Unseen, the debut film by director Set Hernandez, closely follows Pedro, an aspiring social worker who is blind and undocumented. Pedro navigates a labyrinth of political barriers as he pursues his college degree and dreams of a brighter future. Over seven years, Hernandez intimately captures Pedro's journey, highlighting his resilience amidst systemic obstacles. Pedro's story unfolds against the backdrop of Brooklyn, New York, where he strives to overcome societal limitations and carve out a meaningful existence.
Unseen pioneers a groundbreaking approach to storytelling, employing experimental cinematography and immersive sound design to craft a cinema experience accessible to blind and low-vision audiences, echoing Pedro's own quest for inclusivity and representation. Hernandez's innovative approach reframes traditional filmmaking, prioritizing auditory engagement to transcend visual constraints. The film's immersive audio-first experience invites viewers to listen deeply, fostering empathy and understanding for Pedro's multidimensional narrative.
As Pedro grapples with his undocumented status and navigates the complexities of mental health care, Unseen confronts pressing social issues with compassion and nuance. Hernandez's commitment to amplifying marginalized voices shines through, challenging mainstream narratives that marginalize immigrant communities. Produced over seven years of profound friendship and collaboration, Unseen captures the essence of Pedro's struggle, his triumphs, and his unwavering determination to carve a path toward healing and societal change. Unseen invites audiences to embark on a transformative cinematic experience, transcending visual constraints to embrace the power of storytelling through the senses.
Much like The Tuba Thieves and its attempts to make the viewer experience Deaf existence, Unseen challenges abled viewers to experience life as a legally blind person. These two films would pair perfectly together in a series of films by and about disabled people. Ultimately, Unseen is a testament to the power of resilience, offering a reflective exploration of identity, belonging, and the transformative potential of storytelling. Those looking to expand collections of documentaries about or by persons with disabilities should consider Unseen before many others.
Where does this title belong on public library shelves?
Unseen would be an excellent addition to any collection of disability titles.
What kind of college instructor could use this title?
Unseen would be excellent for classrooms dealing with immigration issues, Latino-American culture, or disabilities.