By: Frank Santos, Follow South Jersey Community Journalist
CAMDEN, N.J. — August in South Jersey was launched with the debut screening of Untold Stories in Camden, NJ which offered a powerful glimpse into the journeys of Dominican families whose lives have been shaped by migration, resistance, and a commitment to community.
The short documentary was directed by Ronald Estevez, a Camden native and Emmy award-winning producer with NFL Films that blended community testimony with historical context to create an incredible film. It connects the local to the global, tracing how the 1961 assassination of Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo sparked years of instability and mass migration, which eventually brought many Dominican families to Camden in search of safety and opportunity. These aren’t just stories about fleeing crises. Untold Stories is about what it means to rebuild, to organize, and to create a life rooted in pride, culture, and community.
The screening was hosted by Movimiento Tricolor, a local organization dedicated to uplifting the Dominican diaspora while addressing broader social and economic barriers across Camden. Their work centers on access, representation, and creating space for people to lead.
The film was created in collaboration with Stories Invincible, an initiative that uplifts narrative reporting by and for communities of color in South Jersey. Their mission is to support Camden-based storytellers who are filling gaps in coverage, reshaping how local stories are told, and building a stronger sense of collective belonging through media.
That evening, a few students from Movimiento’s Camden to Congress program helped support the event by welcoming guests and serving refreshments. The summer program is designed to give young people hands-on experience in civic engagement, connecting them with local organizers, elected officials, and public servants of color. Students build real-world skills in public speaking, advocacy, and community involvement. One participant, Angel, spent the summer attending webinars, volunteering at events, and learning how to make an impact through policy and public service.
This short film is an important moment for both the organization and the city, setting the stage for the continued growth that comes next. Movimiento Tricolor will follow it with Camden’s first Dominican Parade, a celebration designed to strengthen community pride and representation across the region. The event will bring floats, traditional music and dance, Dominican cuisine, local vendors, and a free concert to Wiggins Park.
Watch the full documentary by clicking here.
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