Iliana Sosa, Filmmaker: Love, Loss, and Legacy in the Film What We Leave Behind
Art Heals All Wounds
12/07/22
•35m
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This week, I’m joined by Mexican American filmmaker Iliana Sosa to discuss her first feature documentary, What We Leave Behind. It’s a deeply moving portrait of her grandfather, Julian Moreno, the patriarch of her family, and serves as a beautiful tribute to his legacy.
During World War II, Julian Moreno came to the US as a seasonal agricultural worker as part of the Bracero Program, later returning to his home in Mexico to start a family. Sadly, Julian was widowed at an early age with seven children to raise. Iliana’s mother was the first of his children to immigrate to the US, leaving Mexico at the age of 14 to go to El Paso, where she eventually met Iliana’s father. In the subsequent years, Iliana’s grandfather frequently took the bus from his home in Durango, Mexico to Iliana’s home in El Paso, then on to Albuquerque to visit other relatives. His visits were always brief so that he could return home to care for his adult son with a disability.
Iliana’s initial plan was to make a documentary film about her grandfather’s time as a bracero, but as in many documentaries, the story takes a twist. The film chronicles his journey of constructing a house in Mexico at the age of 89, and the larger message of what that project meant for him and his family.
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Topics Covered:
● A brief synopsis of What We Leave Behind and why Iliana pursued this project
● How Iliana’s relationship with her grandfather changed over the course of filming
● Coming to terms with aging and things left undone at the end of your life
● The importance of family connection, particularly one with members on both sides of the US-Mexico border
● How capturing everyday life naturally crafted the storyline and portrait of Iliana’s grandfather
Guest Info:
● Watch What We Leave Behind on Netflix
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Previous Episode
Marcus Thompson is a long-time Golden State Warriors beat reporter and Bay Area News Group sports columnist and currently writes for The Athletic. Growing up, he was fascinated by two things: words and Bay Area sports teams. In our conversation, he highlights teachers and other adults in his life that encouraged him to lean into writing, including sportswriter Michael Silver.
From 1971 to 2019, the Warriors called Oracle Arena in Oakland home until moving to the swanky new Chase Center in San Francisco. Marcus notes that the brand of the Warriors was built on the accessible and communal nature of basketball and details the grassroots momentum of the team. He shares why he thinks the marketing and communication missteps have left fans feeling slighted, abandoned, and priced out of their beloved team.
We talk about how this uprooting parallels a lot of what’s happening in our community. I’ve been vocal about the shift in demographics, gentrification, and rising cost of living in the Bay Area, and as an Oakland native, Marcus has experienced it, too.
Finally, we discuss why it’s so valuable for young athletes to learn the art of storytelling. He explains what's required of them these days, including an element of branding and taking ownership over your narrative. Listen in to hear our conversation about how local sports teams often reflect the cultural dynamics of their community, and so much more.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Castbox, or on your favorite podcast platform.
Topics Covered:
● How Marcus became a sportswriter
● Ways that the Oakland sports teams mimic the story arc of Oakland, especially the Warriors
● Marcus’ take on the decision to move the Warriors from Oakland to San Francisco
● Solutions to bridge economic and cultural gaps in the Bay Area
● Why it’s so important for athletes to know how to articulate and express their story
Guest Info:
● Marcus Thompson - The Athletic
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● Art Heals All Wounds Website
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● Art Heals All Wounds Facebook
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Next Episode
Season 3 Finale: It's a Wrap!
December 14, 2022
•3m
Here we are, again. We have reached the end of another season of Art Heals All Wounds. I want to say how much I appreciate all of you for listening. The podcast has been growing and it's all thanks to you. I'll be back with a new season in February 2023. Until then, please keep in touch via any of the links below and if you have a favorite episode, please share it with a friend. Your support is what keeps the show growing.
Do you know an artist you'd like to see featured in the next season? You can reach me at arthealsallwoundspodcast.com
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Castbox, or on your favorite podcast platform.
Topics Covered:
● Giving thanks to all who contribute to the podcast and make it possible
● A special tribute to Pam’s Dad
● Thanks to you, the listeners!
Follow Me:
● Art Heals All Wounds Website
● Art Heals All Wounds Instagram
● Art Heals All Wounds Twitter
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