From Arrival to Agency: Recapping the Sold-Out Premiere of Nuestro Norte at MSPIFF45
- May 4
- 5 min read
The energy inside The Main Cinema on April 18th became an assembly of intention, where our stories met the collective power of our people.
As the lights dimmed in Theater 4 for the world premiere of Nuestro Norte at the 45th Minneapolis Saint Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF45), our uniquely assembled audience transformed the experience into a sanctuary of shared witness. Every person present was a living extension of the stories unfolding on screen—a convening of collective poder that signaled a definitive shift in Minnesota’s systems of visibility. Standing as a centerpiece for the festival’s "Collective Action Day," the screening served as a powerful testament to the hunger for authentic stories of Latinidad.
Before the first frame appeared, we were honored to receive a warm welcome from Susan Smoluchowski, Executive Director of the MSP Film Society. Her opening remarks set a powerful tone for the morning, officially ushering Nuestro Norte into the festival. Her presence underscored the weight of this film, not just as a local project, but as a vital contribution to the broader cinematic landscape of Minnesota.
The Evolution: From Digital Archive to Cinematic Movement
Nuestro Norte was born on the roads of Greater Minnesota. During our Statewide Listening Tour, we discovered a 'connectivity gap'—incredible work happening in silos. We evolved from our 2020 digital archives into a cinematic movement because our stories deserve the dignity of the big screen to transition us from a narrative of arrival to a narrative of agency.
Nuestro Norte is not your typical documentary. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Martín Blanco, this 27-minute cinematic portrait marks a significant evolution from LatinoLEAD’s 2020 Voices series. It transforms community stories into a bold narrative of belonging, ownership, and agency.
The film moves beyond the traditional "narrative of arrival" that has historically defined the experience of Latinidad nationwide, but also in the Midwest. Instead, it invites viewers into a landscape of rootedness. "This film is a bold reclamation of the term ‘El Norte’," noted Melissa Gonzalez Vazquez, Executive Producer and Communications & Community Engagement Manager at LatinoLEAD. "It champions our narrative from one of arrival and seeking to one of transcendence."
As Minnesota currently navigates the complexities of Operation Metro Surge, this reclamation of 'El Norte' has evolved from a creative project into an essential bridge. The film serves as a reminder that the influx of new arrivals isn't a "crisis" to be managed, but a continuation of a century-long legacy. By centering rootedness, we ensure that as the state looks toward our neighbors, they are seen through an asset-based lens—not as perpetual newcomers, but as the next generation of owners and leaders who have always been part of Minnesota’s fabric. By interweaving symbolic fiction and magical realism with the lived experiences of our storytellers, Nuestro Norte proves that the vibrancy of the recently arrived and the wisdom of our deeply interwoven leaders are two sides of the same powerful coin. This film is the tool we need right now to shift the conversation from a narrative of "arrival" to one of shared agency.
Our Storytellers: The Faces of Leadership
The heart of the film lies in the stories of five community leaders from across the metro and Greater Minnesota, each representing a unique facet of our collective influence:
Patricia Tototzintle: Former CEO of Esperanza United and a fierce matriarchal justice advocate.
Tahiel Jimenez Medina: Queer filmmaker and founder of the creative collective Mamá Papaya.
Aiyana Sol Machado: Afro-Indigenous healer, educator, and cultural strategist.
Dr. Otto Sánchez: Senior Scientist and dedicated advocate for immigrants in STEM.
Jessica Lee Velasco: A third-generation Chicana organizer deeply rooted in the Worthington community.
While the film is a masterclass in artistry, its impact is rooted in strategic community guidance. We want to extend a special thank you and recognition to the Nuestro Norte Task Force. This committee of visionary leaders served as our compass from the early days through the final edit. Their dedication ensured that this project remained a true reflection of our community's assets, providing the necessary insight to turn a cinematic vision into a tool for systemic influence.
Dr. Jessica Lopez Lyman: Associate Professor in the Department of Chicano and Latino Studies at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.
Elsa Vega Perez: Philanthropy and Non-profit Organizational Consultant.
Sandy Vargas: Senior Executive and former President and CEO of The Minneapolis Foundation.
Xavier Tavera Castro: Assistant Professor of Art, Art and Art History at Carleton College.
“Seeing our community portrayed with such dignity helped me realize that our leadership isn't a future goal; it's our current reality.”
— Carla Martinez, Premiere Attendee
Collective Action in Real Time
Following the screening, the theater transitioned into a profound space for dialogue. The panel discussion brought together the visionaries behind the project to dive deep into the film’s purpose:
Opening Host: Melissa Vazquez, Executive Producer, LatinoLEAD
Moderator: Kevin Lindsey | Executive Producer, CEO of Minnesota Humanities Center
Panelist: Irma Márquez Trapero | Executive Producer, CEO of LatinoLEAD
Panelist: Martín Blanco | Writer and Film Director
Panelist: Tahiel Jimenez Medina | Storyteller and Executive Director of Mamá Papaya
The conversation focused on narrative sovereignty—the right for our community to tell our own stories on our own terms. As MHC CEO Kevin Lindsey shared, “Film is a powerful storytelling medium that can help people explore new perspectives and facilitate social change.”
By reflecting on history, innovation, and intergenerational ties, the panel made one thing certain: when we stop being characters in someone else’s script and start being the authors of our own, we shift the very systems of influence in our state. This isn't just about film; it's also a leadership tool. Narrative sovereignty is the foundation of workforce development. When our community see themselves as the authors of the state's narrative, we gain the agency to take up space in boardrooms, policy circles, and executive leadership roles.
The Momentum Continues: Join Us for the Encore
While the MSPIFF45 premiere sold out in record time, the journey of Nuestro Norte is only beginning. This project—made possible by the generous support of the Northwest Area Foundation and the Minnesota Legislature’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund—is built to be a tool for systemic change.
To build on this incredible momentum, we are hosting a Community Screening and Celebration at The Heights Theater this Summer. This event is designed as a space for our broader network, families, and partners to gather, reflect, and organize.
When: May 20, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: The Heights Theater, Columbia Heights
Featuring: A panel discussion with the filmmaker, storytellers, and community leaders.
Seats are filling fast. We encourage you to visit the [MHC Website] to register and secure your place in this ongoing movement.
If you are unable to attend either of these events, please contact us at info@latinoleadmn.org to learn more about hosting a screening at your local community center or Employee Resource Group (ERG)!
About the Partners
LatinoLEAD is the largest network of Latine professionals in Minnesota, representing over 4,000 leaders. We serve as a bridge between community talent and institutional power to drive collective action.
The Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC) strengthens our society by promoting the humanities and increasing shared understanding of our collective pasts.
This project is made possible in part by the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment, ensuring that the arts and cultural heritage of all Minnesotans are preserved and celebrated.
