Race, Immigration, & the American Dream

A YouTube series joining six different multi-generational families around the dinner table to discuss race, immigration, and the American Dream.

6

families

6

months

30

videos
"I think that the American Dream is hogwash, because people are too willing to let it be usurped." - Quote from Johnice Orduna in Your Fellow Americans Repass Family video number 4 of 4

about the series:

Your Fellow Americans is a YouTube documentary series discussing Race, Immigration, and the American Dream. The six-month pilot series joined multiple generations of six different families as they discussed their American experience around the dinner table. Each family interviewed resulted in four videos of 4-8 minutes in length, with one video being released online each Monday over the course of six months.

Outside of the videos of the six family, the series also filmed a round-table discussion at a black-owned barbershop, held a walk-n-talk conversation with Kansas City Mayor Sly James, and hosted a panel discussion at the historic Gem Theatre.

I created and successfully pitched the project to Kansas City PBS, as well as wearing the filming, editing, and director hats. Nathaniel Bozarth was Producer & Narrator. Marvita Oliver was Associate Producer.

"You talk about a disparity of wealth? I think there’s a disparity of desire in this country today." Quote from Michael Shafé in Your Fellow Americans Shafé Family video number 4 of 4
Legally Illegal: Ziad #1/2

Legally Illegal: Ziad #1/2

DACA recipient says, “I am home”: Zaid #1/2

DACA recipient says, “I am home”: Zaid #1/2

Immigrant’s Sway: Iway Family #1/4

Immigrant’s Sway: Iway Family #1/4

American Dream: Iway Family #2/4

American Dream: Iway Family #2/4

Being Filipino: Iway Family #3/4

Being Filipino: Iway Family #3/4

Reverse Racism: Iway Family #4/4

Reverse Racism: Iway Family #4/4

Intimidated Life: Malek Family #1/4

Intimidated Life: Malek Family #1/4

Starting Over: Malek Family #2/4

Starting Over: Malek Family #2/4

Hidden Beauty: Malek Family #3/4

Hidden Beauty: Malek Family #3/4

Individual Islam: Malek Family #4/4

Individual Islam: Malek Family #4/4

Immigrant Opportunities: Caudillo Family #1/4

Immigrant Opportunities: Caudillo Family #1/4

Lost Heritage: Caudillo Family #2/4

Lost Heritage: Caudillo Family #2/4

Latino Hatred: Caudillo Family #3/4

Latino Hatred: Caudillo Family #3/4

American Dream: Caudillo Family #4/4

American Dream: Caudillo Family #4/4

Iranian Immigrant: Sháfe Family #1/4

Iranian Immigrant: Sháfe Family #1/4

Immigrant Expectations: Sháfe Family #2/4

Immigrant Expectations: Sháfe Family #2/4

"My American Dream is just to make my parents proud, and to show them that it was worth it - everything they did to come over here." Quote from Tanzeem Malek in Your Fellow Americans Malek Family video number 3 of 4