COURTS OF BELONGING
Winner of the Emerging Maine Filmmaker Award last year at the Maine Outdoor Film Festival (MOFF), COURTS OF BELONGING explores the futsal court in Kennedy Park and the unique way this South American-originated sport fosters community among immigrant and refugee residents in East Bayside, one of Maine’s most diverse neighborhoods. Tijerina’s compelling storytelling sheds light on how sports can unite and empower communities.
“Futsal is more than just a game—it’s a bridge that connects cultures and creates a sense of belonging. COURTS OF BELONGING captures the heart of a community that finds strength in coming together on the court." – Santiago Tijerina, DIRECTOR
Tijerina is a documentary filmmaker and international affairs professional with a passion for storytelling that explores themes of migration, belonging, and community. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs from the University of Maine in 2023 and a Graduate Certificate in Short Film from the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies the same year. Currently, he is pursuing a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy (MALD) at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.
His film COURTS OF BELONGING has been recognized for its impactful storytelling, earning the Emerging Maine Filmmaker Award at MOFF and a Major Grant Award from the Maine Humanities Council. Through his work, Tijerina continues to bridge the worlds of policy and documentary filmmaking, shedding light on the human stories behind global issues.
“Futsal is more than just a game—it’s a bridge that connects cultures and creates a sense of belonging. COURTS OF BELONGING captures the heart of a community that finds strength in coming together on the court." – Santiago Tijerina, DIRECTOR
Tijerina is a documentary filmmaker and international affairs professional with a passion for storytelling that explores themes of migration, belonging, and community. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs from the University of Maine in 2023 and a Graduate Certificate in Short Film from the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies the same year. Currently, he is pursuing a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy (MALD) at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.
His film COURTS OF BELONGING has been recognized for its impactful storytelling, earning the Emerging Maine Filmmaker Award at MOFF and a Major Grant Award from the Maine Humanities Council. Through his work, Tijerina continues to bridge the worlds of policy and documentary filmmaking, shedding light on the human stories behind global issues.
“He [Tijerina] made some amazing creative decisions with cinematography and his editing choices, and it’s just got such a hopeful message. He’s got a bright future ahead of him. It’s awesome to see him just really coming into his own as a storyteller.”
— Nick Callanan, DIRECTOR OF MOFF
“I enjoyed this [film] for so many reasons, beyond the obvious of soccer bringing together these boys from all over the world...It’s about teamwork, about not giving up, about confidence in yourself. And for some kids, it’s filling a spiritual home they left thousands of miles and a zillion cultures away.”
— Cathie Pelletier, MAINE NOVELIST
“Thank you for using your talent to tell this beautiful story and support the growth of futsal.”
— Santiago Halty, FOUNDER & CEO OF SENDA