John Caruso | Flawless Foundation
We had the incredible opportunity to attend the screening of America Unfiltered: Portraits and Voices of a Nation at the Kenneth Cole Gallery. This documentary is a powerful exploration of identity, mental health, and what it means to be an American today.
It was a profound experience to witness the impactful work of our very own scientific advisory board member, Dr. Marc Brackett, and his husband, co-director Horacio Marquinez, along with co-director Kirill Mylstev. Together, they presented a mosaic of stories and a powerful collage of Horacio’s black-and-white photos that truly encapsulated the spirit of the human experience.
The documentary centers around the question: What does it mean to be an American? and Do you consider yourself to be American? Each individual had a different perspective on their identity as Americans and as human beings. Some of the people who were interviewed are living with addiction with others wrestling with questions of forgiveness and self-worth. It also delves deep into many of the core issues we face as a nation, including mental health challenges, personal identity, and the resilience of the human spirit.
One recurring theme was the exploration of mental health challenges and the role they play in shaping our lives. We were especially moved by a poignant story that highlighted a man who spoke about being gay and struggling with suicidal thoughts—a battle so many of us face in silence. His journey was intertwined with alcoholism, shedding light on the complexities of our brains and the broken mental health care system. His story set the tone for a broader discussion on the impact of the mental health crisis across the country.
As their journey continued, Horacio and Kirill captured the realities of racial injustice in an up-close and personal way. They used their storytelling for activism to raise awareness and encourage racial justice discussions. One of the most impactful moments was the filmmakers’ support of a mother whose son was murdered. In a heartfelt gesture, they surprised her with large custom signs to help gather signatures for her petition to reopen her son’s case. Through these intimate interviews, the documentary revealed the deep-rooted challenges faced by Black Americans and the urgent need for justice. This film highlighted the strength, resilience, and determination at the core of this community. By weaving personal stories into the broader narrative of America, the filmmakers have created a deeply moving exploration of what it means to fight for justice and equality while ensuring that these important voices continue to echo across the nation.
The film also opened critical discussions about sexual identity. Many participants shared their personal journeys with self-acceptance, and there was an open dialogue on the intersection of mental health and LGBTQ+ experiences. This aspect of the film was particularly meaningful as Horacio brought an added layer of empathy to the conversations. His authenticity helped interviewees feel comfortable sharing their own truths, allowing for honest and vulnerable moments in front of the camera.
There were also moments of hope and redemption throughout the film. For many of the participants, hope became the key to overcoming immense challenges—whether it was through creative expression, finding new paths after addiction, or rebuilding their lives from the ground up. Their stories showed that no matter how difficult life can be, finding hope was the thread that carried them forward. A memorable quote towards the end summed it up beautifully: “Hope becomes reality.” This sentiment reminded us that no matter the challenges people face, hope is a driving force that can turn dreams into actions.
What made America Unfiltered even more remarkable was the journey of its directors. Horacio Marquinez, originally from Panama, and Kirill Mylstev from Russia, who managed to break cultural barriers in their filmmaking process. They didn’t know each other that well when they started but quickly bonded on their cross-country road trip in their red Mini Cooper. It seemed clear that their authenticity helped them gain the trust of Americans in small towns who opened their homes and shared their most intimate stories.
The willingness of these individuals to invite two filmmakers who appeared to be very different from them into their lives speaks to the universal power of storytelling and the shared human experience.
After the conclusion of the screening, Cynthia McFadden moderated a wonderful panel discussion. Horacio spoke about the importance of not judging others and the necessity of deep listening without bias. This approach is at the core of the documentary’s message—emphasizing the need for open dialogue and understanding which is essential as we navigate the divisiveness in our country, especially as we approach the upcoming Presidential election.
America Unfiltered was not only a thought-provoking film but also a call for compassion, understanding, and hope. It was a privilege for us to learn from these remarkable, creative geniuses. Their ambitious mission to bring these important stories to light that exemplify unity even with those who we may think are diametrically opposed is awe-inspiring. We are grateful for their dedication to reminding us of our common humanity through the unfiltered portrayal of the American experience.
PHOTO CREDIT: Sarah Waxberg
