RAT ROD: A Moving Short Film That Captures the Soul of a Mechanic, Migration, and the American Dream
If you’re into cars, craftsmanship, or powerful storytelling, you’ve got to check out the short documentary Rat Rod. This award-winning film beautifully blends the love of mechanics with themes of community, and belonging.
Directed by Jared Jakins and Carly Jakins, Rat Rod follows Jorge Ramirez, a mechanic living in rural Utah whose passion for rebuilding cars mirrors his journey as an immigrant finding his place in America. Through his story, the film captures the intersection of artistry, perseverance, and the human need for connection.
Jared Jakins sahred with Deadline: “This film is part of an ongoing body of work exploring the lived experiences of rural communities in the contemporary American West. In the early 1990s, Jorge Ramirez moved from Mexico to a small Mormon town in central Utah.
“Around the same time, Jared’s family immigrated from South Africa to that very town. Over the years, Jorge became a close family friend. Jorge’s story of immigration, in many ways, is revealing of so many other young immigrants.
“We set out to capture the subtle, often ineffable experience of encountering — and learning to live within — a rural community. It’s a reflection on what it means to embrace both life and death in a place that can feel, at times, haunting to those seen as outsiders.”
The film doesn’t just document Jorge’s craft, it celebrates the meditative, spiritual quality that comes with creating something from scrap metal and memory.
The documentary has been racking up awards and festival acclaim, taking top honors at both the Seattle International and Nashville Film Festivals, which qualified it for consideration at the 98th Academy Awards. It’s also been recognized at the San Francisco International, Palm Springs, Flickers, and Indy Shorts film festivals.
Wilmer Valderrama and Cara Santana Leto have joined as executive producers. Valderrama, producing through WV Entertainment’s WV Alternative, shared his personal connection to the story:
“‘Rat Rod’ is more than a documentary, it’s a testament to the strength and creativity of the migrant community,” he said to Variety. “Jorge’s journey is one of perseverance, artistry and identity, and I am honored to help share his story with the world.”
Santana Leto reflected on how the film connected to her own roots. “Growing up on the border of Mexico, it was impressed upon me the importance and value of sharing diverse stories to allow us to connect to one another through our shared humanity,” she said.
“‘Rat Rod’ is an undeniable expression of the power of storytelling. Jorge’s story captured my heart and it’s been a privilege to champion this film and bring to light the experiences of people who may be traditionally under-recognized in cinema.”
Rat Rod is more than a film about cars, it’s about finding purpose in unlikely places and the resilience that defines so many immigrant experiences. It’s reflective heartfelt film that is worth watching.
You can watch Rat Rod below, which is being presented by Switchboard Magazine, which is “a digital publication that produces rich, character-driven long-form nonfiction narratives and also acquires short films.”