Almost American

This film will be screened in-person and online.

For Sam, America has always been home. Yet without a pathway to citizenship, he and over half a million DACA recipients live in limbo, dependent on a temporary status renewed every two years. When his mother is suddenly deported by ICE, Sam must confront his own precarious reality through a new lens. His journey reveals how today’s immigration policies not only decide who gets to stay, but shape the story America tells about who belongs.

Content warning: Strong language

Saritha Rothermel is a Thai-American filmmaker and licensed mental health professional whose work sits at the intersection of healing and storytelling. With years of experience supporting young people and families facing trauma, suicide risk, and post traumatic stress, Saritha brings a profound depth of empathy and psychological insight to her filmmaking.

Samuel Soliman is an impact driven photographer, director, and mental health advocate whose work is rooted in resilience and the pursuit of justice. For nearly a decade, he has used visual storytelling to amplify underrepresented voices and inspire meaningful change.

Producers: Adrian Selkowitz, Baktash Ahadi

Editor: Michael Rothermel

Cinematographer: Evan Werner

Impact Producer: Jasmine Hawamdeh

Plays in

Shorts: On the Move: Immigrants in 2026 (In-Person)