Initially our intent was to make a documentary on the history of the Puerto Ricans. We realized the enormity of that project and decided then to make a documentary that focused on the 1966 Division Street Riots. As we proceeded to write the script and talk with people, we realized the importance of enlarging the scope of the project. Thus we opted to put together a project that not only spoke of the struggles, like the riots, but also answered important questions such as: who are Puerto Ricans? Where did they come from? Why did they come to the U.S.? What hardships did they encounter? And what have they contributed to their respective communities?

A lot of people are in the dark about who Puerto Ricans are. We think that's true of the general masses as well as young Puerto Ricans. Many people assume we are immigrants and do not know the rich cultural history of Puerto Rico. In view of this, we were determined for “Chicago's Puerto Rican Story” to answer these questions. The documentary serves to educate Latinos about the Diaspora in Chicago and the United States.

We also had a personal interest in making this film because we are children of migrants. In telling their stories we also tell our own. Antonio's father, for example, migrated to the U.S. in the 1940's and traveled to New Jersey as a migrant worker to pick produce. He later moved and settled in Chicago and raised a family. Gloricelly and her immediate family migrated from Puerto Rico to Chicago in 1982.

The biggest challenge we faced was the fact that Puerto Rican history in Chicago is not well archived or documented. There is no one central location where you can go to view pictures, films and/or documents pertaining to the early arrival or settlement of Puerto Ricans in Chicago. Consequently, locating authentic archive footage and photographs was not only difficult but also costly.

Another challenge we faced was slight apprehension about talking about the past and the political questions always came up. Many people asked: “What camp are you with? Whose side are you going to tell? Are you with the independent, popular or republican side of Puerto Rican politics?” We were fortunate to have worked on other projects in the Puerto Rican community and after explaining the focus of the project, people understood that we were approaching our work with an unbiased opinion.

We wanted to produce a film that was historically accurate; to produce a work that was faithful to the memories of the people who came, worked and lived through trying times and most importantly to produce a film that would get people thinking and talking about the events that helped shape the Puerto Rican community in Chicago. The film, “Chicago's Puerto Rican Story” helps viewers understand the Puerto Rican Diaspora in Chicago and the United States.

During the early phases of the production, we realized that Puerto Ricans shared many commonalities with other ethnic groups that immigrated to the U. S. Ultimately, we want viewers of all nationalities to understand and realize the semblance they have with other people groups. The early stories of people coming and struggling in America are similar to other ethnic groups. A new life, a new language, a new culture; its shocking and difficult for everyone no matter how it's translated. Beyond these points, we wanted the film to provide attention, and give visibility, to the many contributions made by Puerto Ricans in Chicago.

The footage was acquired from the archives of a local and privately owned archive facility located in Chicago. We were also able to get access to personal vintage films from friends.

Because we are both from Chicago, we already knew and had previously worked with Puerto Rican residents, community leaders and activists in other projects. Therefore, they were very open to sharing their experiences with us. Also, this is the first documentary that highlights Chicago's Puerto Rican history. A lot of people were excited about the attention the film would bring to the Puerto Rican community of Chicago. They understood early on how important this film would be in the area of educating the masses. Many people thought it has been a long time coming.

Consequently, we approached each interview with a set of prepared questions, but always left room to allow the interviewee to go wherever s/he wanted to take us. Often times this strategy provided the most valuable insights. Many of the people we interviewed were remarkably candid and remembered with great detail their experience of migrating, settling, struggling and raising their families in Chicago. We believe the film captures the honesty and thoughtful reflection of Chicago's Puerto Rican experience.

Brainstorming and script writing began in June 2005. Interviews and research conducted in 2006, with archive researched and acquired in 2007 and project completion in 2008.

There have been some significant changes. Miguel Del Valle resigned his seat as Illinois State Senator and became the first Puerto Rican City Clerk in Chicago. Professor Maura Toro-Morn was appointed Director of Latin American & Latino/a Studies Program at Illinois State University. Professor Marisa Alicea was appointed Dean of DePaul University's School for New Learning.

Antonio: There's an enormous amount of stories waiting to be told. So the ability to tell good compelling stories is endless. As a filmmaker, I am intrigued by the ability to develop a story that is both compelling and historically accurate.

Gloricelly: As an educator, I love the endless possibilities and opportunities this medium allows in telling a story. Education goes beyond the textbooks and classroom; history comes to life through the interviewees' voices and the visual images that help viewers understand the interviewees' lived experiences.

Public television remains the single-most important venue for independently produced documentaries in the United States. WTTW in Chicago was our earliest supporter.

Antonio: Gladiator, Ben Hur, and the Ten Commandments and of course I'll have to sneak in a fourth, Lord of the Rings. These films really do showcase filmmaking at its best. They incorporate historical and entertaining elements and show the scope of personal and internal crisis. The character's in these films are very well defined and the audience can empathize with their internal struggle to do something that is greater than themselves.

Gloricelly: I love stories that show human shortcomings. My list of favorite films is long, but three that I can watch over and over are Crash, Elizabeth, and films made by Indian filmmaker Mira Noir, because she doesn't flinch when telling culturally sensitive stories in which characters struggle with personal issues and weigh their decisions based on their cultural and moral beliefs.

Antonio: When I was a kid, I wanted to be an animator or cartoonist. I really admired Walt Disney. If I weren't a filmmaker however, I would be either building houses or I would be a psychologist.

Gloricelly: I'm already a full time mother and wife. If I could no longer be a filmmaker with my husband, I would most likely return to the college classroom when my children get older. I am very blessed to be able to work with my husband and use this important medium to educate people no matter what the platform may be.

Antonio: Get as much experience by working with other filmmakers. Find out what area of filmmaking most appeals to you: writing, producing, directing, editing, etc. Once you figure out what your area of interest is start volunteering and get involved in other filmmaker's projects so you can learn and hone your craft.

Gloricelly: Have clearly defined goals and give yourself enough time to seek funding and technical support before spearheading a project. Be able to express your ideas through verbal and written communication. Understand the importance of good storytelling and the value of telling both sides of a story. Also, don't be proud to ask for help!

Antonio: I enjoy the work of many filmmakers most notably Steven Spielberg. He has a wide-ranging body of work and always seems to raise the bar on the art of filmmaking and storytelling. I especially enjoyed Schindler's List.

Antonio: Human interest. My creativity is sparked when I have the ability to put together a visual project that people can look at, reflect on and ultimately be educated or encouraged by it.