A film by erick arrendondo and Diego Estrada Bernuy
WHAT WE ARE FROM
Co-produced by
ALEJANDRA PÉREZ and YURIANA GARCIA TELLEZ
Featuring
THE CULTURAL LEADERSHIP FELLOWSHIP PERU, MEXICO, GUATEMALA 2024 COHORTS
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About the film
What We Are From is a feature-length documentary by Erick Arredondo and Diego Estrada Bernuy that follows the stories of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients as they return to their homelands for the first time since immigrating to the United States. After more than 20 years away, they step back into the sights, sounds, and memories they left behind, confronting the weight of their journeys and reclaiming the joy often silenced by their undocumented status. The film highlights the transformative impact of the Cultural Leadership Fellowship, a program that empowers undocumented individuals to grow in community through Advance Parole travel. Through powerful and intimate storytelling, What We Are From captures moments of reflection, healing, and resilience as undocumented leaders reunite with their families. In their search for belonging, they discover that home is not just a place, but what we carry with us and what we find in each other.
Seattle Premiere
Be among the first to experience this powerful documentary capturing the reunions of undocumented leaders with their families. Don’t miss this special screening—come witness these journeys towards home, healing, and hope. Early bird prices end April 30.
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Seattle Premiere
Reception: 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Introduction: 7:00 - 7:30 PM
Showing: 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Panel: 9:00 - 9:30 PM
Location: Rainier Arts Center
3515 S Alaska St, Seattle, WA 98118
behind the scenes
About the Filmmakers
Erick Arredondo is a Mexican immigrant filmmaker exploring themes of community, belonging, and shared human experiences. Born in Juárez, Mexico, and raised in Denver, Colorado, he transitioned from branding to filmmaking to authentically tell community stories. In 2018, he founded Airick Media, collaborating with brands like Keller Williams, the Denver Art Museum, and Latina Safehouse. His work includes a short documentary, Travel Abroad: An Undocu Story, about undocumented joy and travel barriers, which premiered in Seattle.
behind the scenes
About the Filmmakers
Diego Estrada Bernuy is a Peruvian-American filmmaker whose work explores identity, migration, and home. Born in Lima, Peru, and raised in Aurora, CO, Diego started filmmaking with his dad’s camera and YouTube. In 2014, he founded Degotelo Studios, where he serves as Creative Director and Editor. Diego has worked with brands like Frontier Airlines, Denver Art Museum, ACLU of CO, and RAM. He has directed four poetry films with renowned poet Alejandro Jimenez, featured in festivals across Europe and Latin America. Most recently, he was named a 2022 CineFe Fellow.
who we are
About CLF
The Cultural Leadership Fellowship, founded by Alejandra Pérez and Yuriana Garcia Tellez in 2022 at Scholar Fund, is an educational and cultural leadership initiative. Its mission is to offer DACA recipients the opportunity to participate in culturally sustaining programming through Advanced Parole. In just two years, the program has made a significant impact, accepting over 250 DACA recipients across 30 states and hailing originally from over 20 countries with opportunities to travel to Japan, South Korea, Philippines, Portugal, France, Brazil, Peru, South Africa, Guatemala, and Mexico.
Acknowledgments
Thank you to the DACA recipients who embarked on this journey to Peru, Mexico, and Guatemala. A heartfelt thank you to all our past fellows and ambassadors. We are deeply grateful to our amazing team at Scholar Fund, especially the incredible group of undocumented women who lead our trips: Alejandra Pérez, Cindy Marquina Negrete, Vicky Matey, and Yuriana Garcia Tellez, as well as the incredible support of Renata Zometa and Rossio Zometa.
Thank you to Scholar Funds CEO, David Coven, for your incredible support in making our dreams reality. Lastly, a special thank you to Erick Arredondo and Diego Estrada Bernuy for the passion and heart you put into creating this documentary.
