Block 12

Director: Jorge André Santiago-Fernández, Andrea Carolina Delgado-Villarrubia

Producer: Raisa Bonnet-Ocasio, Carhianie J Vargas-Padín

Our documentary is about the lives and experiences of the Peñolanos of Barrio Rucio and the adjacent communities. These communities, through leadership, self-management, and mutual support of their members, have withstood generations of adversities amplified by their location and government inaction. The documentary also shows the community's relationship with the leaders and volunteers of Aula en la Montaña, a project of the organization Impacto Juventud GC Inc, who have collaborated with the community by providing support in various areas such as education and the socio-emotional development of their youth.

Director: Sonia Fritz

Writer: Omaya Sosa

Producer: Sonia Fritz, Omaya Sosa

Elba Dávila (a community leader in Fajardo) organizes the community of Maternillo to demand better public services for an aging community facing displacement after the Ferry Service to Vieques and Culebra was moved to the town of Ceiba. The community has collapsed without the economic activity provided by the Ferry transit and local fishermen fight to maintain their livelihoods.

Director: Kique Cubero García

Writer: Kique Cubero García

Producer: Arleen Cruz, Kique Cubero García

For over two decades the AES coal in the Southeast coast of Puerto Rico generated 800 tons of toxic ash a day that blew into residents' homes and leached into the groundwater. Residents in the surrounding communities of Salinas, Guayama, and Peñuelas have experienced rare skin diseases and climbing cancer rates are on the rise. A group of cancer patients now struggles to close the coal plant and obtain accountability.

Director, Writer and Producer: Ana María García

In the last decade, Puerto Rico has become a major destination for Americans seeking to evade federal taxes. Incentives provided by the Puerto Rican government are spurring gentrification and housing insecurity. In communities like Puerta de Tierra, community leaders are challenging not just the new arrivals, but also the local politicians that have betrayed them.