The film begins with a gloomy tone as Elena, a young woman of Haitian descent living in the Dominican Republic, relays childhood memories of living in a sugar cane community. She remembers the tight-knit relationships, fresh sugarcane treats, and other moments with her father. We meet Elena at 26, hard at work trying to finish college. She hits a snag in her enrollment when she needs to provide proof of residency and can’t find a copy of her birth certificate.
When she faces the unhelpful bureaucracy, it becomes clear that the only way to solve her problem is to prove her father’s residency. We follow Elena to her hometown and meet her family. There, she convinces her father to finish the steps to prove his residency and get the correct paperwork. If he doesn’t, the entire family will continue to face the threat of deportation from the country where they were born.
Director and producer Michèle Stephenson racks up yet another documentary hit with Elena. She takes the style and momentum used in Stateless and focuses on one young woman. There is an instant emotional bond with Elena, which grows stronger as we watch the young social worker navigate a racist society seeking simple justice and equity. In this way, Elena makes a fantastic introduction to the Reconocido movement and the material reality of Haitians and Dominicans of Haitian descent living in the Dominican Republic.
Those informed about the Dominican Republic’s long-standing history of anti-Haitian policy will particularly enjoy the personal focus in Elena. Stephenson’s excellent direction allows the viewer to enter intimate moments without feeling like a voyeur. Outstanding staging and camerawork allow us to see candid moments with the composition of the best art films.
Elena will deliver whether you’re looking for a personal documentary, a short-form documentary, or beautiful cinematography. At 32 minutes in runtime, this film would be perfect for any instructors discussing Civil Rights, Haitian history, or women’s studies. Highly Recommended. Editor’s Choice.
Where does this title belong on public library shelves?
The documentary "Elena," directed by Michèle Stephenson, could belong in several sections of a public library, depending on the library's organizational system and the intended audience. Here are a few possibilities:
- Nonfiction DVD collection: Since Elena is a documentary film, it could be shelved in the library's nonfiction DVD collection, alongside other films that explore social issues, history, and culture.
- Black Studies section: Because Elena deals with themes of Black identity and activism, it could be included in the library's Black Studies section. This would make it easier for patrons who are specifically interested in Black history and culture to find the film.
- Latinx Studies section: Similarly, Elena could also be included in the library's Latinx Studies section, since it explores the Afro-Latina experience and the intersection of Black and Latinx cultures.
- Women's Studies section: Elena is directed by a woman and focuses on the relationship between a mother and daughter, so it could be included in the library's Women's Studies section. This section typically includes books and media about women's experiences and perspectives.
- Ultimately, the decision of where to shelve Elena would depend on the library's collection development policies and its audience's interests and needs. Other categories on public library shelves could include biography, civil rights, and foreign language documentary collections.
What type of film series could use this title?
Any documentary series about women, human rights, or Afro-Latinos would be a perfect fit for Elena.
It would be a valuable addition to a film series that focuses on themes of race, identity, and belonging. Some possible film series that could incorporate Elena include:
- Black identity and culture: This series could explore the experiences and histories of Black people in different parts of the world, examining issues like colorism, discrimination, and cultural heritage. Elena could be included as a film that delves into the complexities of Afro-Latina identity and the impact of social movements on individual lives.
- Women filmmakers: As a film directed by a woman of color, Elena could be part of a series that highlights the work of female directors across genres and themes. This series could showcase the unique perspectives and voices of women in filmmaking.
- Multiculturalism and diversity: Elena could also be part of a series that explores the complexities of multiculturalism and the challenges faced by people who straddle different cultural identities. This series could include films from different countries and regions, examining the ways in which diverse cultures interact and intersect.