Film Update: unseen

POV’s Digital Curator Anthony Yooshin Kim caught up with unseen filmmaker Set Hernandez to provide a window into the making of their film and reflect on the journey since the cameras stopped rolling.

With POV’s Season 36 closer unseen, filmmaker Set Hernandez captures more than just the daily realities of Pedro, a blind, undocumented immigrant—it’s a vivid exploration of transformation and insight. Over seven years, what began as a film to alter perceptions about immigration and disability blossomed into an intimate narrative of vulnerability and the radical intersection of lived experiences. This profound evolution is evident not only in Pedro, the film’s central figure, but also in Hernandez, who embarked on the project as a young community organizer eager to make an impact.

Hernandez’s initial encounter with Pedro stemmed from their work in an advocacy program for undocumented young adults. Hernandez reflects on the initial stages of the film, noting, “I was a 23-year-old community organizer just six months into my job when I first met Pedro in 2015.” The original intent was to deliver a straightforward documentary about Pedro’s life. However, as they delved deeper, both Hernandez and Pedro uncovered layers of personal and collective challenges that reshaped the film’s direction and deepened their bond.

“It was going to be an observational portrait about my friend, Pedro, and his experience being a blind, undocumented immigrant,” Hernandez explained. This perspective shifted as they recognized that focusing solely on Pedro’s immigration status and disability would fail to capture the full richness of his story. This realization led them to broaden the narrative to include themes of identity, acceptance, and the often-unseen struggles that people endure.

The influence of various forms of art plays a significant role in shaping the narrative style of unseen. Hernandez shares, “A lot of the influence of making unseen actually did not come from other films, but rather poetry.” This inspiration is evident in the documentary’s approach, which encourages audiences to engage with the film on a deeper emotional level, much like the abstract and evocative nature of poetry allows. Influential poets such as Joy Harjo, Solmaz Sharif, Toni Morrison, Mary Oliver, and Ada Limón have profoundly impacted the thematic and aesthetic sensibilities of the film.

Growing up as an immigrant child in a household without cable, Hernandez’s early exposure to documentary filmmaking through PBS programs like Independent Lens, American Masters, and POV also significantly shaped their filmmaking approach. These programs introduced Hernandez to films that utilize intricate narrative and formal techniques, such as Nostalgia for the Light by Patricio Guzmán, Cameraperson by Kirsten Johnson, and North by Current by Angelo Madsen Minax—films that inspired them to create a documentary that not only tells a story but also invites viewers to actively engage with and interpret the visuals and sounds presented.

As the film progressed, unseen began to document its own creation, highlighting the evolving relationship between Hernandez and Pedro. Behind-the-scenes footage, initially considered peripheral, became central to depicting their mutual growth. Hernandez faced significant challenges as an undocumented filmmaker, which limited access to resources and funding. “One of the biggest perceived challenges in our filmmaking process also happens to be its biggest strengths,” Hernandez states. This spurred the formation of the Undocumented Filmmakers Collective, a platform that emphasizes the expertise of undocumented communities as artists, creators, and primary audiences.

Pedro’s involvement in the film has been deeply vital and collaborative. “Every major cut, he actually watched too, so that we can request his feedback,” Hernandez shared, highlighting the importance of authenticity and respect in the portrayal of Pedro’s life. This collaboration paid off when Pedro saw the film with an audience for the first time, affirming the project’s success in capturing his story. “Remember how you’d say I’m the only audience member you care about? That you want me to say: Set, you understood me, this film is about me? Well, Set: this film IS about me! You understood me!” Pedro remarked during the U.S. premiere at the 2023 LA Asian Pacific Film Festival.

Recently, Pedro recently won the International Rhoda G. Sarnat Award by the National Association of Social Workers “given to an individual, group, or organization that has significantly advanced the public image of professional social work.”

Looking forward, Hernandez hopes that unseen will continue to touch audiences. “What I want audiences to get from the film is how Pedro’s introspection and the emotions he experiences are probably similar to theirs. Just like Pedro is reminded that he doesn’t need to prove himself, I hope that audiences of our film remember: You are worthy. You are enough. You belong to the family of life,” Hernandez conveyed, hoping to foster a sense of belonging and validation.

Currently, Hernandez is working on new projects, including a documentary about the Pilipino diaspora to the United States and various scripted projects developed during the pandemic. Their ongoing commitment to storytelling and advocacy remains strong, fueled by both personal growth and the support of the community around them. Hernandez was also recently announced as one of five recipients of the Catapult Film Fund’s 2024 Research Grant, a six-month program that offers $10,000 USD and dedicated mentorship to U.S.-based filmmakers in the early conception phase of a documentary feature or short.

unseen stands as a testament to storytelling from and by communities otherwise marginalized by the dominant media landscape, not only to challenge societal narratives but also to heal and connect people across different walks of life. As Hernandez and Pedro continue to share their story, the documentary remains a vibrant example of how film can be a catalyst for understanding and change.

unseen premiered on Monday, March 18th and is available to stream through June 16th.