Docuseek | The Dells

The Dells observes the clash between fantasy and reality faced by international student workers newly arrived in Wisconsin Dells, WI— the self-described "Waterpark Capital of the World."

Coming from countries such as Turkey, Romania, Jamaica, Thailand, and the Dominican Republic, international college students land in the American Midwest via the U.S. State Department's Summer Work Travel program, which claims to give them the opportunity "to experience and to be exposed to the people and the way of life in the United States." Issued with temporary J-1 visas and conditioned by American cultural exports to expect a land of ease and plenty, instead they find rampant labor exploitation and housing insecurity, working low-paying jobs in retail, amusements parks, restaurants, and hotels, while living in dormitories tucked behind a glut of tourist attractions. The film also serves as a look at a unique American small town, with slightly over 3,300 permanent residents but 4-5 million visitors annually. Steeped in artifice and driven by profit-maximization, the rapacious tourist industry of The Dells relies on a steady supply of these student workers in order to function.

The Dells follows the rhythms of this ensemble cast as they work, party, and cruise around town in taxis, trading experiences and doing their best to make the most of their time in the program. These students weather the myriad headaches of making ends meet in the United States— car troubles, job losses, long work hours— thanks to their friendships and youthful optimism. While their hopes for a summer of American luck and prosperity rub up against their actual experiences, which are by turns disappointing, funny, and transcendent, they're sure to carry the impressions they've made about "the people and the way of life in the United States" for the rest of their lives.

"The Dells shares a unique view of the tourist-centered city [Wisconsin Dells], seen through the years of young workers from other countries and shot with great intimacy."
— Dustin Nelson, "11 Hidden Gem Movies of 2025 for Video Librarian

"By dryly portraying the gig economy greasing the wheels of a prototypical American commercial destination, The Dells presents a fascinating inverted portrait of Americana."
— MacKenzie Lukenbill, ScreenSlate

"Kluz brilliantly captures the feelings of these young adults, who are employed for the summer as cleaners, waiting staff and sales assistants, in a collective portrait which evokes heat and sex, but also exploitation. She takes us behind the scenes of the cardboard scenery, where everyone is looking to earn a few dollars... A shimmering, poppy portrait of contemporary America and the globalised world, from the perspective of a young and dynamic generation."
— Alice Riva, Visions du Réel

"A counter-intuitively funny ensemble of people (not least the filmmaker) finding humor in a default hopeless place."
— Vadim Rizov, Filmmaker Magazine

"Offers a glimpse into the lives of those who help power the summer economy of an American tourist destination, an experience that likely reflects the realities of many international students working seasonal jobs across the country."
— Georgette Nicolosi, Librarian, Missouri University of Science & Technology for Educational Media Reviews Online

"Most of us grew up knowing that America isn't all LA or New York City, and not everyone here gets to live a life of economic stability, let alone that of a pop star; The Dells shows us this realization hitting an international group of young adults in real time, with results both humorous and painful."
— Eric Allen Hatch, programmer, New Next Film Festival

"The Dells reveals a uniquely American experience through their eyes: the frustration of unfulfilled promises, the absurdity of their situations, and the rare moments of genuine connection. With its blend of humor and poignant observation, this film captures the bittersweet essence of chasing dreams in the land of opportunities, revealing both the harsh realities and the enduring hope that define that journey."
— Duluth Superior Film Festival

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Main credits

Kluz, Nellie (filmmaker)
Pinkham, Jess (film producer)

Other credits

Cinematography, Nellie Kluz, Philip Rabalais; editing, Nellie Kluz, Alexis McCrimmon.

MARC Record See Worldcat record

Keywords

Labor Rights,Labor Studies,International Students,Work Visa,Wisconsin,Economics; "The Dells"; The Video Project

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The Dells

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