Intimate drama explores one undocumented woman’s pursuit of dignity, belonging, and the American Dream
Immigration is often discussed as a divisive political issue. But the independent feature film QUEEN(S) brings the conversation down to just one person’s story and circumstances – following an undocumented woman trying to build an ordinary life under extraordinary uncertainty. The film makes its world premiere September 17 with a one-night event at the historic Riverview Theater, followed by a post-film conversation with lead actor Chi Hua Lee-Secci, the filmmakers and Twin Cities community partners.
The Twin Cities premiere of QUEEN(S) launches the Civic Cinema initiative, connecting stories reflected on screen with organizations confronting those realities every day, with 50% of the producers’ share of box-office revenue donated to partner organizations.
QUEEN(S) begins a week-long run at Emagine Willow Creek movie theater September 18, with Civic Cinema programming continuing throughout the engagement and expanding to additional cities across the United States.
QUEEN(S) Film Synopsis:
After her path to legal status collapses, Sisi, an undocumented immigrant in Queens, struggles to survive on the margins. Forced into hiding after a failed immigration interview and a subsequent encounter with the authorities, she forms unexpected bonds that offer a glimpse of belonging beyond mere survival. But mounting financial pressure and an unforgiving system threaten to pull her back into the life she has fought to escape. Raw, intimate, and deeply human, QUEEN(S) is a portrait of endurance, dignity, and hope.
Chi Hua Lee-Secci as Sisi, navigating an uncertain life in Queens.
One Woman’s Story of Dignity and Belonging
“QUEEN(S) offers a rare, female-centered narrative of undocumented life in America,” said writer and director Anup Kurian. “We are premiering the film in the Twin Cities to honor its immigration struggles and its courage. We could never have anticipated everything Minneapolis-St. Paul would experience around immigration enforcement in 2026 when we made this film between 2022-2025. But what has happened there and in other parts of the country this year makes the questions QUEEN(S) asks about belonging, dignity and who gets to feel safe in America painfully immediate.”
Set primarily in Queens, New York, QUEEN(S) follows Sisi, who tries to live quietly on the margins of the system in New York City, carrying hope even when the system does not carry her back. Her undocumented status narrows the choices available to her and leaves less room for error when things go wrong. Through intimate performances and immersive cinematography, the film challenges simplified narratives about immigration and asks a difficult question: What happens when the American Dream doesn’t deliver?
Chi Hua Lee-Secci Makes Her Feature Film Debut in a Performance Poised for Awards Attention
Chi Hua Lee-Secci, a first-generation immigrant actor from Taiwan, makes her feature film debut as Sisi (in both Mandarin and English), in a potentially award-winning performance where she holds nearly every frame of the film’s two hours.
“The idea of the American Dream is one of the great exports of the United States. It’s a beautiful and unique idea,” Lee-Secci said. “Sisi is fighting for dignity and hope for a better future, everything that was promised in her understanding of the American Dream that she tried to follow.
“Sisi wants the ability to work, support herself, build relationships, have a home and live with some degree of stability and dignity,” Lee-Secci added. “The difficulty of achieving that ordinary life is central to the film.”
Sisi finds rest among friends, sharing a moment of comfort and connection.
Civic Cinema Ensures the Conversation Continues in the Community
QUEEN(S) is launching through Civic Cinema, a community-driven theatrical initiative built in partnership with immigrant advocacy, legal aid, cultural and community organizations. In the Twin Cities, partners include the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, Isuroon, Asian Media Access, the Confederation of Somali Community in Minnesota, The Cedar Cultural Center and others.
“We didn’t want the conversation to end when the credits rolled,” said QUEEN(S) producer Shanti Bandaru. “Our story starts the conversation, but the people living these realities every day should be part of where that conversation goes next.”
Partner organizations will help bring those perspectives into the theatrical experience through community outreach and post-film conversations. Through Civic Cinema, 50% of the producers’ share of box-office revenue is donated to partner organizations, allowing the release to directly support their work.
A scene from Sisi’s homeland, which she recalls throughout the film.
Twin Cities Community Partners Include:
- Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota
- Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid
- Confederation of Somali Community in Minnesota
- Asian Media Access
- Isuroon
- SEWA-AIFW Minnesota
- Chinese Community Center of Minnesota
- The Cedar Cultural Center
- Pillsbury United Communities
- Twin Cities West Metro Asian Fair
* China Insight
QUEEN(S) Official Social Media Channels
- YouTube —@queensmovieusa
- Instagram —@queens.movie.usa
- TikTok —@queensmovieusa
WORLD PREMIERE:
Thursday, September 17, 2026 / Riverview Theater
7:15 PM screening / Doors at 6:30 PM
120 min | Drama | English & Mandarin | Not Rated