Kickstarter

**Please watch the Kickstarter campaign video in HD below the incentives.**

Hello Everyone,

My name is Christian Rodriguez, I am the director, producer, and writer of Citizen Me: The Forgotten Class (2012) Documentary Film. I want to invite you to view its preview on Kickstarter and ask you for your help. Citizen Me: The Forgotten Class is a feature length documentary film about immigration. It focuses on the phenomenon of immigration from Mexico to the U.S. and looks into the history of the relationship between the two countries. I have been working on this documentary for over 3 years now. I can no longer afford to continue working on this project alone. It has been my life and I have dedicated all of my resources and time to its making. 

Photograph by Leonard Nadel of a Bracero from the Leonard Nadel Collection at the Smithsonian Bracero Project

The struggle for Comprehensive Immigration Reform is the Civil Rights issue of the 21st century. At a time of increasing debate about immigration from Mexico, my film explores the roots of the issue, its current state, and where it is headed. This documentary chronicles what is happening during this transitional period in our history. Central to this film are candid interviews with immigrants from Mexico who have lived in the United States for various amounts of time. These interviews offer a snapshot of what life is like in the U.S. for these individuals.

Photograph by Christian Rodriguez of a Young Woman marching in the streets for Comprehensive Immigration Reform on May 1, 2006 "May Day" in Sacramento, California

Comprehensive Immigration Reform has become a battleground issue during the recent economic decline of the U.S. economy, an issue which pins native born citizens against members of the immigrant community. As a first generation Mexican-American citizen, I have focused my work to research and document the migrant experience in America. I have visited locations on both sides of the border significant to the issue of immigration. As a result, I have been able to document parts of this crucial story that most Americans are unaware of, and would otherwise go unheard. 

During my research process, I set out to find those people who were doing important work on the border. I certainly met a lot of individuals who make a difference to the social challenges along the border. Slowly, but surely, I located them and contacted them. One individual I found, an independent photojournalist in Arizona, Karl W. Hoffman, has dedicated many years of his life to documenting the issue of immigration. After becoming friends with Karl, we started collaborating on this film and realized that our work would be made stronger by working together. Since then, I have spent many periods of time traveling to migrant shelters, meeting with non-governmental organizations (NGO's), and investigating firsthand the humanitarian crisis that exists at the border. 

Photograph by Karl W. Hoffman of a Father and Son being apprehended by the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol in the Arizona desert

I am producing this documentary for many reasons. The most compelling of them is that I believe the United States of America is the greatest country in the world. However, the treatment of the undocumented immigrant community at this point in our history is not what I consider to be an example of greatness. The anti-immigrant movements spreading throughout this great country are misguided. Information is being manipulated to push political agendas.

Research conducted has shown that the undocumented immigrant community contributes substantially to this country's economy and progress. As globalization becomes the norm, immigrant labor is now an international issue. This has left many migrants throughout the world in difficult situations. By concentrating on the issue at our border, the film examines a microcosm of a much greater picture. 

Photograph by Pete Souza of Arizona Governor Jan Brewer meeting with President Barack Obama shortly after the introduction of SB1070

The immigrant community is up against some tough times. However, for hard working people, the future is always bright. America is a country of immigrants. There are many reasons why immigrants come to this country. Some immigrants come here of their own accord, some do not, but all contribute. Undocumented immigrants have become the scapegoats for many of this country's internal issues. This documentary ends by reminding us that our future lies in our history. I understand that I, alone, am unable to change certain things. I am just trying to document this for future generations who may be able to do so.

This is an example of what I can do on my own. Imagine what I can do if I had some financial support. I want to invite you to be a part of this historical project. Thank you for taking the time to look at what I have been working on! Will you please help me defend The Forgotten Class?

PROJECT GOAL:

The ultimate goal is that viewers leave the film with a newly found sense of understanding and compassion about the issue of immigration.

