Major award shows play a crucial role in shaping American cultural identity. They reflect societal values, define significant entertainment trends, and have the power to influence public perspectives on history and current events. Among these shows, the Oscars stand as the most prestigious, having been held since 1929. The 97th Academy Awards included several films that directly addressed contemporary issues like human movement and migration, offering a human-centered view of topics often oversimplified in mainstream discourse. One film, A Lien, powerfully portrays the struggles faced by mixed-status families in the U.S. today.
A Lien, a 13-minute film nominated for Best Live Action Short Film, follows a family attending a required immigration appointment to adjust the father’s status. While he is inside the interview with his young daughter, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrives and begins detaining people. The film shifts between the parents’ fear and desperation and the young daughter’s innocent understanding of the situation. As the family’s future hangs in the balance, the story builds a sense of anxiety that mirrors the everyday reality many families face. It ends with a chilling reminder that ICE often arrests undocumented individuals during mandatory interviews and appointments.
The title A Lien is a deliberate play on words, highlighting how immigrants in the U.S. are assigned an “alien registration number,” while also suggesting that when families are torn apart, there’s a “lien” placed on their loved ones and possessions. Completed in 2022 and first shown publicly in 2023, the film’s 2025 Oscar nomination comes at a critical time in the U.S., where heightened threats of mass deportations have created a climate of fear. This has led children to stay home from school, adults to miss work and medical appointments, and families to attend church virtually to avoid detection. The film’s portrayal of these struggles has led the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to collaborate with the filmmakers as part of a campaign to protect immigrant rights.
Jessica Waits, Director of Artists and Entertainment at the ACLU, told Variety, “We know the harrowing story in ‘A Lien’ is happening all over our country. By developing impact campaigns like this, we give people a glimpse of what is happening in our country and humanize the lives of immigrants to create systemic change.” This partnership has turned the film into more than just a piece of art; it is now a tool for advocacy, using storytelling to challenge policies and narratives that harm immigrant communities.
This year’s Oscar nominations reflect a growing demand for films that explore complex, lived experiences, moving beyond binary political debates. In a time when the concept of belonging in the U.S. is being questioned, films like A Lien offer a powerful counterpoint. By amplifying such stories, the Oscars not only recognize artistic achievement but also elevate voices and experiences that might otherwise remain unheard. These films remind us of the power of cinema to shape public conversations and inspire change.
A Lien is available to watch for free on Vimeo. Viewers should note that its portrayal of family separation and deportation may be emotionally triggering.
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