Class of 2027
B.A. in Economics, Minor in Cinematic Arts
Class of 2025
B.A. in Computer Science, Minor in Cinematic Arts
We, Angelica Moreno and Andrew Cao, created “Stars, Stripes, & Dinero Dreams,” a documentary focusing on the personal stories of a few Latine business owners in Minnesota. Angelica is the Director and Andrew is the Producer and Cinematographer for this documentary.
The Benenson Award provided funding for housing, equipment rentals, transportation, and food for the duration of this project. These funds allowed us to reside in Minneapolis, Minnesota for around a month in June, and be proactive in following our subjects while their day-to-day lives unfolded. The funding also allowed us to use lights, multiple cameras, and quality audio during our interviews, creating more possibilities for us to be creative and professional on set. We are grateful for the funding and the opportunities it has opened for us.
Our documentary has three central characters: Jimmy Longoria, Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin, and Ofelia Ponce. As the Director, Angelica communicated with the subjects, conducted the interviews, and inquired deeper into unfolding stories and moments on location. As the Producer and Cinematographer, Andrew planned schedules and logistics, prepped cameras and lights, and handled and secured the footage. Together, and with the help of friends who assisted on set, we set out for production.
Jimmy Longoria, a Chicano painter from South Texas, leads this story. We followed Jimmy into his home to the offices of 3M and the Latino Chamber of Commerce Minnesota. In all places, we saw his dazzling pieces of art and even witnessed his craft from beginning to end. Jimmy’s art hangs in the offices of people like Julian Castro, Keith Ellison, and Cheech Marin. Jimmy also introduced us to John Pacheco, the President of the Latino Chamber Minnesota. There, we received a broader perspective towards the growing Latine entrepreneurial community in Minnesota.
Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin, a regenerative poultry farmer from Guatemala, took us to another side of the story. In Northfield, Minnesota, we explored his farm and witnessed the tiny baby chicks that feed in his fields. Living in the rural parts of Minnesota, Regi revealed stories of triumph and struggle as he fought the anti-minority sentiment in the agricultural industry.
Ofelia Ponce, a lawyer turned coffee shop owner, and her husband Inti Martínez-Alemán introduced us to Abogados Café in St. Paul, Minnesota. There, we got to try out their amazing coffee and hear about their story coming from Honduras and becoming entrepreneurs in Minnesota.
Altogether, “Stars, Stripes, & Dinero Dreams” allowed us to experience and feel the lives of real, existing Latine entrepreneurs who planted their seeds in the Minnesota community. The opportunity alone, to spend a month dedicated to this project, allowed us to feel and live the true filmmaker experience. Although there were times of abrupt change and early mornings, each twist and turn was a learning experience that allowed us to improve our craft the deeper we dove into this project. We know that this amazing experience will serve as a foundation for our careers as filmmakers and storytellers. We extend our gratitude to the Benenson family and the 2024 Student Arts Awards Committee for this amazing, invaluable opportunity!