Dreams of Chonta

“As a Colombian immigrant, a musician, and a dreamer, I felt very close to Diego’s story. I have felt the hardship of pursuing my own dreams in a strange land that may or may not provide the opportunities needed to succeed. I believe Diego is a tougher version of me though, an extraordinary musician born in poverty with dreams much bigger than himself. He is a man carving his way to the top against all odds, never giving up, always learning, and staying positive. Diego is a true example…a story worth telling. Dreams of Chonta will strike a chord with immigrants, anyone who has made sacrifices to risk for a better life or has benefited from the migration of previous generations.

I believe documentaries like Dreams of Chonta are eye-openers to the general public. The human struggle is universal but sometimes big issues need a face for people to change their attitudes towards a minority or, if possible, create the much-needed social change. Dreams of Chonta will not only inform the public about afro-descendent culture and immigrants in the US, but it will also make a statement about where we need to stand in this battle for immigration rights and about what immigrants really represent in society. I believe we are woven into the complex social and economical fabric of the countries we arrive in. The mutual influence between “locals” and “newcomers” generates the much-needed tension to spark innovation, creative pathways, and growth. This network of influences is bigger than the policies made by a government or our political views; our story as human beings is the story of migrations. We are important to the culture, the economy, and the future of these countries and Diego is the perfect evidence of this.”

– Monica Cohen, Director.