**Should our financial goal not be met before the deadline, no money will change hands and this documentary will not be released. We want to avoid this unfortunate scenario at all costs!**

DONATIONS:

***PLEASE REMEMBER YOUR DONATIONS MAY BE CONSIDERED TAX DEDUCTIBLE***

The donations from Kickstarter will directly help to continue work on this film and cover the post production costs that I cannot afford on my own. Here is a list of things that your support will do for the film:

• Equipment Rental for remaining interviews

• Build an Official Website for the film's audience

• Buy additional Stock Footage needed to complete the film

• Clear the Archival Footage (ie: C-Span, CBS, CNN, Democracy Now, and all other media sources)

• Pay for Music Score

• Color Correction

• Editing

• Sound Mix and Mastering

• Translate the film into English and Spanish

• Hire a Marketing and Public Relations team

• Hire Legal Representation for the Distribution and Licensing

• Cover Film Festival Fees

This funding will help the film move forward in its post production stage. Such a contribution will make a huge impact to the film's outreach and marketing. I have been working with a number of non-governmental organizations as well as human rights groups on both sides of the border, making this a bilingual project. Being on the front lines of the immigration issue, these groups have assisted in the film's production process by allowing me access to events that most people are unaware of. This access has provided the film a certain level of intimacy with these migrants, portraying them as individuals rather than as a collective group.

Because these groups have been so helpful, the film's website will link to these organizations, so that the film can be used as an educational tool. It is expected the film may also be used as an instrument by these organizations to solicit donations, recruit volunteers, and augment their limited resources. These organizations are invited to attend screenings, make presentations, and provide collaborative materials during these events.

**IF YOU CANNOT HELP US OUT WITH A DONATION, PLEASE INFORM SOMEONE WHO MAY BE ABLE TO DO SO. PLEASE HELP US GET THE WORD OUT!**

Facebook: www.facebook.com/theforgottenclass

Twitter: www.twitter.com/forgottenclass

FACTS ABOUT THE FILM:

• Production on the film started on May 1, 2006 "May Day" (International Workers Day) in Sacramento, CA.

• In August 2008, the film begins documenting the struggle for Comprehensive Immigration Reform even before President Barack Obama is elected.

• In Fall 2008, I began a series of countless visits to the agricultural fields and labor camps in Northern California.

• In early 2009, production travels to the U.S.-Mexico border region to document "the Wall" and several migrant shelters. During that year, many important marches and protests were also documented.

• In March 2010, one month before SB1070 was introduced to the nation, production began filming in Arizona places such as the Kino Border Initiative, a migrant shelter located on the border in Nogales, Mexico.

• In February 2011, production participated in Marcha Migrante VI with the Border Angels, illustrating issues of migrants dying in the desert.

• In November 2011, Professor Noam Chomsky agreed to be interviewed for this film.

• In December 2011, production filmed a tour of Hotel del Migrante in Mexicali, Mexico and interviewed one of the directors of the migrant shelter.

• In December 2011, production filmed a tour of Tent City, the same day the Department of Justice made their investigation findings public about the human rights violations perpetrated by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.

• During that time, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, and the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol declined to be interviewed for this film.

• Up to this point, this film has been made entirely independent of any donations, foundation support, grants, or outside funding.

• I sold a lot of my own equipment to continue working on this film.

WORK IN PROGRESS:

Kino Border Initiative (2010) Documentary Short Film

In March 2010, after collaborating for over a year, I traveled to the state of Arizona to finally meet filmmaker and photojournalist Karl W. Hoffman. We were given the opportunity to film at the Kino Border Initiative migrant shelter on the U.S.-Mexico border. This film was shot on the Arizona-Mexico border one month before the notorious anti-immigrant bill SB1070 was first introduced to the nation. I co-directed and co-produced this film with photojournalist Karl W. Hoffman. This film is currently being used to orient new volunteers to the shelter's daily operations.

