
Underwater Dreams, written and directed by Mary Mazzio, and narrated by Michael Peña, is an epic story of how the sons of undocumented Mexican immigrants learned how to build an underwater robot from cheap PVC parts. And defeat engineering powerhouse MIT in the process. Hailed by Jonathan Alter as "the most politically significant documentary film since Waiting for Superman (The Daily Beast); featured on the Colbert Report; called "astonishing... already a contender for the ... (Full plot summary below)
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Underwater Dreams, written and directed by Mary Mazzio, and narrated by Michael Peña, is an epic story of how the sons of undocumented Mexican immigrants learned how to build an underwater robot from cheap PVC parts. And defeat engineering powerhouse MIT in the process. Hailed by Jonathan Alter as "the most politically significant documentary film since Waiting for Superman (The Daily Beast); featured on the Colbert Report; called "astonishing... already a contender for the best documentary of 2014" (David Noh, Film Journal); "moving and insightful" (Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times) with similar reviews from the New York Times and others, Underwater Dreams was released theatrically on July 11 in Los Angeles, New York, and Phoenix with AMC Theatres. The project was announced by the White House; opened ClintonGlobal (with Chelsea Clinton moderating); and screened at the Aspen Ideas Festival (with Jonathan Alter moderating). The film, which is the centerpiece of NBCUniversal's new community engagement campaign focused on exciting the next generation of Hispanic students around engineering, is currently embarking upon a 100 city tour in partnership with AMC Theatres where non-profits and educators can bring large groups of students to their local AMC to see the film on the big screen. Free of charge. An educational initiative with NBCLearn is underway.
Leave your thoughts about Underwater Dreams.
| NonficsChristopher CampbellAs an underdog competition film, it lacks suspense yet wins in personality. When it becomes an issue doc focused on immigration, though, is where it's most triumphant. |
| Common Sense MediaSandie Angulo ChenInspiring story about an underdog high school robotics team. |
| Paste MagazineTom MeekUnderwater Dreams unfurls as a cautious American fable of sorts. |
| Los Angeles TimesGary GoldsteinWith the debate over America's unresolved immigration policies at fever pitch these days, the inspiring documentary "Underwater Dreams" makes for quite the timely entry. |
| The Hollywood ReporterJohn DeForeThough cheerful and highly polished, the doc's storytelling is less effective than it might've been, a failing balanced by the likability of its lead characters and the scrappy spirit of their project. |
| The New York TimesDavid DeWittModest yet meaningful, Underwater Dreams has a political point of view, shining light on underground Americans who deserve recognition. |
| Village VoiceAlan ScherstuhlThe film is dismayingly formless, every point is made too many times, and there's too little drama or revelation here. |
| User ReviewAJ AAmazing. Best documentary I've seen in a long time!!! |
| User ReviewJoel PIncredible documentary everyone should see. |
| User ReviewPrivate UFull disclosure: I appear in this film. Director Mary Mazzio profiles 4 students from a West Phoenix neighborhood and their two coaches who competed in a sophisticated underwater robotics tournament and won, against all odds. From there, the movie explores the lives of undocumented families living in Phoenix. This engaging and honest biography is a must-see. Please let me know what you think! - Julie Cameron, daughter of Dr. Allan Cameron |