Storytelling for Civic Learning
Documentary Films.
Educational Resources.
Meaningful Conversations.
At Sotomayor Productions, we believe storytelling can deepen civic learning, foster empathy, and inspire meaningful dialogue. Our award-winning films invite students and community audiences to explore immigration, identity, belonging, and social change through deeply personal stories rooted in lived experience.
Whether you're teaching a university course, facilitating a community discussion, or organizing a campus event, we offer films, educational resources, and filmmaker engagement opportunities designed to connect classroom learning with real-world issues.
Our Flagship Educational Film
Expanding Sanctuary
21 minutes | Documentary
Expanding Sanctuary is Sotomayor Productions' flagship educational film and has been used by educators, community organizations, and advocacy groups to facilitate conversations about immigration, civic engagement, and community organizing.
When immigrant mother Linda Hernández discovers that Philadelphia police are sharing information with ICE, she joins a grassroots movement fighting to end the city's cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Through intimate storytelling and community action, the film asks what sanctuary truly means—and how everyday people can create meaningful change.
Ideal For Courses In
Immigration & Migration Studies
Political Science
Sociology
Latinx Studies
Public Policy
Social Work
Criminal Justice
Education
Journalism
Community Organizing
Educational Opportunities
We work with educators, libraries, universities, and community organizations to make Expanding Sanctuary accessible in educational settings.
Available opportunities include:
Educational screenings
Classroom and library access
Community screenings
Discussion guides
Virtual and in-person filmmaker Q&As
Guest lectures
Facilitated discussions
If you're interested in bringing Expanding Sanctuary to your classroom, library, or institution, we'd love to hear from you.
“[The film screening] led to an insightful and timely talkback that deeply impacted an audience of students, staff, organizers, and community members.”
- Professor at Lafayette College
“While immigrants and other communities are under attack, films like Expanding Sanctuary are vital to re-energize the people on the frontlines fighting for our rights.
- Latin American Law Student Association
Available To Watch On
Additional Educational Films
Las Cosas Que Brillan
11 minutes | Narrative Short
A young trans Latina embarks on a magical journey of self-discovery inspired by mythology, imagination, and queer possibility.
Blending handcrafted visual effects with magical realism, Las Cosas Que Brillan celebrates identity, transformation, and the power of creating the world we wish to inhabit.
The film is available for educational screenings, library collections, classroom discussions, and filmmaker engagement opportunities.
Recommended For
Gender & Sexuality Studie
Film Studies
Latinx Studies
Queer Studie
Media Studies
Art Education
If you're interested in adding Las Cosas Que Brillan to your classroom, library, or educational programming, please contact us to discuss available options.
Beyond the Screening
Every classroom is different. We're happy to work with educators to create an experience that best serves your students.
Programming may include:
Live filmmaker Q&As
Guest lectures
Documentary filmmaking workshops
Community storytelling workshops
Career conversations with emerging filmmakers
Panel discussions
Available virtually and in person.
Let's Start a Conversation
Interested in bringing one of our films to your classroom, campus, library, or community?
We'd love to collaborate.
Contact Sotomayor Productions to discuss educational access, screenings, and programming.