3 Thousand Letters will be feature documentary exploring the complexity of U.S. immigration laws through the story of JP, a Brazilian immigrant who arrived in 1999.
After years of dead ends with lawyers, he took matters into his own hands—writing 3,179 letters to the White House, pleading for amnesty and reform. He knows real change takes more than letters, but he refuses to stay silent.
The hard truth is that we, immigrants, built houses on the beach with sand, and now the waves are crashing in.
There wasn’t much of an inspection, and we saw others doing it. We always thought that eventually, we would get stakes to firm up those houses, but here we are now.
Through art, we have the power to inform, create order, and shape perception.
– Lyria Garcia
THE DOCUMENTARY
Objectives
The documentary will take a deep dive into how the United States became a home for millions of undocumented immigrants. One can only ask, how?
How are undocumented people able to:
Open businesses
Buy houses
Pay taxes
Build Communities
And yet not be able to become legal immigrants?
Surprised?
I hope to shed light on the complexity of the immigration policy.
A Feature Documentary
Untold Stories: The Reality of Undocumented Life in America
This documentary will take you beyond the headlines, revealing the real lives of immigrants whose stories challenge stereotypes and reshape the conversation on immigration.
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The DACA Generation
Once children, now adults. After 13 years under the program, what has DACA truly meant for them? If DACA ends, does the US lose nurses, teachers…the professionals that advanced with the policy?
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From Struggle to Success
Hard work and resilience have propelled some immigrants to extraordinary success. Meet self-made multimillionaires.
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The Mixed-Status Family Struggle
What happens when parents are undocumented, but their children are U.S. citizens?
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Beyond the Stereotypes
Cleaners? Farmworkers? Restaurant Staff? Think again. This documentary will showcase the diverse, skilled, and essential work undocumented immigrants perform in sectors such as: finance, health and wellness, beauty and sales.
With identities protected for safety, these stories will be told with honesty, heart, and a powerful message: immigration isn’t one-dimensional. It’s time to see the full picture.
JP wrote 10x more letters to The White House than Noah wrote to Allie in the movie The Notebook. Now, that’s a love story.
How can I not make a documentary about that?
– Lyria Garcia
Why Am I the One to Lead This Documentary?
Because this isn’t just a film to me—it’s my community, my story, my purpose and my country. I’m Lyria Garcia, a Brazilian filmmaker who is dedicated to bringing the immigrant experience to the screen.
As a writer, director, and producer, I have dedicated my work to telling the stories of my people. My short films, Waysland (watch it here) and Peter’s Plan, highlight the struggles, resilience, and triumphs of the Latino immigrant community in the U.S. My commitment has been recognized in LA, New York, Canada, and Atlanta,
Beyond the accolades, my true success is in giving my community a voice.
At the heart of my films are themes of friendship, trust, perseverance, and the shared journey between immigrants and the North Americans who have supported us.
I am as much for the immigrants as I am for the Americans who have stood by us.
And most importantly, for those who don’t truly know who we are. I hope this documentary opens their eyes because, in the end, we all want the same thing.
This documentary is a natural extension of my mission—to uncover the truth, challenge misconceptions, and honor the resilience of those who, despite the odds, keep pushing forward.
Ink meets film!
He’s doing what he can. And now, so am I.
This documentary is a way of taking action—of pulling back the curtain on the immigration system’s complexities, asking the hard questions, and seeking real answers.
Real answers.
Are immigrants contributing members of society or a strain on the system? Do they truly have access to benefits, or is that a misconception? Let's uncover the truth.
Immigration has been a heated topic for decades, but never has it been this present—on the news, in politics, and at dinner tables across the country.
Now is the time
But this is more than just a film.
It’s a cause.
A chance to bridge understanding and bring people together.
Decades of political inaction have left millions in limbo, families divided, and workers exploited. Now, the pressure is at a breaking point. Immigration is no longer a distant policy debate—it’s an urgent reality shaping our communities, economy, and national security.
This documentary isn’t about politics—it’s about people. The DACA recipients who are now adults. The undocumented parents raising U.S. citizen children. The immigrant entrepreneurs driving the economy. The essential workers keeping this country running. Immigration isn’t just about those seeking a better life—America needs them too.
As an immigrant, filmmaker, and storyteller, I have a responsibility to shed light on the truth. We must pull back the curtain, challenge misconceptions, and spark conversations that move beyond party lines.
We cannot afford to wait. The system isn’t settling—it’s unraveling. This documentary isn’t just timely—it’s necessary.
