New York, NY –
The documentary short “En Tiempo Prestado (In Borrowed Time)” from the acclaimed filmmaker Martin Blanco will premiere at the 2024 New York Latino Film Festival on September 20th, 2024.
The documentary tells the compelling story of Niurka Melendez, a Venezuelan mother, wife, community organizer, asylum-seeker, and forced migrant. Since she arrived in New York City, Niurka has tirelessly worked through her organization, Venezuelans and Immigrants Aid (VIA), to support forced migrants while awaiting the result of her asylum application, which she submitted over eight years ago.
Martin Blanco, who first met Niurka when her son acted in his film “NIKKI,” was drawn to her unwavering passion and determination. Reflecting on their reunion, Martin says, “The more time I spent getting to know Niurka through her work, the more I became enamored with the passion with which she speaks, with her vision to create a welcoming community for forced migrants, and with her strength to be able to do it all despite still being uncertain about her own future in the US.”
Niurka and her husband, Héctor Arguizones, express gratitude for the opportunity to share their story through the documentary. “For VIA, this represents an opportunity to tell the story of its foundation, which inspired us and continues to drive us to this day,” they say. They believe Niurka’s journey echoes the experiences of countless displaced Venezuelans striving to rebuild their lives worldwide. Niurka, who selflessly shares her knowledge with newly arrived immigrants, embodies the belief that “individual progress turns into collective progress when that is the sincere intention.”
The film’s team includes talented contributors, including Martin Blanco, the writer, director, and producer; Rebecca Swaggart, the producer; Cristina Bevia, the cinematographer; Ben Nissim, the editor; and Nick Mastorakis, who oversees sound design and mixing. Clayton Stansberry composed the documentary’s music. Blanco also states, “A special acknowledgment goes to Venezuelans and Immigrants Aid (VIA) for their invaluable contribution.”
The screening will be followed by a post-film conversation, allowing the audience to engage directly with the filmmakers and the documentary’s subjects. Tickets for the event can be purchased through the New York Latino Film Festival website: nylatinofilmfestival.com.
The special screening and a post-film conversation of “En Tiempo Prestado (In Borrowed Time)” will be held at 5:30 pm on Friday, September 20th, 2024, at the Union Square Regal Cinemas in Manhattan, New York.
To learn more about Venezuelans and Immigrants Aid, visit vianyc.org.