Almost American

At a moment when immigration dominates the national conversation, Almost American asks a profound question: what does it truly mean to belong?

Join us for a screening

Dreamers Under Threat:
Reflecting on 14 Years of DACA

Join the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, the offices of Representative Sylvia Garcia and Representative Mike Levin, in cooperation with FWD.us and United We Dream, for an event honoring the 14th Anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

The event will be held on Tuesday, June 16th between 12:30-2 PM in the Congressional Visitor’s Center (HVC 215)and will feature a screening of the acclaimed short documentary Almost American, followed by a panel discussion on the history of DACA, the movement that shaped it, and the challenges Dreamers and the DACA program continue to face today.

RSVP is required for non-congressional attendees.

RSVP NOW

Immigration is the most important policy issue of our time.

This short documentary grounds our nation’s contentious debate through the lived experience of Sam Soliman, one of many DACA recipients living in the United States. Sam’s story is at once singular and universal: a portrait of resilience in the face of loss, and a reminder that behind every policy are lives suspended between hope and despair.

Meet the Team

Saritha Rothermel

CO-DIRECTOR

Saritha Rothermel is a Thai-American filmmaker and licensed professional counselor whose work sits at the intersection of healing and storytelling. Saritha specializes in working with young people facing trauma, suicide risk, and post traumatic stress, which brings a profound depth of empathy and psychological insight to her filmmaking.
This film marks her directorial debut, where she blends her clinical expertise with a cinematic lens to illuminate the complexities of identity, resilience, and the human spirit.
Samuel Soliman

CO-DIRECTOR

Samuel Soliman is an impact driven photographer, director, and mental health advocate whose work is rooted in resilience and the pursuit of justice. For nearly a decade, he has used visual storytelling to amplify underrepresented voices and inspire meaningful change. Sam’s most personal work emerges from his own life: as a DACA recipient navigating an uncertain future and as a son grappling with the sudden deportation of his mother. By turning the camera on himself, he confronts the intimate realities of immigration in America with raw honesty and courage. His story, unfolding at a moment when the nation is reckoning with the politics of belonging, reflects both the urgency of the present and the power of film to humanize the headlines.
ADRIAN SELKOWITZ

PRODUCER
Adrian is an American film director, cinematographer and commercial producer. After founding his production company Cowboy Bear Ninja in 2011, Adrian created the Red Bull TV/Netflix series Liquid Science with GZA of the Wu Tang Clan, which explored the connection between arts, science and music through the language of hip hop. He then served as executive producer on TruTV's Paid Off with Michael Torpey, a dark comedy game show calling attention to the student loan debt crisis that FastCompany called, “the most 2018 TV ever”.
Throughout his 25+ years behind the camera, Adrian has shot and directed numerous narrative films, ad campaigns, documentaries, and branded content videos. He loves the opportunity to give voice to the voiceless and works to channel that energy into his many collaborations.
BAKTASH AHADI

PRODUCER
Baktash Ahadi is two-time Emmy® Award–winning filmmaker. Through his directing, producing, and writing, he brings to life stories that illuminate the human condition—stories that capture the power of hope, resilience, friendship, especially within contexts of conflict, loss, and love.
His award-winning films have been showcased at notable festivals such as Tribeca, SXSW, Telluride, Toronto Film Festival (TIFF), and DOC NYC, collecting multiple Jury and Audience Awards, Peabody Awards, and multiple Emmys. Two of his films have also made it onto the Oscars shortlist, underscoring his dedication to creating work that resonates deeply with audiences around the globe.
EVAN WERNER

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Evan is a Brooklyn based Director of Photography and hot sauce enthusiast. He fell in love with visual storytelling from a young age. A camera in his hands feels like an extension of what he sees. He works on a range of productions from Documentaries, Music Videos, Commercials, and Union Feature Films. He’s done it and lived to tell the tale.
But he just isn’t limited to New York. Evan travels all around the country. From the marshes of Louisiana to the cliffs of the West Coast. Evan goes where the story is.
MICHAEL ROTHERMEL

EDITOR
Michael makes films with the belief that a good story can change you. His career as a filmmaker has taken him from Rwanda to Times Square. His work has been featured on PBS, Universal, and SXSW.
Michael co-founded CHAIYO, an editorial studio focused on telling stories that spark empathy. goes here
Jasmine Hawamdeh

IMPACT PRODUCER
Jasmine Hawamdeh is an impact producer, artist, designer, and emerging filmmaker whose work sits at the intersection of storytelling, community engagement, and social change. Through film, illustration, and multidisciplinary design, she develops campaigns and creative projects that connect audiences to stories rooted in identity, belonging, and justice.
Her work is guided by a belief that storytelling can foster empathy, deepen understanding, and inspire action.

Life in Limbo

DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) is an immigration program that provides temporary relief from deportation and work authorization for children of immigrants without a documented status. DACA recipients were brought to this country as children. Most have spent the majority of their lives in the United States and have little to no connection with their country of origin.

America is the only home they know, yet, their life and future in this country is not guaranteed. They exist in limbo, having to renew their temporary status on a 2-year cycle.

AS OF 2023 THERE ARE AROUND 600,000 DACA RECIPEINTS LIVING IN AMERICA.

As of today, there is no pathway to citizenship for immigrants under this program.

Real change starts with understanding — and grows through collective action. Here are ways you can support Dreamers and be part of a more informed and engaged community.

Take Action.

Learn the Facts.

Understanding the reality Dreamers face is the first step toward meaningful civic engagement. Explore resources that explain how DACA works, the risks recipients face, and why long-term solutions matter.

Learn About DACA