Belonging in the USA:  
Stories from our Neighbors

A teaser for the trilogy of films that comprise the "Belonging in the USA: Stories from our Neighbors" documentary series

Through artful storytelling, humor, and grace, Michael D. McCarty overcomes the most egregious injustices with spirit. BELONGING IN THE USA: THE STORY OF MICHAEL D. MCCARTY is an award-winning documentary shining a bright light on Michael's radical joy and journey to become an uplifter, educator, and amazing storyteller. From aspiring scientist to Black Panther, FBI target to a soldier in Korea, drug addict to health nut, and beyond, Michael’s spiritual journey proves that no matter what life throws at us, we can find our way through. BELONGING IN THE USA: THE STORY OF MICHAEL D. MCCARTY showcases the power of storytelling to heal and transform ourselves and the world around us. To sit in Michael’s presence is to be entertained and enlightened.

Filmed in Chicago, LA, & New Jersey, "Belonging in the USA: The Story of Alicia & Antonio" is about the triumph of the human spirit over tyranny, discovering love in unexpected places, and finding true belonging. Antonio and Alicia defy common misconceptions about those who seek political asylum in the US. Their story will make question how you see our borders, what it means to be a refugee and how belonging is a state of mind. The transformational journey of Alicia from young mother and revolutionary activist to author, poet, professor, and human rights emblem and Antonio from film student to political activist revolutionary to filmmaker, father, and husband defy ideas about what it means to find refuge in the US. Forced into exile in the US, after being imprisoned and tortured for their social justice work during Argentina's military dictatorship in the late 1970s through early 1980s, they built a new life, never forgetting their roots or the people who weren't as fortunate to survive the cruel regime. They have dedicated their lives to telling their story, raising awareness for human rights all over the globe as well as raising three amazing daughters.

The Tsuchiya Story is about how art, family and community keep us going through the darkest periods of history. The history of a Japanese-American family their incarceration at the Manzanar Japanese Incarceration Camp during WWII, and what became of them after this harrowing experience. The film details the impact to Fumi, born at Manzanar, and Lourdes, Fumi's daughter and her kids as they seek to create a life and identity in a country that told them that they didn't belong. It's a story about how humans persevere against all odds and the inter-generational trauma of incarceration on all of us.