Moving people have always produced moving images. As collective efforts, films, like our daily lives, emerge from multiple cultures, languages, and origins—they are the result of an incessant flow of personal exchanges. Unsurprisingly, immigration is a recurring theme in cinema, reflecting the colossal efforts people make to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles to find happiness and freedom—or to sacrifice their own for the benefit of others.
Immigration was at the heart of the country’s evolution and transformation even before the founding of the United States 250 years ago. The pursuit of a dream—the American Dream—and the hope for a better future has come to define the lives of millions of people. This series highlights the illusions and disillusions of that dream: utopia and harsh reality, opportunity and mistrust, wealth and hardship.
While the films in this series focuses on immigrants’ experiences in—and journeys to—the US, Immigrant Nation also looks abroad to capture the global nature of movement across borders. In the communal space of the theater, we discover a common thread: a universal longing for acceptance and dignity that transcends national boundaries, and the hope that people in transit will see future generations lead better lives.
Organized by Francisco Valente, Curatorial Associate, Department of Film.
Film at MoMA is made possible by CHANEL.
Additional support is provided by the Annual Film Fund. Leadership support for the Annual Film Fund is provided by The Contemporary Arts Council of The Museum of Modern Art, Agnes Gund through The International Council of The Museum of Modern Art, the Association of Independent Commercial Producers (AICP), and The Young Patrons Council of The Museum of Modern Art.
