Harvest Of Empire

Harvest of Empire is a 2012 documentary that recounts the often overlooked, yet significant, role of Latin American immigration in the shaping of the United States. The documentary captures this hidden dimension of American history through a diverse range of interviews, historical footage, and transformative narratives. Directed by Peter Getzels and Eduardo López, the film is based on the book by award-winning journalist and Democracy Now! co-host Juan González.

Centered on the theme of immigration, Harvest of Empire constructs an intricate tapestry of historical threads, displaying the complex impacts of U.S foreign policy, socio-economic pressures, and the dynamics of imperialism in catalyzing mass migrations from Latin America to the United States. With González serving as our guide, viewers journey through the history of Latin American migration, presenting a nuanced perspective that challenges mainstream narratives and offers an alternative view on immigration.

González is not alone in sharing these narratives. The film features a constellation of distinct voices, which includes Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Junot Diaz and international music sensation Luis Enrique. Diaz’s prose is renowned for its raw and vibrant depictions of the immigrant experience, balancing the joys and pains of assimilation and the profound interconnectedness of cultures. Luis Enrique, widely celebrated as one of the most remarkable Latin music artists of the 20th Century, speaks powerfully to the immigrant experience through his music. Their stories and insights act as compelling vessels of the larger themes Harvest of Empire seeks to explore.

Propelled by Diaz’s dynamic narrative ability and Luis Enrique’s soulful storytelling, Harvest of Empire lays bare the historical and socio-political conditions that have driven the migratory influx from countries such as Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and El Salvador, into the United States. It sheds light on the harsh realities immigrants encounter in pursuit of the American dream, while concurrently illuminating the profound courage and resilience of these communities.

Harvest of Empire opens a window into America’s dark past with Latin America, revealing a sweeping tableau of U.S. interventions, political instability, economic exploitation, and human rights abuses perpetrated in the region. The film also presents a vivid account of how these U.S. government strategies directly sparked wars and political turmoil in these countries, triggering waves of refugees and immigrants toward America’s borders.

As the film unfolds, it unveils how each wave of migration has challenged and reshaped America’s cultural identity. It depicts immigration as an enterprise integral to the growth and prosperity of the nation, dismissing notions of immigrants as burdens and reframing them as essential forces in building an enriched and diverse nation.

Among the documentary’s most potent assets is its empathetic approach to its subjects. We are given an intimate glance into the lives of immigrants, witnessing their struggle, hardship, hope, and determination. This humanization of migrants not only challenges the dehumanizing rhetoric often associated with immigration discussions but also encourages viewers to critically consider the roots of their own families and their histories.

Ideal for use in history, political science, ethnic studies, and immigration policy course, Harvest of Empire offers a comprehensive and empathetic examination of the underlying causes of immigration from Latin America. The film is an invaluable resource for recognizing and understanding the rich tapestry of cultures, experiences, and histories that underpin America’s immigrant population.

Indeed, Harvest of Empire is more than a documentary—it is an exposé on a key topic of our times. It is a call-to-action for individuals, societies, and nations, urging the re-evaluation of our relationship with immigration, and by extension, questioning our understanding and interpretation of the very essence of the American dream.

Delivering a potent depiction of American history, the film unfurls a narrative imbued with the kind of robust scholarship and passionate activism that only the likes of González, Diaz, and Enrique could make possible. Its retelling of buried histories and unvoiced narratives creates an impactful viewing experience, one that sparks dialogues, further research, and heightened understanding of complex immigration issues. Through Harvest of Empire, audiences gain awareness about the historical roots of America's immigration policy while understanding its implications on present-day realities and future possibilities. The film is an unflinching portrayal of the inextricable bonds between the United States and Latin America, the history of exploitation, and the hope for change and reconciliation.