From Here

“Where are you really from?” Inspired by a young generation’s creative response to this loaded question, FROM HERE follows artists and activists from immigrant families coming of age in an era of rising xenophobia and political turmoil. Set in New York and Berlin, the film shows them create families, fight for citizenship, make art and forge identities, while redefining what it means to belong.

“Where are you really from?” Inspired by a young generation’s creative response to this loaded question, FROM HERE follows artists and activists from immigrant families coming of age in an era of rising xenophobia and political turmoil. Set in New York and Berlin, the film shows them create families, fight for citizenship, make art and forge identities, while redefining what it means to belong.

Tania Mattos is "Undocumented, Unafraid, Unapologetic." The Bolivian-born, Queens-based activist reveals her status as undocumented, and what it means to have cultural and social ties to America but not legal standing in the United States. Tania also talks about the day-to-day challenges she shares with the many DREAMers across the country, and why their presence must be seen and heard.

Tania Mattos, an undocumented activist living in Queens, NY, talks about her family, their roots in Bolivia, and the reason why they had to leave the country for the United States. She is like many others who have had no choice but to flee home for a new "home" but no matter the years that pass, they lack a sense of belonging as they search for a path to citizenship.

Akim Nguyen, a Berlin-based street artist born in Vietnam, immigrated to Germany alone and had to deal with a country, systems and households who did not understand him. Through his art like with graffiti, Akim has a voice, and an outlet to express his experience as a child of refugees and a person who is able to traverse the globe.

Tania Mattos, an activist and organizer, speaks to other immigrants like herself who are undocumented in the United States. She shares her knowledge of the everyday necessities they all need to survive every day, including possessing a legal form of identification which would allow them to do things that Americans take for granted.

Miman Jasarovski is German-born and lives in Germany but as a Romani person, he is without citizenship. And he, like others who are also known as Roma, suffer from prejudices even though they were born in the country. Miman, who is an activist, realizes that change can only come from within their community and all refugees throughout the European Union.

Growing up in Charlotte, North Carolina was both an American and Sikh experience for Sonny Singh and his brother. He had a childhood like his peers but he wore a turban - and that difference, among other things, led to bullying by fellow students. Singh also had to find out for himself who he was in his majority white neighborhood and that has impacted him today.

As Sonny Singh walks through New York City, he sees and hears two sides of America - open and supportive, and closed and defensive. This is the country following the September 11th attacks and people who don't look "American" are not welcome and under physical and verbal attack. Sonny, who is Sikh, recognizes how he is seen by others, taking all the perspectives in stride.