The Unafraid

The obstacles faced by Dreamers in the DACA program who are trying to build stable and rewarding lives in conservative areas—but finding their educational options thwarted—are illustrated in this poignant documentary by filmmakers Anayansi Prado and Heather Courtney, which follows three youngsters in Georgia from their high school graduation in 2014 up through the election of Donald Trump in 2016. Alejandro, Aldo, and Silvia all hope to attend college in the fall, but under state law undocumented residents are barred from attending the top five public universities, and must pay international rather than in-state tuition at all other state campuses. The trio join in protests against these policies, eventually becoming part of a movement called Freedom University, which organizes demonstrations, sit-ins, and—with the help of sponsors—an out-of-state college tour that results in Alejandro getting a scholarship to Berea College in Kentucky (where he still finds considerable challenges). Aldo tries to earn money to take occasional courses at home, but a family emergency forces him to investigate the possibility of moving his parents to another state, while Silvia travels to the Pacific Northwest expecting to be able to enroll in community college at in-state rates, only to find her hopes dashed and her circumstances made more difficult. The Unafraid—the title is taken from one of the group chants—ends on a bleak note, as the 2016 election results put the subjects’ prospects in even greater peril. A timely, sympathetic film, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)