the american dream interrupted
A documentary film in the making. (PITCH VIDEO)
SEED AND SPARK CAMPAIGN IS NOW ACTIVE!!!!
wall of gratitude
Shay
Maxlhaeia Brito
Whitney Wiggins
Melissa Houghton
Cadie
Lissette Sibilo-Williams
A mixed-status family courageously faces their fears in hopes of finally feeling safe and free in America.
synopsis
The American Dream Interrupted follows Ivania, a joyful and ambitious mother of three who keeps her community laughing while juggling work, business ventures, and family life. Outwardly, her life reflects stability and success. What few people see is that her husband, Teito, has been undocumented throughout their marriage, and the family has built their life inside an immigration system that can upend everything without warning.
After eleven years together, Teito is given a chance to adjust his status—but the process requires him to return to Honduras, leaving his wife and children behind and trusting that he will be allowed to come home. As Teito faces the uncertainty of separation and bureaucracy, Ivania steps into life as a temporary single mother, holding her family together with faith, humor, and resolve.
Intimate and character-driven, the film explores how love, joy, and generosity persist even within systems shaped by exclusion—revealing what it truly means to keep dreaming when the dream is constantly at risk.
Director’s Statement
I am making The American Dream Interrupted because I know this family personally. Ivania and Teito are not just the subjects of this film. They are people I have walked alongside and deeply respect. I have witnessed how they face uncertainty not by backing down, but by meeting fear head-on with faith, courage, and grace.
They are devoted parents, active leaders in their church, small business owners, and constant givers to their community. They do not see themselves as victims, nor are they looking for handouts or sympathy. Their faith keeps them grounded, their joy intact, and their resolve unshaken, no matter how they are portrayed or treated as a Latino family living in the United States.
This is a human-centered story first. Through the intimate lens of one family, the film explores immigration policy and the historical systems that continue to shape who is allowed to belong in this country. I am telling this story because families like Ivania and Teito’s are not a burden. They are a vital asset to the communities they serve, and their story reflects the very values America claims to uphold.
Media Coverage
-
![Logo of The Washington Post in blackletter font on a white background]()
One family’s experience with the ‘unfair’ math of our country: Four U.S. citizens plus one who is not equals zero stimulus funds
May 13, 2020
-
![Telemundo logo with a stylized red T on a black background.]()
Familias mixtas demandan al gobierno por negarles cheques de estímulo
April 30, 2020
-
![Telemundo logo with a stylized red 'T' on a black background.]()
Familia explica cuál sería el impacto del bloqueo temporal del ‘Parole in Place’
August 28, 2024
-
![NBC logo with multicolored peacock feathers]()
Federal judge blocks policy helping undocumented spouses
August 27, 2024
-
![Text reading 'The Frederick News-Post' in black Gothic font.]()
RISE Coalition hosts caravan rally in Frederick for immigrant rights
May 15, 2021
-
![Logo for WFMD 930 Free Talk radio station with red and blue text and graphics.]()
Commission On Immigrant Affairs Formally Introduced To County Council
December 15, 2020
themes
faith vs. policy
Exploring the moral tension between Christian compassion and the political systems that criminalize or marginalize the very people those values should protect.
family & seperation
Highlighting the universal struggle of families fighting to stay together despite immigration laws that try to tear them apart.
the american dream
Challenging the myth of who deserves the “dream” by highlighting a family that lives its ideals, faith, hard work, and community, despite being excluded from it.
Love & sacrifice
A portrait of a marriage and a family tested by distance, sacrifice, and faith — reminding viewers that real love doesn’t give up when life gets hard.
identity & dignity
Affirming that a person’s worth isn’t defined by their papers, but by their actions, character, and contribution to their community.
Truth vs. Division
Unmasking how fear and misinformation are used to divide Americans — and showing how empathy and storytelling can bring people back together.
Meet the Team
-
Amelia Ross
Director
Amelia is an award-winning filmmaker, artist, and activist whose work bridges faith, justice, and storytelling. She earned Best Original Music at the 2025 72 Hour Film Festival in Frederick, Maryland, and received a CHESPRA Award of Excellence in 2020 for outstanding work in school communications. A 2016 University of Maryland Film Festival winner for Best Short Documentary, Best Advocacy Film, and Best Screenplay, Amelia holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Maryland. As founder of Nu Vizion Films, she creates purpose-driven stories that challenge division and affirm that through faith, all things are possible.
-
Xavier Jerome
Cinematographer/ Editor
Xavier is a filmmaker and editor specializing in cinematic storytelling through his production company, Wolph Studios. He has built a growing portfolio as a freelance videographer and creative editor, known for capturing authentic emotion and visual detail.
Currently, he is expanding his work into documentary filmmaking, focusing on short-form projects that explore real stories with depth and purpose. With a strong technical foundation and an eye for human connection, Xavier brings fresh perspective, dedication, and artistry to every project he takes on.
PARTNERSHIPS
ACLU of Maryland exists to empower Marylanders to exercise their rights so that the law values and uplifts their humanity.
The mission of the R.I.S.E. Coalition of Western Maryland is to serve, elevate and empower the immigrant community in Western Maryland. The Coalition will accomplish this by helping to further unite current efforts on the ground amongst diverse immigrant communities and their allied neighbors.
For decades, CASA has been advocating for legislative change in the Maryland General Assembly. CASA's policy team works to ensure that immigrant voices are heard and amplified in Annapolis. From annual lobby events with legislators, to tireless organizing efforts, CASA is committed to moving forward meaningful immigration reform in Maryland.
PRODUCTION TIMELINE
PRODUCTION TIMELINE
OCT – NOV 2025
Frederick, MD
During this phase, our team will continue principal photography for The American Dream Interrupted, focusing on the broader social and political context of immigration in Frederick, Maryland.
december 2025
Honduras
In December, our team will travel with the family to Honduras to capture the environment and community that shaped Teito’s early life and to better understand the realities driving migration from the region.
Jan – april 2026
Annapolis, MD
From January through April, our team will document the fight to end the 287(g) program, following local advocates from the ACLU and CASA as they travel to Annapolis to push for legislative change on behalf of immigrant families.
May 2026
Hagerstown, MD
In May, our team will complete final production for The American Dream Interrupted. This phase will focus on capturing the family’s reflections as their journey reaches a pivotal moment.
June – Aug 2026
Frederick, MD
From June through August, our team will focus on final post-production, locking in the story and refining the film’s emotional rhythm. During this phase, we will complete music integration, color correction, and sound design to bring the film to its finished form.
october 2026
Frederick, MD
In October, we plan to host a local premiere of The American Dream Interrupted in Frederick, Maryland, during the Hispanic Heritage Celebration.
get involved
-
Become a Supporter
-
Host a screening at your school, church, or organization.
-
Partner with us as an advocate or community collaborator.
-
For updates on screenings, releases, and new projects
Who This Film is For
Primary Audiences
-
Those directly impacted by U.S. immigration laws will see their truth reflected and their voices amplified.
-
Churches, pastors, and believers who are grappling with how faith, justice, and immigration intersect.
-
Activists, lawyers, and organizers working toward immigrant rights, policy change, and systemic reform.
-
College classrooms studying immigration, social justice, family studies, and American policy.
-
Viewers drawn to personal, purpose-driven storytelling with emotional depth and political relevance.
