La Americana at Columbia University 2/25/10
February 22, 2010
La Americana will screen at Columbia University at Lerner Hall on Thursday, 2/25 at 6:30PM. Hosted by Lucha. Director Nicholas Bruckman will be attending and hosting a Q&A session after the film. Free of charge.
http://cuarts.com//calendar/view/type/4/event_id/5241
NYC: Internship Opportunity
January 14, 2010
We are seeking a dedicated and creative student intern to help develop and distribute our film projects. Interns will learn a variety of film production, distribution and administration skills and gain college credit for the Spring 2010 semester.
This program is currently offered through SUNY Purchase, Hunter College, or New York University, however we are adding additional schools to our program.
Please send your resume and cover letter to info@peoplestelevision.com or 646-727-0710.
La Americana at Northwest Passage High School
December 10, 2009
The following letter is regarding a classroom screening of La Americana at Northwest Passage High School by teacher Cathryn Carlis.
Many viewers of La Americana have commented on its power to put a human face on political and economic issues related to immigration. As a teacher at a charter high school for at-risk students, finding such a resource that would connect with students on an emotional and personal level was especially important. When asked to consider immigration policy or global economic realities, many students’ first reaction is often, “Why should I care?” or “What does that have to do with me?” Foremost in the minds in my classroom are often not just the social dramas of teenage life, but also their own or their family’s struggles with unemployment, financial hardship, mental illness, substance abuse, gang involvement, or unplanned pregnancy and parenthood. Discussing La Americana after our screening, it was clear that the film not only touched their hearts but also inspired them to think more deeply about immigration issues. Furthermore, it helped them see the connection between the injustices suffered by immigrants and the failure of our government to provide safety and security for all people.
Reading students’ reflection essays reveals the strong emotional impact of the film. One student, who is the mother of a 18-month old son, wrote, “When I was watching Carmen’s story I was very sad, upset, and disappointed in the government. From Carmen’s story I learned that immigrants go through a lot, and make many sacrifices. She taught me to do whatever it takes to make sure your family is taken care of.” In the words of another classmate, “At first I was just expecting a boring same old documentary but the story line and the dialogue really made you feel as if you were interviewing Carmen yourself. Since we ar
e learning about immigration and how they came across, live and why they came here, this movie was the perfect resource. It was definitely a tearjerker and I got very emotional for Carmen. There was one specific quote that Carmen said towards the end of the documentary. ‘The words are hollow like the statue, it’s just a symbol, not a reality.’ I believe that is so true and once I heard that it all came together.” I had to smile when reading this – I had mentioned this irony of the inscription on the Statue of Liberty early on in the class when discussing Ellis Island, but it didn’t seem to mean much to my class. Coming from Carmen, and knowing that she is just one of millions “yearning to be free,” students now have an unforgettable illustration.
La Americana and Neighbor’s Link at Jacob Burns Film Center
November 23, 2009
The following report was written by Marianne Delaney, Director of Development and Communications at Neighbor’s Link. Neighbors Link’s 2009 “Latin Links” event series opened with a reception and screening of La Americana at the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville, NY. A conversation with the film’s director, Nicholas Bruckman, Steve Apkon, Executive Director of the Jacob Burns Film Center, and Carola Otero Bracco, Executive Director of Neighbors Link, followed the screening:
The viewers were deeply moved by the film. The story was relevant to everyone in the audience – primarily affluent suburban residents – since the suburbs are now, for the first time in our history, a primary destination for many immigrants.
The intensely difficult and demanding work done by Carmen, the main character of the film, strikes a chord with all Americans who daily witness immigrants performing back-breaking labor for minimal (and occasionally no) compensation, only to be expected to disappear at the end of the workday – with their need for housing, healthcare and other basics not only ignored but resented.
“It’s a story I see over and over again in Westchester,” said Ms. Bracco. “As we watch the film, we realize that Carmen – as the vast majority of recent immigrants – had no choice but to come here – she had overwhelmingly compelling reasons to leave home, simply so that her daughter would survive.”
La Americana director Nicholas Bruckman on NY1: Noticias
November 18, 2009
