Screening at Queens Community House

La Americana was utilized this summer during the two screenings held for the Queens Community House in Jackson Heights, Queens.

There was a lot of discussion by mothers in the room who, like the story’s protagonist, have made the painful decision to travel away from their families to find work in the U.S. As one viewer put it, “This film shows that their stories are also important, legitimate and do not deserve to be hidden. Our discussion following the movie brought up both personal stories similar to Carmen’s and also questions and comments about US immigration laws. Overall it was a great educational and organizing tool.”

Another viewer participant talked about her own experience as an immigrant from Peru who left her two sons behind 4 years ago to come to the US. They were 16 and 20 at the time. About 9 months ago, one of her sons was in a car accident and has been have physical and psychological problems ever since. She spoke of how difficult it is to be apart when your children are suffering and of her deep desire to bring them both to the US to join her.

Anna Dioguardi, Director of Community Organizing and Development at QCH said, “For me, as a community organizer, La Americana provided  the opportunity to promote conversation and dialogue about immigration reform and the need to build a base of support and participation in order to fight for its passage. It’s a great tool to help people relate their own personal struggles to the more global struggle for rights, equality and opportunity for all immigrants in this country.”

Contributors: Anna Dioguardi, Director of Community Organizing and Development, Queens Community House, and screening participants.

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