Love in the Time of Migration
For Ronny and Suly, falling in love was the easy part. Here’s the story of how their bond survives the challenges and uncertainties of separation and detainment as they pursue the American dream.
“Love in the Time of Migration” tells the love story of Ronny and Suly, set against the backdrop of the humanitarian crisis unfolding at the southern border and the desperate decisions individuals have to make.
While many films have documented stories of migration, few follow people back to their home country after leaving or being deported from the U.S. Our film examines this journey and draws on themes of transnationalism, borders, the American dream, incarceration, and the criminalization of migrants.
It was important to us to tell a story that portrayed the full humanity of people ensnared in the dysfunctional immigration system – including their joys, their love, their fears and their faith in trying to realize their dreams.
Chelsea, a cultural anthropologist with more than a decade of experience in Central America, first met Suly and Ronny in 2019 while conducting research in Guatemala on a Fulbright grant. In 2022, Chelsea introduced Erin, a fellow Fulbright scholar and friend, to the couple. Erin is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and educator who has worked in Guatemala for more than 10 years.
We were inspired to make this documentary by the great love and deep sacrifices we witnessed in Ronny and Suly, and hope that audiences of this film will be moved and inspired, too.
While many films have documented stories of migration, few follow people back to their home country after leaving or being deported from the U.S. Our film examines this journey and draws on themes of transnationalism, borders, the American dream, incarceration, and the criminalization of migrants.
It was important to us to tell a story that portrayed the full humanity of people ensnared in the dysfunctional immigration system – including their joys, their love, their fears and their faith in trying to realize their dreams.
Chelsea, a cultural anthropologist with more than a decade of experience in Central America, first met Suly and Ronny in 2019 while conducting research in Guatemala on a Fulbright grant. In 2022, Chelsea introduced Erin, a fellow Fulbright scholar and friend, to the couple. Erin is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and educator who has worked in Guatemala for more than 10 years.
We were inspired to make this documentary by the great love and deep sacrifices we witnessed in Ronny and Suly, and hope that audiences of this film will be moved and inspired, too.