Marcy Garriott

Building the American Dream

Across Texas an unstoppable construction boom drives urban sprawl and luxury high-rises. Its dirty secret: abuse of immigrant labor. Building the American Dream captures a turning point as a movement forms to fight widespread construction industry injustices. Grieving their son, a Mexican family campaigns for a life-or-death safety ordinance. A Salvadorian electrician couple owed thousands in back pay fights for their children’s future. A bereaved son battles to protect others from his family's preventable tragedy. A story of courage, resilience and community, the film reveals shocking truths about the hardworking immigrants who build the American Dream, from which they are excluded.

Directed & Produced by Chelsea Hernandez; Executive Produced by Marcy Garriott; Produced by Marisol Medrano Montoya; Co-Produced by Mario Troncoso and Iliana Sosa

Speakers: Chelsea Hernandez, Marcy Garriott, Marisol Medrano Montoya, Mario Troncoso, Iliana Sosa