Redención (Redemption)
Now Funding | Feature Film
Support redención
Step into the world of NYC’s most overlooked environmental heroes—undocumented canners—through the lens of bold storytelling and grassroots advocacy. Filmmakers Championing Legislation to Enhance the Redemption System and Improve the Quality of Life for Undocumented Canners in NYC is an inspiring documentary that chronicles the relentless efforts of Italian director Andrea and his dynamic team, Carlotta Parodi and Chaise Cortes De Vargas, as they embark on a transformative journey to fight for systemic reform.
Director's Vision
"Redención" (Redemption) envisions a world where the hidden struggles of the marginalized illuminate powerful stories of resilience, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment. Through the intimate journey of an undocumented immigrant in New York City, our documentary will reveal how daily acts of recycling—often overlooked—play a critical role in sustaining lives and our urban environment. By weaving together themes of survival, sustainability, and the dignity of hard work, we aim to inspire a renewed commitment to environmental justice and collective action, transforming discarded plastic into a symbol of hope and change for a cleaner, more equitable future.
— Andrea Vico, Director
Starting before dawn, a man walks through affluent neighborhoods of Williamsburg, rummaging through trash bins and dumpsters for 6-7 hours, determined to gather enough recyclables to trade for cash.
His destination: a redeeming center in Bushwick, where he earns a modest $40-50 a day.
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Their Story
For him like many other immigrants, these redemption programs are their only lifeline—a way to survive in a country where opportunities seem so abundant, yet are so hard to reach for some.
Yet, beyond the daily grind of collecting cans lies a deeper story
—one of resilience, dignity, and an ongoing fight for rights and recognition.
Beyond just exposure —it’s a mission for Rights.
This is Where Our Team Steps In
We challenge policymakers, pushing for legislative reform, to secure the rights and recognition these unsung heroes deserve.
With a powerful cinematic vision, redención transforms overlooked struggles into a compelling documentary—one that demands action, respect, and lasting change for those who sustain the city’s recycling system.
Support These Unsung Heroes
