The Cambio de Colores-Change of Colors planning committee is proud to partner with Washington University’s CRE2 and Weidenbaum Center at this year’s conference with a screening of Un Día Normal by Mexicut Films. We first learned of this film during our 2023 conference, when Director Maurizio Dominguez shared his story and a trailer of the film. Now, we’re excited to screen the finished film and offer a panel discussion with Dr. Bill Lopez and other esteemed guests. (Location and details to be shared at the conference. Everyone must register, either as a conference participant or via a special invitation.) 

 

About the Film

 

In the fall of 2017, immigrant Esmeralda Monzón and her family struggle financially amidst the possible cancellation of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Unable to work pending the renewal of her DACA and work permit, Esmeralda feels powerless and burdensome to her family, as her brother and mother have to take on more responsibilities to get by. The family’s situation worsens when Immigration & Customs Enforcement officers detain Esmeralda, believing her to be in the country illegally. Encountering armed officers and facing the threat of deportation, Esmeralda experiences a panic attack. With none of her family able to come to her aid, Esmeralda has to manage through her panic to prove her valid DACA status to the officers – without revealing that her mother is undocumented.

 

About the Director

 

Maurizio Dominguez is a Mexican-American actor and filmmaker, graduated from Specs Howard School of Media Arts. Maurizio got his start in acting and film working with Matrix Theatre Company in Southwest Detroit. In collaboration with Matrix, he co-directed and edited The Way of Art — a documentary short about the building of a 12-foot puppet of Diego Rivera, which won the award for Best Documentary Short at the 2020 I See You Awards. Maurizio’s passion is visual storytelling — he loves building and supporting a story through images. Most recently, he directed and produced the award-winning short film Un Día Normal, which is based on a true story and was filmed in Southwest Detroit. The film looks at the challenges faced by recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA), and shows the impact that immigration enforcement has on families and communities.

 

Sponsored by

 

This event is sponsored by Washington University’s Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity & Equity and the Weidenbaum Center on the Economy, Government, and Public Policy.