immigrant experience
35 movies and shows
I'm No Longer Here
Mon, 21 Oct 2019
In Monterrey, Mexico, a young street gang spends their days dancing to slowed-down cumbia and attending parties. After a mix-up with a local cartel, their leader is forced to migrate to the U.S. but quickly longs to return home.
Hasan Minhaj: Homecoming King
Tue, 23 May 2017
Comic Hasan Minhaj of "The Daily Show" shares personal stories about racism, immigrant parents, prom night horrors and more in this stand-up special.
Heaven & Earth
Sat, 25 Dec 1993
In a small Vietnamese village torn apart by war, a young woman faces unimaginable horrors before deciding to escape to the city. There, she encounters a compassionate Marine who offers her hope and a chance at a new life, igniting the possibility of a future together.
The Namesake
Sat, 02 Sep 2006
After moving from Calcutta to New York, members of the Ganguli family maintain a delicate balancing act between honoring the traditions of their native India and blending into American culture. Although parents Ashoke and Ashima are proud of the sacrifices they make to give their children opportunities, their son Gogol strives to forge his own identity without forgetting his heritage.
Romulus, My Father
Thu, 31 May 2007
The story of Romulus, his beautiful wife, Christina, and their struggle in the face of great adversity to bring up their son, Raimond. It is a story of impossible love that ultimately celebrates the unbreakable bond between father and son.
Becoming American
Mon, 27 Feb 1984
Hang Sou and his family, preliterate tribal farmers, await resettlement in a refugee camp in Thailand after fleeing their war-consumed native Laos. "Becoming American" records their odyssey as they travel to and resettle in the United States. As they face nine months of intense culture shock, prejudice, and gradual adaptation to their new home in Seattle, the family provides a rare insight into refugee resettlement and cultural diversity issues.
The Donut King
Mon, 24 Aug 2020
Cambodian refugee Ted Ngoy builds a multi-million dollar empire by baking America's favourite pastry: the doughnut.
The Golden Dream
Fri, 25 Oct 2013
A group of Central-American teen-agers depart from the slums of Guatemala City escaping poverty and violence, towards the promised land of California.
Brucio nel vento
Fri, 18 Jan 2002
For ten years, immigrant Tobias has worked at a Swiss clock factory and, in the relentless ticking, he saw life go by without much expectation. One day, he sees Caroline, a former schoolmate from back in Eastern Europe, and falls in love with her, but she's married and has a daughter.
Memories to Choke On, Drinks to Wash Them Down
Sat, 09 Nov 2019
This anthology film, whose Chinese title begins with a romantic name for human excrement, premiered internationally at Rotterdam and won Best Screenplay from the Hong Kong Film Critics Society. A variety of Hong Kong people wrestle with nostalgia when facing an uncertain future. Their stories give way to a documentary featuring a young barista turned political candidate.
Vesna Goes Fast
Wed, 04 Sep 1996
Czech immigrant Vesna arrives in Italy and is forced into casual prostitution by poverty. The encounter with a kind construction worker could help change her situation.
Chan Is Missing
Sat, 24 Apr 1982
Two cabbies search San Francisco's Chinatown for a mysterious character who has disappeared with their $4000. Their quest leads them on a humorous, if mundane, journey which illuminates the many problems experienced by Chinese-Americans trying to assimilate into contemporary American society.
Con Esperanza
Sat, 25 Apr 2020
When Ruben, a young Chicano musician, is caught between his mother’s expectations and his own hopes, he is forced to make a decision that will change his life forever. Based on true events, “Con Esperanza” follows Ruben on his journey of pursuing his dreams, balancing both the traditional and financial expectations of his Mother.
Tides of Tradition: The Life of Colonel Kong
Invalid Date
Robert Kongaika runs from his family to join the military and becomes the first Tongan US Air Force Colonel. This is the true story of the island traditions, faith, and family that made him into the father he is today.
Refuge(e)
Thu, 14 Mar 2019
Refuge(e) traces the incredible journey of two refugees, Alpha and Zeferino. Each fled violent threats to their lives in their home countries and presented themselves at the US border asking for political asylum, only to be incarcerated in a for-profit prison for months on end without having committed any crime. Thousands more like them can't tell their stories.
Desi Standard Time Travel
Sat, 13 Aug 2022
When a new father suddenly loses his own dad, an opportunity to travel back in time for an evening gives him a chance to end things on a better note.
Asian American Eyz'd: An Immigrant Comedy Special
Mon, 01 Feb 2021
Three Asian Americans tell their stories of immigration, growing up, assimilation, and finding themselves in this heartfelt stand-up comedy special.
The Stream
Sun, 15 Jan 2023
When a first generation American son learns of his Russian immigrant father's financial catastrophe, he reluctantly agrees to one last tumultuous trip to their beloved family lake house before it's sold.
The Sketch
Thu, 27 Apr 2023
Upon his arrival in Paris, filmmaker Tomas Cali immerses himself in learning French, as well as the language of sketching. In an art studio, he meets transgender life model Linda Demorrir, who helps him to connect with himself and his new city in a profoundly different way.
Undocumented in the Pandemic
Tue, 11 Aug 2020
With The Marshall Project and the Pulitzer Center, a look at one immigrant mother’s struggle to keep her children safe and housed, with her husband detained by ICE in a facility where COVID is spreading. Also in this two-part hour, Love, Life & the Virus.