A Gritty Look at Migration’s Harsh Realities

Read Time:3 Minute, 39 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Stolen Dreams
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Genre: Drama, Short
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 14m
Director(s): Justin Ferrato
Writer(s): Justin Ferrato
Cast: Diego Mejia, Dante Costabile, Karen Contreras, Brayan Angulo
Where To Watch: showing next at the 2024 Queens World Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: Justin Ferrato's STOLEN DREAMS delves deep into the tale of a young migrant, Diego (Diego Mejia,) in a U.S. detention center. It captures the profound emotional and societal themes through an intensely personal and expansively relevant narrative.

In STOLEN DREAMS, writer/director Justin Ferrato presents a story imbued with raw emotional power, centered on the struggles of Diego, a young migrant whose vivid imaginations of freedom starkly contrast his dire reality within the confines of hell on earth. The cinematography in this film acts as more than just a visual guide; the world around Diego is alive, fraught with danger and symbolism, mirroring the chaos of his emotions and serving as a stark counterpoint to his physical imprisonment.

Initially set to tell a story about prison escapees, Ferrato focused on a migrant’s desperate fight for freedom amidst a global migration crisis. This shift steered the narrative away from political discourse to spotlight the human stories at its core. Ferrato's encounters with a detention facility in Arizona brought a textured realism to the film, compelling him to adopt a documentary-style filmmaking approach that heightens the film's immediacy and authenticity.

The casting of STOLEN DREAMS was meticulously aimed at authenticity, with actors chosen not only for their physical resemblance to the characters they portray but also for their shared real-life experiences, enhancing the film's genuine feel.

Ferrato employed natural lighting and preferred underexposure to achieve a visual narrative that complements the film's somber themes. Integrating handheld documentary techniques with carefully structured shots deepens the audience’s emotional connection. At the same time, the sound design—featuring both natural and synthesized sounds like the ominous hum of cicadas and distant sirens—furthers the atmospheric depth of the film.

STOLEN DREAMS explores psychological and societal issues more profoundly. Ferrato’s approach showcases his evolving narrative style and commitment to blending genres to confront complex themes, prompting audiences to reflect on the broader human conditions his films depict. This story about one journey reflects a more significant crisis that affects many unnamed people who suffer similar battles daily.

A Brooklyn-based filmmaker, Justin Ferrato brings a distinctive narrative flair to his projects. His films, celebrated at various prestigious festivals, challenge traditional filmmaking norms and encourage a deeper engagement with questions that make the audience think. STOLEN DREAMS is more than just a migrant’s tale; it’s a thoughtful meditation on broader humanistic themes, inviting viewers to ponder the realities of migration and the essence of freedom. It’s incredible what can be asked of you in just 14 minutes.

STOLEN DREAMS narrates the formidable challenges a migrant faces, wrapped in a narrative that encourages contemplation on what defines our humanity. Ferrato’s film invites viewers to transcend the boundaries of conventional cinema to engage with the palpable issues of migration and the quest for freedom, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate films that prompt reflection and dialogue.

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[photo courtesy of GASHOUSE FILMS]

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