Not a U.S. Citizen, co-directed by Gabrielle A. Fa’ai’uaso and John “Niko” Patu.
Explore the debate around the unique legal status of American Samoa, a U.S. territory whose residents are not U.S. citizens, and as a result, retain Indigenous ownership over their land. Two American Samoans share their opposing viewpoints: a traditional chief who wants to maintain the status quo and a U.S. Marine veteran who believes in the right to citizenship for his people. Both perspectives bring forward questions about American Samoans’ relationship to land, family, and identity.
Watch as beach-goers, protestors, performance artists, and scientists come together to protect Escambrón Beach in San Juan, Puerto Rico, making the case for why this public space is vital to the well-being of the people and marine life that intermingle on its shores.