Feliz Navidad from Tent City 2011

In December 2011, I returned to the state of Arizona to do a follow up on the aftermath of SB1070. On this trip, I made plans to document a tour of Maricopa County Jail's Tent City and interview three different government entities: Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer, and the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol in the Tucson Sector of Arizona. They all declined to be interviewed for this film. The day I was filming inside Tent City was the same day the Department of Justice held a press conference to report on the human rights violations perpetrated by Maricopa County Sheriff's Department.

INCENTIVES:

**Please understand that all incentives, both big and small, will only happen if the Kickstarter financial goal is met. If we do meet our goal, we will start to manufacture and ship all physical merchandise directly to you beginning after the deadline. Remember screenings, parties, DVD's, etc. can only happen after the film is completed so this will require more time to fulfill.**

THIS IS A LIST OF SPECIAL INCENTIVES YOU WILL RECEIVE FOR DONATING TO THIS PROJECT AND HELPING OUT THE PRODUCTION:

$15 Donation Includes a Personalized Postcard

Receive a Personalized Thank You Postcard of Citizen Me: The Forgotten Class from filmmaker Christian Rodriguez

Postcard

$20 Donation Includes a DVD of Citizen Me: The Forgotten Class

Receive a DVD of Citizen Me: The Forgotten Class when the film is completed

$25 Donation Includes a 18" X 24" Movie Poster

Receive a Citizen Me: The Forgotten Class Movie Poster

Movie Poster

$30 Donation Includes a Soundtrack CD by the amazing Composer William Ryan Fritch 

$35 Donation Includes a (Black or White) American Apparel T-Shirt with Citizen Me: The Forgotten Class Cover Art

Receive your choice of a Black or White Citizen Me: The Forgotten Class T-Shirt in S - M - L - XL - XXL sizes

$100 Donation Includes a Gift Bundle Package

BUNDLE #1: Receive a Shout Out, Thank You Postcard, choice of T-Shirt, Soundtrack CD, and a Movie Poster

$150 Donation Includes a 17" X 22" Original Signed Print by Filmmaker/Photojournalist Karl W. Hoffman 

Actual print is 16" X 22" printed with archival inks on museum quality paper, wrapped in a 1" border plastic cover.

Original Print by Karl W. Hoffman

$250 Donation Includes your Full Name in the Special Thanks in Film Credits and Memorabilia 

You will also get a T-Shirt of your choice and a Movie Poster

$300 Donation Includes a "Cross and Chain" Sterling Silver Pendant 

Inspired by the crosses on the border wall in the Nogales border zone. Hand inscribed names on these crosses memorialize those individuals whose names are hand written on faded humble broken crosses by family members. These broken crosses along the border illustrate the heartbreak of these families whose loved ones have found themselves in a difficult position, leading to their suffering and death. Wearing these pendants gives people a chance to honor those victims from beyond the wall.

Designed and Handcrafted by Karl W. Hoffman

OR

$300 Donation Includes a "Hands and Chain" Sterling Silver Pendant

This pendant symbolizes despair caused by struggles endured and dreams unattained. Hands on one's head seems to universally illustrate defeat and capture. The migrants' attempt to cross the border have ended in apprehension and deportation bringing finality to one's struggle and sacrifice. By wearing this symbol, you can show solidarity with those who still struggle daily to come to this country.

Designed and Handcrafted by Karl W. Hoffman

$500 Donation Includes a Bundle Gift Package

BUNDLE #2: Receive a Signed DVD by filmmaker Christian Rodriguez (when film is completed), Movie Poster, Soundtrack CD, Your Choice of T-Shirt, Original Signed Print by photojournalist Karl W. Hoffman, and Your Choice of Pendant

$1,000 Donation Includes a Day Trip with San Diego Maquiladora Workers' Solidarity Network and Filmmaker Christian Rodriguez

Take a day trip with San Diego Maquiladora Workers' Solidarity Network and filmmaker Christian Rodriguez to Tijuana's Otay Industrial Park on a chartered bus with a group of people. You will get a drive-by tour of the maquiladoras and learn about Tijuana's maquiladora workers' conditions and struggles.

