The only constant in life is change. And along this road of trials and tribulations, it’s human nature to try to find something to anchor us down to remind us just how far along we’ve come, and to help maintain a focal point on our horizon to keep us moving forward. For filmmaker Lidieth Arevalo, this totem is her Pontiac sedan (which she affectionately named “Mojosito”) that’s been a part of her family since she first migrated to the United States with her family when she was 13 years old.

“Mojosito & Me” is a charmingly emotive short in which Lidieth tours us through some of the highs and lows, valleys and plains, scenic coastal drives and gridlocked experiences that she’s traversed with Mojosito. On the surface, it’s about the many different sites that Lidieth’s had an opportunity to drive to in the past 17 years of her life, and some of her shortcomings as a car owner. But underneath the rust, the dusty dashboard, and the miles noted on the odometer, this piece is about Lidieth’s own migrant experience.

“Creating this was very challenging,” said Lidieth. “It’s the first piece that I’ve done that wasn’t a documentary. And it was exciting to do something different and personal. But I just didn’t know how difficult and emotional it was going to be. To go through all the old footage and photos of my family, friends, difficult times and good times. The anxiety that came with making decisions on what would end up in this cut. It was HARD.”