DOC - Credible Fear

Documentary Feature

Title: Credible Fear

TRT: 90:00:00

Project Status: In Production

Logline 

When Yojana, an asylum seeker, and Amy, an pro bono attorney, meet in the US’ largest immigrant family detention center, their lives become inextricably linked as they fight for Yojana’s case together. As their personal journeys unfold, the rarely seen intricacies of asylum are revealed.

Synopsis

In the heart of rural Guatemala, animated scenes portray Yojana's idyllic life—a devoted mother in a large, happy family. In the present, Yojana sits in a dim basement, reminiscing about a life disrupted.

In hand-drawn animation, Yojana's traumatic past unfolds—an oppressive work environment turns sinister, leading to abduction and abuse by a local gang. Her courageous escape culminates in the birth of her youngest daughter Andrea. Yojana makes the agonizing decision to seek asylum in the US and leave Andrea behind.

Amy, a successful attorney and mother, enters the story, compelled by the cruelty of family separation policies during the Trump era. Amy's immersion into the intricate asylum process sheds light on the dehumanizing journey. Yojana's credible fear interview becomes a pivotal moment, connecting the two women.

As the narrative spans years, Yojana and her daughter Fernanda navigate the uncertainties of seeking asylum. Amy advocates for change. Their friendship blooms amidst the challenges, with scenes of shared laughter and happiness.

Yojana's asylum case stagnates, adding to the toll on both women. Dark shadows emerge—the gang threatens Andrea. Amy grapples with her inability to act. The resumption of the Central American Minors Program offers a glimmer of hope.

The emotional journey intertwines the lives of Yojana and Amy, exploring themes of resilience, friendship, and the intricate web of the immigration system. The final scenes capture their families together in Cape Cod, highlighting the film's mission to demystify asylum seekers' stories and humanize a deeply politicized issue.

Additional Info

Previous pitching events & awards:

Logan Nonfiction Fellowship

DocShop Spring 22 and Spring 23

Hot Docs Deal Maker Pitching Forum

Finalist, Mountainfilm Emerging Filmmaker

Finalist BGDM x NBC

Pitch Stay Indie Project

Team

Director/Producer: Gabrielle Ewing

Producer: Azadeh Nikzadeh

Consulting Producer: Kimberly McFarland

Director of Photography: Katherine Castro

Editor: Anna Clare Spelman

Animator: Cassie Shao

Consultants: Rachel Nolan, Ph.D., Dominique Poirier Esq., Yael Schacher, Ph.D., Christina Lowery

Seeking

We are seeking production and post-production funds from investors and/or producing partners.

Rights Available

All rights

Project Website

http://www.crediblefearfilm.com/

Contact

Gabrielle Ewing

crediblefeardoc@gmail.com