The time for change is now.
Meet the Team
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Lyria Garcia
Director - Writer
A Brazilian filmmaker, writer, and director dedicated to telling the untold stories of immigrants, with a focus on the resilience, struggles, and triumphs of the Brazilian community in the U.S. Her work blends powerful storytelling with a fresh perspective, shifting the narrative beyond hardship to highlight the undeniable contributions of immigrants to American society. Her short films, Waysland and Peter’s Plan, have earned recognition in LA, New York, Canada, and Atlanta, showcasing her ability to create meaningful, thought-provoking cinema.
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Join the team
Producer
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José Duarte
Cinematographer
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José Castillo
Editor
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Excited to announce it soon
JOIN US
Be Part of this cause—The Time is Now!
They say it takes a village, but for this, it will take an entire country.
We are at the start of something big—something that will challenge perceptions, spark real conversations, and push for a future that is fair, informed, and prosperous for everyone. Immigration isn’t just a political issue; it’s an American story, and now is the time to tell it.
This documentary is in its early stages, and we need passionate people to help bring it to life.
Can you lend your expertise, your time, your talent, or your influence?
Whether you’re a storyteller, an activist, a business leader, or someone who simply cares, your voice matters.
Understanding where we are today will shape where we go tomorrow. Let’s be the ones who start the conversation, shift the narrative, and demand a system that works for all.
Are you in? Let’s make history together.
Wondering why we need financial contributions for 3 Thousand Letters?
Our plans is attract big name streamer like Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hulu, so the production quality has to meet standards. We need to initially raise 50 thousand dollars.
Here is how your contribution will help:
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Research & Story Development – Background research, interviews, and scriptwriting.
Legal & Rights Clearances – Copyrights, releases, music licensing, archival footage.
Pitch Materials – Sizzle reels, treatments, proposals for funding.
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Travel & Location Scouting – Site visits, permits, and securing access to key locations.
Crew Hiring – Director, producer, cinematographer, sound, editor, production assistant.
Equipment Rental or Purchase – Cameras, lenses, lighting, sound gear, drones.
Scheduling & Logistics – Coordinating interviews, securing permissions.
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Crew Salaries & Fees – Day rates for key personnel.
On-Set Expenses – Transportation, lodging, meals for crew and subjects.
Permits & Insurance – Liability insurance, location fees.
Production Design – Set pieces, props, wardrobe if needed.
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Editing – Editor fees, software, equipment.
Sound Design & Mixing – Audio cleanup, music composition, licensing.
Color Correction & Visual Effects – Enhancing footage quality.
Transcription & Subtitling – For accessibility and international distribution.
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Film Festival Fees – Submission costs for festivals.
Publicity & Marketing – Trailers, posters, press kits, PR campaigns.
Distribution & Licensing – Streaming platforms, theatrical release, community screenings.
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Unexpected Costs – Emergency reshoots, legal fees, extra production days.
Administrative Costs – Office expenses, website, promotional materials.
Wondering why we need financial contributions for 3 Thousand Letters?
Our goal is to attract major streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu, so the production quality MUST meet industry standards.
We need to initially raise 50 thousand dollars.
Here is how your contribution will help:
-
Research & Story Development – Background research, interviews, and scriptwriting.
Legal & Rights Clearances – Copyrights, releases, music licensing, archival footage.
Pitch Materials – Sizzle reels, treatments, proposals for funding.
-
Travel & Location Scouting – Site visits, permits, and securing access to key locations.
Crew Hiring – Director, producer, cinematographer, sound, editor, production assistant.
Equipment Rental or Purchase – Cameras, lenses, lighting, sound gear, drones.
Scheduling & Logistics – Coordinating interviews, securing permissions.
-
Crew Salaries & Fees – Day rates for key personnel.
On-Set Expenses – Transportation, lodging, meals for crew and subjects.
Permits & Insurance – Liability insurance, location fees.
Production Design – Set pieces, props, wardrobe if needed.
-
Editing – Editor fees, software, equipment.
Sound Design & Mixing – Audio cleanup, music composition, licensing.
Color Correction & Visual Effects – Enhancing footage quality.
Transcription & Subtitling – For accessibility and international distribution.
-
Film Festival Fees – Submission costs for festivals.
Publicity & Marketing – Trailers, posters, press kits, PR campaigns.
Distribution & Licensing – Streaming platforms, theatrical release, community screenings.
-
Unexpected Costs – Emergency reshoots, legal fees, extra production days.
Administrative Costs – Office expenses, website, promotional materials.
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