Building the American Dream

Construction worker Roendy Granillo was 25 years old when he died from heat stroke on the job. His family recounts the day he died. Looking at pictures of Roendy in his room as he left it, Roendy’s parents reflect on the lack of information they had that could have prevented Roendy’s death.

Another death of a construction worker on the job in Austin fuels the need for change in the industry. Workers are moved to tell their own stories of struggle with the hope to empower workers across the state to stand up against unsafe and exploitative working conditions.

Across Texas an unstoppable construction boom drives urban sprawl and luxury high-rises. Its dirty secret: abuse of immigrant labor. The film captures a turning point as a movement forms to fight widespread construction industry injustices. A story of courage, resilience and community, the film reveals shocking truths about the hardworking immigrants who build the American Dream.