UNDOCUMENTED, 72min., USA
Directed by Patricia Shih
No matter where you stand on the hot button topic of immigration, this true story -- of one man’s journey from the world’s most dangerous city to where he is today at the top of his profession -- will not fail to touch your heart on the most human level.

http://www.undocumenteddoc.com/
https://www.facebook.com/undocumenteddoc/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I read an autobiography of a man whose daughter was taking guitar lessons from my husband. My hubby and I are both professional musicians, BTW. The man had given copies of his book to both of us one Christmas. I read it three times because it was so compelling, and thought it would make a great film because I feel a movie can reach a wider audience than a book. However, although I had made short music videos of my songs I had never made a feature film before. I just felt this man's story HAD to be made into a film and I wanted to be the one to do it.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

5 months. Being a newbie filmmaker I was so naive! I didn't know what I didn't know. I had NO IDEA how long a feature film would take, nor how much money. I pulled a figure out of thin air, raised the money in a month, then set out to making it.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Immigrant advocate.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

My own ignorance.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I was very proud! Because despite my initial naivete and ignorance I and my assistant producer pulled off a multiple international award-winning documentary that audiences LOVE. At every screening I watch the audience's reactions, which are always very spot-on, strong and gratifying. And when given the opportunity they often give it standing ovations (especially when the subject of the film Dr. Harold Fernandez speaks afterwards), many glowing reviews and ask insightful questions.

The reviewers in the feedback videos got every little thing I was hoping audiences would "get" and notice, and they praised how we handled and portrayed the story.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

During the actual making of "Undocumented." Even though it was very, very hard being such a newbie with very little knowledge (thank you to my associate producer!) and with a very short and tight deadline (we wanted to premiere it before the 2016 election with Trump vs. Clinton, so I barely slept during those 5 months) I loved the process and realized how truly impactful films are if a great story is told well. However, being a songwriter, performer and visual artist I already knew how important and impactful it is when the arts are used to convey ideas. Perfect vehicles, and film engages so many of the senses so it's particularly powerful.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

I don't totally understand this question. But for films that I've seen more than once, I guess the answer would be the classics like "The Wizard of Oz," "Gone with the Wind," "It's a Wonderful World", like that.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

First off, I need help in distribution. Since filmmaking is a new "industry" for me I don't know what the next best steps are to get my film out into the world. Perhaps an agent?

Secondly, I need to know the best ways of raising funds to make more movies. My first film was financed through a Kickstarter campaign but I don't want to use that again; too nerve-wracking and I don't like the all-or-nothing thing.

Thirdly, I love to actually attend screenings no matter where in the world they are. So far I've only been able to attend ones in the US in-person or via Facetime/Zoom. Help with finances to attend international festivals and screenings would be BIG.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

Great! Having access to so many festivals all over the world makes it easy to pick and choose. I have to say it certainly gets pricey when submitting to as many as I'd like.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Another odd question! I love seafood, Chinese or Japanese food, French. But I'd rather make art (music, film, books, visual art, dance) than eat and sleep.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

I want to make a documentary about my own family's immigrant experience from China, set in the context of the difficult history of the Chinese in America. How they overcame racism and sexism and all the discrimination to succeed so much. Maybe a series about success stories of immigrants despite all odds. It is a perennial issue but especially important and needed in the Trump eras. Maybe it's a TV series? I don't know.