Films about the undocumented experience for a group discussion

This page is a starting list for groups. Streaming services and prices change often, so check each link before your event. DNLH has not watched every film for every audience; preview a film before you show it to young people.

Watching together can help people feel seen and help neighbors understand. It can also bring up pain. Plan for both.

How do I choose a film for my group?

Ask three questions:

1. Who is in the room? Youth, parents, people who are undocumented themselves, or neighbors learning for the first time? A film that feels honest to one group may feel too heavy for another.
2. How much time do you have? One hour fits a short film and real conversation. A full evening fits a feature.
3. What do you want people to leave with? Understanding, a next step, or simply a shared experience?

Preview it first. Watch the whole film yourself before the event. Several films below deal with detention, deportation, sexual assault, prison or the loss of a parent. Tell people ahead of time what the film covers so they can choose.

Age ratings. This list does not include age ratings. Many documentaries are not rated. Before showing a film to minors, check the rating on the Motion Picture Association's ratings site or the distributor's page, and preview it.

Which short films work for a one hour meeting?

These are all from the Immigrants Rising list. "Listed as" tells you where Immigrants Rising said the film could be seen; check that it is still there (Immigrants Rising).

Good pairs for church groups: The Undocumented Lawyer or Stories Beyond Borders (both include sanctuary in a church), or A Mother's Promise for a family night.

Which longer films work for a movie night?

Documentaries

Feature films (scripted)

All descriptions and "listed as" details summarize the Immigrants Rising list (revised December 2023, read October 21, 2026), except the POV link, which we opened today.

Do we need permission to show a film?

Usually, yes, when you show it outside a home. Under federal copyright law, showing a film "publicly" includes showing it at a place open to the public, or anywhere a large group gathers beyond family and friends (17 USC 101). A personal streaming account or a rented copy does not by itself give you the right to do that.

The classroom exception. Teachers and students may show a lawfully made copy during face to face teaching at a nonprofit school, in a classroom or similar place (17 USC 110(1)). An after school club or a parent night may not fit; ask your school.

Churches. The religious services exception covers certain music and literary works during worship, not films (17 USC 110(3)). A movie night at church generally needs permission.

How to get permission:

• Many of these films offer screenings on request. Use the film's website or the "request a screening" links on the Immigrants Rising list.
• Ask the filmmaker or distributor directly, and tell them about your group.
• Ask your library or campus whether its license covers group showings.

This is general information, not legal advice. When in doubt, ask the filmmaker.

How do I run the discussion?

Before the film (5 minutes). Welcome people. Say what the film covers, including hard parts. Say that no one has to share anything, and that what people share stays in the room.

After the film (40 minutes).

1. Give a minute of quiet.
2. Start with the film, not with people's lives: "What moment stayed with you?"
3. Move to understanding: "What did you learn that surprised you?"
4. Then to action: "What is one thing our group could do?"

Protect people's privacy. Don't ask anyone to share their status. Don't photograph or record the audience. Don't make anyone the "expert" on immigration because of who they are.

If someone gets upset, let them step out and have a trusted person check on them quietly. Have a list of local help ready: Mental health care without fear and, where available, 211.

Give people a next step. Hand out a sheet with real resources: If immigration agents come, Make a family preparedness plan, and Free or low cost immigration legal help in the Bay Area. For students, add Paying for college in California, whatever your status.

What mistakes should we avoid?

• Not previewing. A scene that surprises you will surprise your audience more.
• Showing a trauma heavy film with no time to talk. Pick a short film instead.
• Turning it into a debate about a person in the room. Keep the focus on the film and on action.
• Assuming a streaming account covers a group showing.
• Ending with nothing to do. Always close with one concrete next step.

Questions people ask

Which film is best for teens? Shorts like Advance Parole and Mojosito & Me, or Underwater Dreams and The Unafraid. Preview and check ratings first.

Which film is best for parents? A Mother's Promise (short) or Under the Same Moon.

Are there films in Spanish? Advance Parole has Spanish subtitles and Mojosito & Me is listed in English and Spanish. Check each film for subtitle options.

Can we charge admission to cover snacks? Ask the filmmaker before you charge anything, when you request the screening.

Is there a discussion guide I can print?

Stories change hearts. Pick one, watch it together, and end the night with something your group will actually do.