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La Orquesta (POV Shorts)
22 min, 2025

Watch on PBS

A sought-after music teacher and conductor, Juana Alzaga sets out to create Georgia’s first youth orchestra for immigrant families. For most, this is their only opportunity for music education. “La Orquesta” follows Juana and her orchestra over the course of one school year as they navigate health challenges and increasing hostility toward immigrants, finding solace in music.

Role: Co-Director, Producer, Editor, Trailer Editor

Official Selection

DC/DOX Film Festival 2025
DOC NYC 2025
New Orleans Film Festival 2025
Twin Cities Film Festival 2025
Montclair Film Festival 2025
Sedona International Film Festival 2026 (Marion Hermann Award for Excellence in Filmmaking)
Lake Tahoe Documentary Film Festival 2026
Atlanta Film Festival 2026

Credits

Co-Directors, Producers, Editors: Stephanie Liu & Monica Villavicencio
Director of Photography: Kristian Melom
Additional Camera: Joey Kopanski
Original Score: Diego Rojas
Sound Mix: Rachel Saldivar
Color: Robert Arnold
Title & Poster Design: Isela Ashburn Quijas
Featuring: The Buford Highway Youth Orchestra

Press

Atlanta Journal Constitution: Amid immigration crackdown, a Buford Highway youth orchestra brings a refuge

WABE: ‘La Orquesta’ captures hidden Atlanta immigrant community

Georgia Public Broadcasting: Juana Alzaga dreamed up an orchestra for children of immigrants. Now there’s a film about it

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