On October 19, the Carlos Rosario School’s Harvard Street Campus hosted a special screening of District of Pupusas, a short documentary co-directed by Alexandra Colón-Amil and Valeria Massarelli. The film explores Salvadoran culture, food, and community across the Washington, D.C., area, highlighting how Salvadoran immigrants have helped shape the city’s food scene.
The documentary tells the stories of two Salvadoran immigrants who have spent decades in Washington, D.C.’s food industry: Chef Benjamín Velásquez, the Carlos Rosario School’s Director of Food Services, and Haydee Vanegas, owner of Haydee’s Restaurant in Mount Pleasant. Through their experiences, the film shows how food brings people together, creates opportunities, and helps immigrants build a sense of home in a new country.
Following the screening, Javier Marquez, Assistant Principal at the Harvard Street Campus, led a conversation with Valeria Massarelli about the inspiration behind the documentary and the importance of sharing these stories.
Massarelli explained that she and Colón-Amil were inspired by the Salvadoran community that welcomed them when they first moved to Washington, D.C. Through their work, they met Benjamín and Haydee and learned about their contributions to the community.
“We wanted to show how this community has helped make the city special and how food can bring people together and help them feel at home,” Massarelli said.
She also spoke about the deeper meaning of traditional food for people who move to a new country. “Food does more than feed our bodies. It also feeds our souls,” she shared. Preparing and sharing traditional meals helps people stay connected to their culture, memories, families, and communities.
Massarelli also reflected on why Benjamín’s story was important to include in the film. Beyond his work in the food industry, she described him as a mentor and teacher who has helped other immigrants learn valuable skills, find jobs, and support their families. His story shows how immigrants contribute not only to their own communities but also create opportunities for others.
The screening was an opportunity for the Carlos Rosario School community to celebrate Chef Benjamín’s story and recognize the lasting contributions of Salvadoran immigrants to Washington, D.C. A Guinness World Record holder for helping make the world’s largest pupusa, Benjamín represents the talent, dedication, and generosity that have helped make Salvadoran food an important part of the city’s identity.
The event concluded with students and staff gathering in the cafeteria to enjoy pupusas together—bringing the film’s message of culture, connection, and community to life.