Caged Dreams
Caged Dreams is a powerful storytelling initiative led by Detention Watch Network fellow Johannes Favi, centered on the lived experiences and mental health impacts of immigration detention. Through documentary film, protest visuals, and ongoing community tools, the project calls for the end of detention systems and greater access to care.
Issues
Storyboarding, Illustration, Animation, Video Editing, Illustration, Graphic Design
Scope
Immigration, Detention, Human Rights, Migrant Rights, Abolition, Incarceration, Mental Health, Trauma
Documentary Storyboarding, Illustration & Animation
We collaborated with Johannes and DWN’s communications team to shape the visual narrative of the short documentary—from storyboarding and illustration style to final animations. Our approach balanced emotional depth with visual restraint, aligning with the seriousness of the subject matter and honoring the individuals whose stories are shared.
The documentary has since been screened at universities and college campuses nationwide as an educational tool and awareness campaign.
Protest Imagery for #FreeThemAll
Following the film’s release, we developed a suite of protest photos used in direct actions across the country as part of DWN’s #FreeThemAll movement. Each visual was designed to amplify public calls for abolition and spark critical dialogue about detention and liberation.
Program Expansion & Mental Health Tool Development
We continue to partner with Johannes in expanding Caged Dreams into a mental health referral service—designing tools and materials to help formerly detained individuals access culturally competent mental health care and support.