CAAMFest 2026 showcases poignant documentaries that explore the immigrant experience, revealing the deep-rooted memories and struggles that shape identities across generations.
As the immigrant experience is often likened to the life of trees—transplanted and uprooted—this metaphor resonates deeply with those navigating new landscapes. The journey of finding one’s place in a foreign environment is akin to “growing roots.” Immigrants frequently adapt and assimilate, pruning aspects of themselves to fit in—whether by securing employment, forging new friendships, or mastering a new language. However, this process comes at a cost. The histories we leave behind and the parts of ourselves we suppress leave indelible marks, akin to the calluses that form on both humans and trees as they heal from wounds through compartmentalization.
While immigrants strive to create homes for their children, the younger generation often perceives the remnants of their parents’ pasts. They notice the calluses, the compartmentalization, and the shadows of histories that linger. These shadows seep into their lives like sticky sap, prompting them to dig into the hidden compartments of their parents’ experiences.
This theme of excavation and discovery is central to several compelling documentaries featured at CAAMFest 2026, taking place from May 7 to May 10 in San Francisco. The festival highlights the complexities of belonging and identity through the lens of immigrant narratives.
One of the standout films, Traces of Home by Colette Ghunim, delves into the emotional landscape of family and memory. In a poignant moment, Ghunim asks her brother if he ever felt at home in their own house. His hesitant response speaks volumes about the underlying sadness that permeated their childhood, despite their parents’ efforts to provide a “simple, safe, American” upbringing. To confront her feelings of rage and sadness, Ghunim embarks on two journeys: one to Safed, Palestine, to explore her father Hosni’s childhood home, and another to Mexico City to visit her mother’s ancestral home, which they fled due to her father’s abusive behavior. The film artfully intertwines home video footage captured by her father with contemporary scenes, creating a deeply moving narrative about the search for belonging.
Similarly, The Gas Station Attendant by Karla Murthy explores the complexities of familial relationships through the lens of her father, H.N. Shantha Murthy. The film captures his relentless drive to provide for the family, which often manifested in a series of business ventures, including a stint as a gas station attendant. In a role reversal, Murthy becomes her father’s confidante, documenting his childhood stories from the streets of Bangalore and his journey to America. Through home videos and personal reflections, the film serves as a haunting tribute to a man whose vibrant personality left a lasting impact on his daughter, even as she grappled with feelings of inadequacy in supporting him.
The documentary The Dao of Thao follows performer Thao P. Nguyen as she navigates the complexities of motherhood while grappling with her identity. The film presents an intimate portrayal of Thao’s experiences as she seeks to belong while also rebelling against the various labels imposed upon her—mother, sister, daughter, artist, Asian, American, and queer. Through a blend of comedy and drama, Thao confronts her anxieties and the overwhelming sense of “not enough” that often accompanies her roles. The documentary highlights the power of art as a medium for discussing difficult topics that are often left unspoken.
CAAMFest 2026 promises to be a poignant exploration of the immigrant experience, showcasing how memories and histories shape identities across generations. The festival runs from May 7 to May 10, 2026, with ticket prices ranging from $13 to $80. For more information on tickets and programming, visit CAAMFest.com.
These documentaries not only illuminate the challenges faced by immigrants but also celebrate the resilience and strength that emerge from their stories, making them essential viewing for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of identity and belonging.
According to India Currents, the festival will feature a diverse range of films that resonate with the immigrant experience.