Capstones
Graduation Date
Fall 12-13-2021
Grading Professor
Phil Bertelsen
Subject Concentration
Documentary
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Abstract
On the Cusp film follows the story of Dreamer Erika Apupalo, who immigrated to the United States at the age of 9. Her story is one that represents the determination that Dreamers or DACA-recipients have to achieve the American Dream (freedom), while dealing with the physical limitations of being out of status, and having to deal with the uncertainty of what could happen if she went back to her country. Taking place in 2006 in Tigualo, Ecuador, Erika takes us through her journey of migrating to the United State. “I remember the immigration officer asking me questions”, says Erika, who told him that she was going to visit her aunt as she had been told by the people that were bringing her to the U.S. In the film, through Erika, we will explore the theme of identity and coming of age, and also see how the bureaucracy of the immigration system has taken a toll on her mental health.
Recommended Citation
Ojeda, Rommel H. and Ojeda, Rommel H., "On the Cusp Film" (2021). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gj_etds/530