America at 500

In the first episode of this documentary series we explore the rich and complex identities of those who call America home. The Americas are the most diverse of all the continents in the world, though this can lead to difficulties in shaping our own identities. From Cuban Americans thriving in the U.S. to French Canadians struggling to stay relevant in Canada, they all have their own stories.

While the Americas are home to the largest of the world's economies, tens of millions are impoverished. In Bogata, a man named Papa Jamie helps many of city's homeless children who are forced to live in the sewers. In Jamaica 50% of the economy is operated under ground and in Mexico city thousands peasants move from all around, hoping for better life.

On the eve of the 21st Century democracy in the Americas is on the rise, though it hasn't come without incident. Chile is struggling to become a democracy following the fall of a dictatorship, while El Salvador attempts to reunite following a twelve year civil war. Even in the United States, we see African Americans fighting against voter apathy and the fight for statehood for Washington D.C.

While it has been 500 years since Columbus' arrival in the Americas, the first Americans have been here much longer and are now in danger of being wiped out. First, we see the systematic attempt to assimilate the first peoples of Guatemala into the majority population. Then we see how drought and depopulation threaten those with roots back to the Incas.

As the dawn of the 21st century is on the horizon, the face of religion is ever-changing. In Houston Texas, Reverend Ed Young has built a multi-million dollar Church complex that puts an emphasis on sports and other glittery pageantry to attract newcomers. In Venezuela and Guatemala Catholicism is declining, as the masses are unsure what their religious futures are.

After 500 years since the arrival of Columbus, the Americas are on the verge of total connectivity, from Brazilians working with tourists to preserve the Amazon, to residents in small towns in Montana using the internet to make their town less isolated. Meanwhile, a coalition of American and Mexican businessmen work on making San Diego and Tijuana the first international Metropolis.