N.O. Inmigrantes is an original documentary series by Director/Producer Zandra Rivera that initially explores the tragedy, neglect, and inhumanity in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. What started out as a mission of compassion as Rivera took a trip to personally volunteer and offer her help and support to those living in the lower 9th Ward. Her mission was transformed into a compelling account of the untold stories of many Latino immigrants who were responsible for cleaning and rebuilding New Orleans. This personal journey expanded into Rivera’s further exploration of human injustices surrounding the important topic of immigration. She chose to document these experiences, to walk the walk, and talk the talk, as we witness through Rivera’s grueling 10 year journey up to today, the very complex world of immigration in the United States. Zandra finally discovers how these very real issues are now a global phenomenon. We uncover how humanity continues to suffer today in America and beyond. 

Painting by Cesar Conde

cesarcondeart.com

A note about the artist Cesar Conde:

A product of the Filipino diaspora, Conde landed in Chicago’s west side 40 years ago. He then moved to Seattle, where he participated in Seattle’s first school busing integration program. He resettled in the Windy City 28 years ago.
Conde is a contemporary painter who deals with relevant social issues. He is an artist and activist who believes that art is a powerful tool for social change. He tackles issues across color lines and communities. As an intersectional artist, Conde believes that we can create empathy, and with that, we can affect actions for the good of humanity. He studied at Angel Academy of Art in Florence, Italy. He also studied with the French master, Patrick Betaudier in his atelier in southern France and also with Ed Hinkley in Chicago.

Conde came to the states at the early age of nine on Chicago’s west side. The following year, Conde found himself in Seattle and became part of a desegregation program. It was in these early years when Conde experienced racism. Often bullied and picked on for his size, color, and accent, Conde relied on silence and invisibility. His strong black female principal and vice-principal realized the challenges of the few minorities in their middle school, they sent Conde along with other students of color to a “Race Camp” where he would soon be politicized. In “Race Camp”, Conde learned about the power of the vote, our voices mattered no matter who we are regardless of the color of our skin, our gender, or where we came from. This week long session about racism and it’s effects ignited Conde’s passion about art for social movement. He found his voice as he learned that “Voices unheard are useless.”

During college, Conde lived in Sevilla, Spain, and Guadalajara, Mexico. He attended demonstrations against Apartheid and had the privilege to ask the Rev. Demond Tutu a question during a tele-conference at the University of Washington.
Prior to becoming a full-time painter, Conde was performing with Pintig Cultural Group, a Filipino American Theatre Company based in Chicago where they tackled issues on immigration, identity, and diaspora. He served briefly as the executive director of the company and has performed with Rasaka Theater Company. Cesar has done various commercials as well as video and film work. As an out and proud member of the LGBTQ community, Conde is always conscious about the inequity and micro-aggressions we encounter on a daily basis. Though most of his works have a political and social justice undertone, Conde redeems the beauty of humanity. Forever hopeful that we can all get along and that ART can bring us together.