Hands Across Borders: The Story of Magdalena
Filming November 24 and 25, 2025
Later this month, the Magdalena team will begin filming a new documentary in Colombia, where every M1 studio begins its journey. The film, Hands Across Borders: The Story of Magdalena, will celebrate the people behind the work, the Colombian artisans whose craft, precision, and pride are helping build a better America.
A Story of Collaboration and Craft
In a time when many conversations focus on borders and differences, this documentary will remind viewers that trade can be human and beautiful. It will tell the story of how two Colombian immigrants turned a shared vision into a bridge between nations, creating homes that are both accessible and architecturally inspiring. Each one is crafted by skilled hands in Colombia and delivered to communities in need in the United States.
The film will show the everyday rhythm of the factory floor: the laughter between tasks, the quiet focus, the satisfaction of getting every detail just right. It will capture the pride of the builders who know their work will soon become someone’s home.
Design That Honors Maker and Dweller
Colombian architecture is known for its natural light, open spaces, and harmony between simplicity and artistry. The film will highlight that same design philosophy through clean lines, warm materials, and proportions that feel just right.
“Good design is universal,” the narration will remind us. Beauty, dignity, and accessibility can and should coexist.
The Vision, the Method, the Impact
The Vision: Beautiful, accessible housing that honors both maker and dweller
The Method: Fair collaboration between Colombian craftspeople and American communities
The Impact: Jobs, dignity, and homes that carry warmth across borders
By producing in Colombia and deploying in the U.S., Magdalena is proving that global collaboration can create prosperity on both sides and that housing can be both functional and soulful.
A Cinematic Tribute
The film will be shot with a warm, natural style that focuses on real people and authentic moments. Spanish dialogue with English subtitles will honor the makers’ voices in their own language. The soundtrack will feature modern Latin acoustic tones that carry a sense of optimism, the same optimism that defines both Colombia’s spirit and Magdalena’s mission.
Why This Film Matters
This project is more than a documentary. It is a declaration that ethical collaboration is possible, that Colombian craftsmanship deserves to be celebrated, and that hope is something we build together, one home at a time.
Filming Dates: November 24 and 25, 2025
Produced by: Magdalena Homes LLC
If you believe in collaboration through craft, stay tuned for behind-the-scenes updates and the film’s release in December,