Skip to Content
Art

Dream + Act: Film, Videos, and Activism on Immigration @ Self Help Graphics ~ Boyle Heights

 

Freewaves, Self Help Graphics & Art, La Causa and The East LA Society of Film and Arts (TELA SOFA)

present

DREAM + ACT
Film, videos, activism and information on immigration
at Self Help Graphics’ new home

Who has the right to study and work in the U.S.?
When people contribute socially and economically to a society, are they not citizens?
Is there a way for the politically disenfranchised to feasibly gain American citizenship?

On Saturday, April 30, Freewaves, Self Help Graphics & Art, La Causa and TELA SOFA will present DREAM + ACT, a selection of visual art and activism focused on immigration as it relates to communities in Los Angeles and beyond. Through film and video, DREAM + ACT will express multiple visions and viewpoints on the realities of immigration and how it affects us. We aim to build a community of dialogue and bridge the cultural communities in Los Angeles and countries around the globe.

In addition to providing encouragement for film and video makers and activists, this event seeks to promote deeper understanding of our diverse city by presenting a wide array of perspectives on the complex issue of immigration. The community will be able to interact with the filmmakers to further explore the issues addressed.

Program

7:30pm Discussion on the status of immigration and Dream Act organizing
8:30pm Screening of curated short films and videos
9:30pm Q & A with film and videomakers

Mobile silkscreening by Joel Garcia

LOCATION Self Help Graphics & Art 1300 East 1st Street Los Angeles, CA 90033, across from the Metro Gold Line Pico/Aliso Station.

PARKING is limited in the area. We encourage people to take Metro (www.metro.net) and exit at the Gold Line Pico/Aliso Station.

DREAM :: We believe art has the power to inspire, create new possibilities and broaden our perspectives so we can see our community through a different lens.

ACT :: Not content to dream only, together we aim to provoke thought and inspire solutions to the challenge of immigration in this country—a challenge shared by people throughout the world.

///////////////////

DREAM + ACT is a collaboration of TELA SOFA, Freewaves, Self Help Graphics & Art and
La Causa.

TELA SOFA’s mission is to offer a venue for all interested filmmakers, first-time through professional, to explore issues affecting our world today while connecting them with the Hollywood film industry.

Self Help Graphics & Art (SHG) is a nationally recognized center for Latino arts that develops and nurtures artists in printmaking. SHG advances Latino art broadly through programming, exhibitions and outreach to diverse audiences in East Los Angeles and beyond and engages young and emerging artists from the community in all aspects of its activities.

Freewaves is dedicated to the creative exhibition of the most innovative and culturally relevant independent new media from around the world. Freewaves facilitates cross-cultural dialogues by inventing dynamic new media exhibition forms at experimental and established venues throughout Los Angeles.

LA CAUSA (Los Angeles Communities Advocating for Unity, Social Justice, and Action) engages historically disenfranchised young people and their families from East Los Angeles to take action against the injustices that impact low-income communities of color.

QUESTIONS?
info@telasofa.org

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More Stories

Community Members Hold Vigil for Houston Father Killed by ICE

Close to 60 people paid tribute to Lorenzo Salgado Araujo who was killed on the early morning of July 7 while on his way to work.

July 11, 2026

Despite the 3-2 Defeat, Mexico Finally Has Reason to Believe Again

In a turn-around from previous tournaments, there’s lots of positivity surrounding the men’s national team despite their recent loss. Rafa Márquez officially stepping in to lead them into 2030's World Cup has many fans hopeful.

July 11, 2026

We Spoke With a Mother Detained In the Glass House Raids, One Year Later

"There are times in the middle of the night when I wake up thinking I’m back in that same place, because it's terrifying," the Glass House Farms worker and mother tells L.A. TACO, one year after the raids.

After 34 Years, Hollywood’s Iconic Cactus Taquería #1 Is Being Forced to Close This Sunday

You have two days left to eat at the taquería that survived a drive-by in the 90s and is beloved by Brad Pitt and Johnny Knoxville. We sat down with the owners to go down memory lane with them and remember when Bourdain stopped by to try his favorite lengua tacos.

July 10, 2026

Public Outcry Sparks Over California City Officials’ Approvals of Immigration Detention Center

California City Chair David Brottlund told one attendee to “shut their mouth.” He issued warnings throughout the meeting that he could have individuals removed from the chambers.