Cristian Vargas

The Boroughs Cristian Vargas

The Boroughs follows the rotating perspectives of four college students: Abel, Marcus, Jordan, and Alex, as they navigate an ever-changing city that seems to be leaving some of them behind.




Abel doesn't appear to have a serious bone in his body as he uses stand-up comedy to joke about the impending doom of our current society. Marcus attempts to run from his past in order to create a new future. Alex believes she is helping to change the world for a better tomorrow, but is she actually an ally? Jordan is plagued by the idea of being a sellout to save the neighborhood he's always called home.




While each character is seemingly on their own independent journey, they each inevitably explore the intersection of change, early adulthood, and the perils of the commodification of activism and their experiences. The Boroughs shines light on the ironic hardships of life and how we use comedy, friendships, and connections to give levity to some of that disappointment.