Our documentary is a story of triumph. A story of defenseless children born into poverty who are overcoming issues with addiction and abandonment because of the unconditional love and support from leadership and staff at Casa Hogar Los Angelitos, in Manzanillo, Mexico. The work accomplished at Casa Hogar Los Angelitos over the last 25 years is shifting the global perception of how orphanages should administer care because an incredibly large number of children who have been through Casa Hogar Los Angelitos have gone on to have successful careers and become leaders in their communities - which sadly, is unusual for children who age out of care. This is the first non-profit orphanage in this region of Mexico. The staff here have created a unique model of holistic care that goes beyond basic necessities of food and shelter. They have created programs which use artistic expression to build confidence, heal emotional scars, and teach children vital social skills. The success of the arts programs at this orphanage are the study of professor and social psychologist Dr. Donald Phelps, who provides a scientific explanation as to why art in orphanages can lead to such high levels of life success for children and teenagers. The arts program have also generated an international-travelling dance program, Ballet Folklorico Los Angelitos, which emerged out of the orphanage and has since toured in North America and Europe.
—Jason Tweten