Backstreet to the American Dream HQ

Backstreet is a bilingual documentary that explores the modern-day American Dream. This deep dive into the birthplace of food trucks – L.A. – juxtaposes the experiences of American entrepreneurs and Mexican immigrants. Central to the story are two distinct enterprises: El Pescadito - a mariscos (seafood) truck that’s been parking at the same swap meet near South L.A. since 1982, and Grill ‘Em All, the prestigious first-season winner of The Great Food Truck Race on The Food Network in 2010.

For Cleveland natives Chef Ryan Harkins and Matt Chernus, reality TV stardom quickly boosts social media. Contrarily, Doña Guillermina Vella Rio came to the U.S. illegally in 1977 and does not use social media. She relies 100% on blue-collar workers.

Backstreet takes the audience on a journey: pop culture and traditional values, formal and informal economies, and the ongoing struggle for social justice. Also, a 4:00 animation in English, Spanish, and Náhuatl is scored with handmade instruments.