The Changebaker Film

Description

After a string of ICE raids, a small southern city’s first Latin Bakery becomes a ground zero for local immigration activism, and its proprietor an unlikely leader.

Sequitur Cinema Presents

A film by Courtney Dixon

Subject Manolo Betancur/Manolo’s Bakery

SYNOPSIS

Manolo Betancur immigrated to the U.S. to chase the American Dream and escape the horrors of war in Colombia, where he was a captain in the Army. He uses nightmares of the past to fuel his desire for success and his mission to create jobs for fellow immigrants at his bakery in North Carolina.

But after a string of ICE raids, the shop has become more than just a trendy local spot for baked goods: it’s become a hub for local activism and a symbol of hope and resilience for the community.

A sign hangs proudly at Manolo’s for all to see: “Made in America by Immigrant Hands.” Despite the challenges, he and his employees continue to plant roots in this place they call home: “A lot can happen in a small bakery.” Manolo said.

Film Title: The ChangeBaker. Run Time: 15:58 minutes. Genre: Social Justice / Political.

Courtney Dixon, known for her intensely emotional and visually powerful work, brings Manolo’s story to life with heart and urgency. Her films have earned Vimeo Staff Picks, Webby Awards, and have premiered at Tribeca, DOC NYC, and more.

Executive Producer: Denis Deck, Javier Gonzalez. DP: Nick Ramey & John Pope. AC: Antonio Garcia & Christian Shonts. Gaffer: Dan Lewis & Jim Cote. Sound Op: Tom Hauser & Joe Miller. Creative Post: Coat of Arms. Post Director: Clara Lehmann & Jonathan Lacocque. Post Producer: Clara Lehmann, Jonathan. Lacocque, Grace Lawson. Design Director: Ryan Butterworth. Design & Animation: Elena Chudoba & David Reyes. Editor: Jonathan Lacocque. Additional. Editing: Connor Cuevas. Colorist: Courtney Feemster. Sound Design & Mixing: Anthony Parson

Director´s Statement

“As the world emerged from lockdown and the haze of isolation began to lift, one unexpected skill stayed with me—bread making. What started as a simple pastime had become a quiet obsession. Then, one day, I stumbled upon an article about something I never knew existed. The Bread Hero Award. A bread hero? Intrigued, I read on, and there he was—Manolo, front and center, accepting the honor. His bakery wasn’t just churning out loaves; it was transforming his community and making an impact across the globe.

At the heart of this is Manolo’s bakery—not just a place to buy baked goods but a sanctuary, a home, a piece of the American dream. His slogan, Made in America by the hands of immigrants, is not just a phrase. It is a truth woven into the fabric of this nation.

And yet, the term has been—reduced to political talking points, divided over, dehumanized. Immigrants do not just contribute to America; they are America. They rise before dawn to open the bakeries, harvest the fields, care for our children, heal our sick, and dream the impossible into existence.

Manolo’s journey is one of millions, a reminder that America´s past, present, and those who dare to believe in it, even when it does not always believe in them. Immigration isn’t just a chapter in our history—It is our story,”

Film Director Courtney Dixon said.