize the need for a highly thoughtful and ethically responsible approach to this documentary. The relationship between production and “subjects” is established immediately with the presence of a camera, making it essential to avoid spectacle and any sense of a savior complex, which is crucial to preserving the integrity of this project. Our role, as a resourced entity intruding into the lives of immigrant families in the U.S., demands that we consciously distance ourselves from a Western-centric perspective. This requires uncovering and addressing implicit biases that could influence storytelling and hinder the building of genuine empathy.
Our documentary is inspired by Festa, a non-profit organization dedicated to ending generational poverty, which provides us with a unique lens through which to tell this important story of intersectionality and growth. In collaboration with Festa, we will seek to establish relationships with key participants, including Ayat, Khawla, Jameel, Gloire, Asma, and the Lopez family, who each bring their own perspectives and cultural experiences to the narrative.
Although we believe this story is relevant on a national scale, as filmmakers, we have a deep connection to the Columbus community. As a result, Central Ohio will be the primary geographical placement of this story. This will allow us to authentically engage with the challenges and triumphs faced by those affected by socioeconomic challenges in our community. This local perspective enriches our storytelling, ensuring we represent the voices of our participants with sensitivity and accuracy.
[ FESTA ]
Festa is a Christian non-profit based in Columbus, Ohio serving individuals in suburban poverty through two flagship programs: 3-Generation English as a Second Language classes and free Summer Lunch Camps to feed and care for the children of these families. Read our annual report here or visit our website for more information on our 3-Generation Family ESL program. If you are interested in starting a 3-Generation Family ESL program in your community visit Festa's website below to learn more.
[ CAST AND CREW ]
Starring:
Ayat Nababta, Khawla Ahmad, Jameel Qatanani, Asma Soma, Joyce Gericke, Brise and Boris Lopez, Haifa Brunney, Sara Lopez, Gloire Mujanama, Nick Williams, Bob Masheter, Irma and Joseph Chon, Kim Emch
Producers:
Taylor McClintock and Jack McClintock and J. William Barlow and Tobias Zuniga-Shaw
Executive Producers:
Jack McClintock and Walter Krumm III
Executive Producers:
Kim Emch and Lydia Emch
Directed By: J. William Barlow
Director of Photography: Grant Smucker
Impact Producer: Tamarra Campbell
Edited By: Averie Rulli
Composer: Ashley and Austin Bruns
Sound: Caleb Faizi
Assistant Sound: Andrea Lowe and Rain Littlebear
Gaffer/Grip: Matt Maynard
Grip: Jacob Augenstein
Post-Production Sound: Jay Alton
Translation Assistance: Feda Shweiki, Aseel Habboo, Rim Yousef
Special Thanks:
John Glenn Columbus International Airport and The Hills Market of Worthington
