Don't Tell Anyone (No Le Digas a Nadie)

Don't Tell Anyone examines the constant fear, isolation, and depression suffered by illegal or undocumented immigrants to the United States—and the growing movement towards openness and freedom—through the story of activist Angy Rivera. Rivera came to the U.S. at the age of three from Colombia with her mother Maria, who has worked and raised four children in New York City while living in constant fear of discovery and deportation; she taught Angy and her younger sons and daughter, born in the U.S., to keep their mixed immigration status a secret. In her 20s, Angy joined the New York State Youth Leadership Council, began an online advice column for undocumented youth, and “came out” as a visible face of New York's undocumented youth rights movement. In interviews, Angy explains why she became more vocal after graduating high school, since she was unable to apply to college because without a Social Security number she could not receive federal financial aid. Angy's legal status kept her from enjoying the future for which Maria had fled poverty, gang violence, drug culture, and trafficking in Colombia. Scenes from Angy's home life are combined with animations of simple drawings she uses to tell the story of her emotional journey. Because Angy had been sexually abused as a child and her abuser was convicted, she was eventually able to obtain a U.S. visa under a provision for victims of crime. Angy expresses mixed emotions over the development: elation for being documented and having all the attendant freedoms, but knowing that it had nothing to do with her own merit. A poetic and emotional film with a strong message—although Angy's arguments are unlikely to sway the anti-immigration crowd—this is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (M. Puffer-Rothenberg)