First documentary dedicated to the Puerto Rican community
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Puerto Rican history — “Chicago’s Puerto Rican Story,” is an 80-minute documentary about the migration, settlement and struggles of the Puerto Rican people, directed and produced by Antonio Francheschi and his wife Gloricelly.
PUBLICIDAD
For the last three years, independent filmmakers Antonio Francheschi and Gloricelly, his wife, have produced and directed “Chicago’s Puerto Rican Story,” an 80-minute documentary about the migration, settlement and struggles of the Puerto Rican people. Francheschi and Gloricelly spoke about what inspired them to make the documentary and what impact they hope the documentary has.
Question: What led you to make “Chicago’s Puerto Rican Story”?
Answer: Initially our intent was to make a documentary on the history of the Puerto Ricans. We realized the enormity of that project and decided then to make a documentary that focused on the 1966 Division Street Riots. We realized the importance of enlarging the scope of the project. Thus, we opted to put together a project that not only spoke of the struggles, like the riots, but also answered important questions such as: Who are Puerto Ricans? Where did they come from? Why did they come to the U.S.? We also had a personal interest in making this film because we are children of migrants. In telling their stories we also tell our own.
Q: What impact do you hope this film will have?
A: We wanted to produce a film that was historically accurate, faithful to the memories of the people who came, worked and lived through trying times and most importantly, a film that would get people thinking and talking about the events that helped shape the Puerto Rican community in Chicago. The film helps viewers understand the Puerto Rican Diaspora in Chicago and the United States. Ultimately, we want viewers of all nationalities to understand and realize the semblance they have with other people groups.
Q: Where did you get the footage used in the film?
A: The footage was acquired from the archives of
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