Jose Antonio Vargas’ Documented aired on CNN at 9pm EST last night. FWD.us gathered over thirty individuals in The Hamilton at Joynture, on 48 Wall Street for a viewing party and panel of three filmmakers/directors: Roy Germano, Brian Redondo, and Mikaela Shwer. The discussion centered on the topic of immigration reform and the panelists and guests shared stories of their own journeys to America. The night began and ended with networking over complimentary drinks and food in the Joynture café.

Each panelist shared a unique story, telling what drew them to create documentaries about immigrants in the United States.

While going through school, Germano worked in a kitchen with Mexican immigrants. During this time, he built strong friendships with them and wanted to share their untold story. Germano currently produces and hosts a documentary series for VICE Media called Immigrant America. Germano won the 2011 American Library Association Notable Video Award for his film, The Other Side of Immigration.

Redondo, a child of Filipino immigrants, is dedicated to social change and wanted to share the stories of Asian immigrants. He directed and produced Why We Rise, a short documentary about undocumented immigrant youth living in New York City.

After reading an article about Angy Rivera, Shwer decided to embark on directing her first feature documentary film, No Le Digas a Nadie. In post-production, this film follows undocumented immigrant activist Angy Rivera as she joins a generation of Dreamers in a quest to come out of the shadows and claim her place in the only home she’s ever known, the United States of America.

Throughout the event, guests had the opportunity to share their immigration story in the FWD.us photo booth, and the night continued with the viewing of Documented on the 120” projection screen. The film chronicled Vargas’ life, from his journey to America at the age of twelve to losing touch with his mother for nearly twenty years and finally tracing his path to his present life as an activist for immigration reform. The emotional and thought provoking film pulled on the audience’s heartstrings and throughout the movie tears were shed and laughter filled the large communal space at Joynture. The night was a great success and Joynture is excited to host future social, networking and educational events.