This documentary that explores the life of Emiliana Aguilar, a Maya Quiché woman from Santa Cruz del Quiché, Guatemala who arrived to Oregon in 2002 due to health problems that were the consequence of living and growing up in Guatemala during the war (1960-1996). This film explores the motives behind her arrival, her childhood experience marked by the civil war, and preserving and transmitting her language and cultural traditions, all which have been shaped by her strong Maya identity.
As an undergrad student studying Ethnic Studies, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of such a special project that highlighted the history of Latinos in Oregon. It has been an amazing experience learning about Oregon’s history and connecting with Izza Porter who emigrated with her family from Monterrey to Oregon. I’m excited to use the skills that I learned while making this documentary later in my life.
Jamie Broady is a resident of Eugene, Oregon. Jamie is working on a documentary of her own about Operation Pedro Pan. As with the 14,000(+) Pedro Pans involved in the Operation, her father immigrated from Cuba as an unaccompanied minor during the Cold war. Growing up, Jamie didn't know her father and was left with many questions about her heritage. Through interviewing her father, Juan Lorente Reyes, for her documentary, Jamie has gotten to know more about him, and herself in the process.