Enrique Davalos, President of the San Diego Maquiladora Workers' Solidarity Network translates a former maquiladora worker's first hand experience of working for that industry. 

$1,000 Donation Includes a Day Trip with Border Angels and Filmmaker Christian Rodriguez 

Spend a day with the Border Angels and filmmaker Christian Rodriguez as you travel to day labor sites to hand out lunches to the workers, head out with the group to place water out in the Imperial Valley Desert , and finally head to Holtville, CA to visit a local cemetery where over 700 unidentified bodies are buried. Border Angels President Enrique Morones will lead the pack and lecture about the issues migrants face in the region. (This trip will happen sometime between July and September 2012 when it's most convenient for you.)

Photograph by Christian Rodriguez of an Unidentified Person's grave in Holtville, CA

$1,000 Donation Includes a Sightseeing Day Trip to the Arizona Desert with local Filmmaker/ Photojournalist Karl W. Hoffman

You will get to see parts of the Northern Sonoran Desert that are not easily accessible and be given a tour of the migrant trial. (This Southwest Border Tour includes transportation to and from the Tucson, AZ airport.)

Southwest Border Tour with Photojournalist Karl W. Hoffman

$2,500 Donation Includes an Invitation to a Special Screening Party of the film with certain people featured in the film (Screening most likely in Southern California)  

Here you get to meet some of the people in the film and get to watch the film with them at a private party celebrating the film's completion. Also included is a gift package. (Gift Package Includes: Signed copy of DVD, Signed 18" X 24" Citizen Me: The Forgotten Class Movie Poster, 17" X 22" Original Signed Print by photojournalist Karl W. Hoffman, both T-Shirts, and your choice of Sterling Silver Pendant.) (Transportation to and from event not included.)

$5,000 Donation Includes a Two-Day Southwest Border Tour with both Filmmakers Christian Rodriguez and Karl W. Hoffman

In this Two-Day tour of the border, you will see parts of the desert that are not easily accessible, and spend some time near "the Wall", and volunteer time at the Kino Border Initiative migrant shelter in Nogales, Mexico. (Two night accommodations will be made for you to stay in a guest house on Karl W. Hoffman's ranch.) (Transportation to and from the Tucson, AZ airport will be provided.) (You are also invited to the Special Event Screening and the wrap party when film is completed.)

Photograph by Karl W. Hoffman of an Arizona Sunset

$7,500 Donation Includes an Exclusive Screening and Lecture for your School or Organization with Filmmaker Christian Rodriguez

Filmmaker Christian Rodriguez will come to your school, college, university, or organization's event and screen Citizen Me: The Forgotten Class to an exclusive audience and speak about the research in the film. This event can include a question and answer session to answer any questions people may have. (You are also invited to the Special Event Screening and the wrap party when film is completed.)

$9,000 Donation Includes Associate Producer Credit on the official completed Citizen Me: The Forgotten Class film credits with all other incentives included in an Ultimate Gift Package

Gift Package Includes: Signed copy of DVD, Signed 18" X 22" Citizen Me: The Forgotten Class Movie Poster, Signed 17" X 22" Original Print by photojournalist Karl W. Hoffman, both T-Shirts, both Cross and Chain + Hands and Chain Pendants. (You are also invited to the Special Event Screening and the wrap party when film is completed.)

$10,000 Donation Includes a Production of a 5-10 minute Documentary or Video for Your Group or Organization

Filmmaker Christian Rodriguez will come to your city and produce a 5-10 minute documentary or video for your group or organization. This professional video can help you show the world what your group does and generate more support for your cause. (**Limited to the U.S., however, International organizations will be considered for a more generous donation. Please contact Christian Rodriguez to inquire about International logistics.**) (You are also invited to the Special Event Screening and the wrap party when film is completed.)

Photograph by Christian Rodriguez of Tent City Inmates interviewed for Citizen Me: The Forgotten Class (2012) Documentary Film 

Citizen Me: The Forgotten Class (2012) Kickstarter Campaign HD 1080p