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The US is home to 51 million immigrants, nearly half of which struggle with English. This hinders their access to basic needs — employment, healthcare, and education — and negatively affects communities everywhere. This language barrier for nearly half the immigrants in the U.S. is more than a practical inconvenience for them; it frequently leads to isolation, fear, and poverty.

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ESL: More Than a Language, a documentary about immigrant families finding community through a unique three-generation family ESL program, explores what happens when people step across the barriers that so 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, 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, including this unique family ESL model, 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.