America ReFramed

Farewell Ferris Wheel

By Jamie Sisley and Miguel Martinez. A co-production of Kola Pictures and Independent Television Service, produced in association with KAET/Arizona PBS, and Latino Public Broadcasting.

Carnivals have a delightful place in the American imagination, with childhood memories of family fun, fantasy, and summer love. But rising expenses and changes in U.S. labor patterns mean this national pastime is nearly extinct. FAREWELL FERRIS WHEEL is an inside look at the struggles of an industry trying to stay alive by employing Mexican migrant workers with a controversial visa.

Filmed over the span of six years, the film follows a carnival owner, a labor-recruiter, and workers from a small town in Mexico who join the carnival legally on seasonal visas. FAREWELL FERRIS WHEEL is an honest on-the-ground portrait of the financial, emotional and physical challenges they all face.

Watch FAREWELL FERRIS WHEEL and a whole collection of films as part of Hispanic Heritage Month. Join the conversation with us on social media using the hashtag #WeAreLatinX/#SomosLatinX. And engage with family & friends using our downloadable Social Activity Toolkit.