If You Could Walk in My Shoes

Gr 9 Up—This documentary is set in a New York City cobbler shop and focuses on the life of Roberto Marquez, an Ecuadorian immigrant. It opens with a brief introduction in English with Spanish subtitles, switching to Spanish with English subtitles as Roberto narrates his life story over the course of four years. He works in his shop while conversing with the interviewer, sharing his challenges, disappointments, joys, and dreams. He has lived in the United States for 14 years, working first as an employee and now as the proud owner of the shop and a beaming father of a new baby girl and U.S. citizen. At the same time, he and his wife work long hours, and he muses at what he has lost—moments with his daughter, and years where his high school sons still lived in Ecuador. At times, Roberto seems to be bolstering himself to accept his situation and the politics which prevent him from gaining legal status, noting the benefits of all the sacrifices for his family's future. He concludes with an expression of pride and satisfaction with who he is and what he has accomplished. Although this poignant film focuses on one immigrant story, it captures the struggles and successes that many have experienced in the States while also debunking negative stereotypes about Latino immigrants.