together in Time: Alan Domínguez on teh Common Themes in his Films and Sundance Institute‘s support
By Alan Dominguez
Recently, I’ve been reflecting on the interwoven themes of time and community that run through my work as a filmmaker. While frequently enough presented as a constraint - “not the right time,” “things take too much time” – I’ve come to see time as a vital force for storytelling, a lens through which we can understand resilience and the urgency of action.
This realization has been especially potent as I collaborate with director Raúl Paz-Pastrana on Commerce City, a film documenting the impact of chemical exposure from a local oil refinery on a Colorado community.For decades, the residents of Commerce City have lived with the consequences of this environmental hazard, and the passage of time has tragically revealed the full extent of the damage.
However, Commerce City isn’t simply a chronicle of hardship. We are focused on capturing the community’s proactive response, their determination to build a better future. We recognize that time is critical – for the residents and their families, and for our team as we race to complete the film and spark change in other communities of color facing similar environmental racism.
The weight of time is also deeply present in my work on another project, Mujer Santuario (Sanctuary Woman). This film follows Jeanette Vizguerra, an undocumented immigrant who has spent the last eight years navigating a precarious existence, frequently enough living in the basement of a Denver church to remain with her children. Mujer Santuario highlights not only Jeanette’s unwavering commitment to her family and her only home, but also her tireless advocacy for others in similar circumstances. As of March 2025, Jeanette remains detained in an ICE facility, where time feels particularly oppressive.
I am incredibly grateful for the support of the Sundance Institute in bringing these stories to light. Their belief in our vision has been instrumental in allowing us to amplify the voices of these communities and to create films that, we hope, will inspire meaningful action. The Institute’s resources and guidance have been invaluable as we navigate the complexities of filmmaking and strive to tell these critically importent stories with the urgency and respect they deserve.
