Emma Mulhall '23
March 2021
A few months ago, one of GHS’s very own staff members created and released the first episode of the documentary entitled En Mi Camino. Ms. Rosario Rodriguez is one of the creators of this documentary series and had a vision of telling the stories of Guatemalans living in Central America. The first episode is available to watch on YouTube and introduces us to a non-profit organization, Yuntos, which was started by Marvin Rodriguez in order to give back to the community by donating new or gently used shoes. This episode of En Mi Camino truly shows how we tend to take things for granted and often overlook simple things such as shoes. I had the opportunity to interview Ms. Rodriguez on her experience creating this docuseries.
What exactly made you want to make this series? How long have you been wanting to create something like this? How did you finally decide to start production?
“The motivation for this film came from the lack of representation that Latinos, especially Guatemalans, have in the film, TV, and social media industries. When I was younger, I used to get excited with the very few things I did find about Guatemala whether that was on YouTube, Google, textbooks, magazines and such. There still isn’t much now, but it is slowly growing. Although sometimes roles that Latinos are being presented in are or can be stereotypical to the Latino community. I wanted to use film to also show our story accurately. I say our story, because I am Guatemalan myself. I immigrated to the United States when I was very young. Sometimes people have misconceptions, stereotypes or even microaggressions towards certain minority communities due to the lack of exposure, awareness, and knowledge. I have always felt strongly about the film industry, it’s such a beautiful medium to not only share a story by hearing it, but also seeing it. Most of the time, when we stay in our own bubbles, we don’t expand to see how life and experiences are for other people. Therefore, the Guatemalan experience is one I wanted to share. By sharing a story visually, it will help the audience be more aware and understanding hence giving them a different perspective.”
“The way that the production began was teaming up with my film partner Charlie Ehrman, my older brother who’s also a Greenport Alumni - 2012 - Marvin Rodriguez. Charlie and I have known each other since 2017. We were in a film program here in Greenport known as the Manhattan Film Institute. The documentary was really just an idea that turned into reality. Charlie and I bonded over music and such, so we just always stayed in touch. I always knew I wanted to bring my friends to the USA to visit Guatemala so they could see where I was born, my culture, my community and family. Even the thought got me super excited. I asked him in 2017 if he wanted to shoot something together one day, and he eagerly said yes! 2018, I got the idea to shoot something in Guatemala. Not knowing exactly what, he was still down to collaborate. 2019, Marvin was planning his second trip to Guatemala for his non profit organization Yuntos. Yuntos is recognized by New York State that collects new or gently used shoes for those that don’t have back to our community in Central America. That was when the idea sparked. A documentary including Marvin and a nonprofit! Ever since then, the story of how the series came together as we were down there filming.”
When did you first start filming/researching for the series?
“As for the literal production, it was all in house from our communities and connections. Greenport natives donated, SUNY Oneonta alumni faculty staff and students donated as well, random people on social media did as well. And of course our family and friends. We were able to fundraise on GoFundMe over $3,400. Once we were able to fund our film project, we moved forward to networking with people in Central America that would help us. Marvin had also been to our locations previously so that helped tremendously. We started filming in mid December, for about 8 days. The research was fairly simple since both Marvin and I are from there.”
Has the current pandemic affected any parts of the filming/shooting process?
“The pandemic thankfully hasn't affected our film or shooting process. We shot this documentary in December of 2019 and editing allows us to work remotely on our computers.”
What do you hope people gain or think about after watching the series? What would you like them to take away?
“What I hope for people to gain or think after watching this series is another perspective. Another understanding. Being able to be exposed and aware of other people's situations and their story by talking a walk into their shoes. A reminder that sometimes we take things for granted such as shoes - which are heavily needed by others. Hence it helps us put into perspective what it means to take a step into their (Guatemalans’) shoes. Especially focusing on the importance and effect shoes have. As people, that’s something we tend to overlook and take for granted while also giving back.”
This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.