MYgration Films
Capturing the stories of Central Floridians from around the world in short three- to five-minute documentary films.
Share your story or be one of the filmmakers in the 2024 MYgration Films program.
We love the stories of our Central Florida neighbors. Whether they are a first generation American or a 5th generation Floridian, there is a story about the culture that shaped them and the journey that they or someone in their family took (physically and mentally) to become a Central Floridian.
FILMMAKERS, From the moment you meet your assigned subject at the August 23 Pairing Party until you turn in your short film five days later, you’ll have a memorable experience and a creative challenge to find the best story and present it in the most powerful way. Sign up for the challenge here.
THOSE WITH A STORY, Creating a video story about your life that friends, relatives and future generations can see, leaves a legacy. You’ll find the filmmakers may bring out thoughts, memories and feelings you haven’t known were there. More than one film subject has told us that the experience was healing for them. Sign up to tell your story here.
Lori Turchin
Film Curator & Producer
Genke Ganbare by Matt Wohl (Vermont, USA) about Amy Akamine (Japan)
Follow Amy from her younger years of wanting to be a blonde blue-eyed girl to embracing her
Okinawan culture and heritage by honoring her family legacy through food and forming an
organization, National Association of Asian American Professionals (N.A.A.A.P.), that celebrates
her Asian American Pacific Island (AAPI) background.
Hans-Peter by Emilee Namphengsone (Laos) about Hans-Peter Nkansah (Ghana)
Hans Peter came to this country from Ghana with little to his name, sleeping in a store room in
his earliest times here. Through the kindness of Central Floridians Hans-Peter has found a
home, is raising his family, and has become a successful businessman proud of his heritage
who shares his unique customs with his children and others.
Bonded By Purpose by Jorge Gutierrez (Caribbean) about Anna Byrnes (Ukraine)
Anna Byrnes came to Orlando from her native Ukraine after marrying her husband, an American
citizen and Central Floridian. Discover how Anna has found a way to support her fellow
Ukrainians during the war by making food and serving this niche demographic here in Central
Florida.
Chasing Dreams by Bhavana Banala (India) about Era Ghali (Egypt)
Era Ghali came to Central Florida in search of following her dreams of working in the film
industry, despite her family’s objections. See how she has found a home here and is pursuing
her passion of becoming the first Female Egyptian Director.
Anglo-Italian by Betty Su (Vietnam) about Gaby West (England/Italy)
Gaby West grew upin Italy until the age of 7 where she was surrounded by antiquity and art. After moving toLondon with her mother, she eventually studied art in England. She had spent her lifesurrounded by great art. With the formation of her company Artscapes, it is Gaby’s Mission to make sure that the lives of Central Floridians are filled with art in everyday spaces.
Passion & Pride by Benjamin Mack-Jackson (Ukraine) about Gabriella Rodriguez
(Puerto Rico/Mexico)
Gabriella came to Central Florida and had a rough start with barely a dollar to her name. After
struggling with homelessness she found her home in the LGBTQ+ community as an advocate
for the LGBTQ+ community with an emphasis on LatinX. It is her journey to make sure this
underrepresented group has its diversity shown in a positive and affirming light and helping
others who like herself were once lost to find their way.