7/21/10  6:30PM - La Americana
The National Press Club
Holeman Lounge
529 14th St. NW, 13th Floor
Washington, DC 20045

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=132508633453067

http://press.org/news-multimedia/news/immigration-freedom-press-panel-follows-la-americana-documentary-630-pm-july-21

http://cuarts.com//calendar/view/type/4/event_id/5241

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.

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 are 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.

It is easy to feel hopeless and overwhelmed by such broad and complex problems. One senior in the class wrote, “I really liked how strong and straightforward everything was. [The movie] just puts a knot in your throat and waters up your eyes. You really get a feeling of shame and humiliation that your country would do this. Force people to split them apart from their family leaving children and others at home. … I feel so helpless, like I can’t do anything. I feel so bad that people should have to go through this just to get themselves and their family to a better life. For a country that’s main motto is freedom I sure don’t see it. I don’t know if there is a solution to this problem or not.” As a teacher, my goal is not just to get students engaged with course material, but also that they would be inspired to transcend hopelessness, take action and see themselves as agents of change. With the interest sparked and students feeling strongly about the issues, our class now is motivated to continue our studies and examine possible solutions, from the personal to the political. Carmen’s story has been a touchstone in future class discussions, from debating of the power of language (does it matter if we say “illegal aliens” or “undocumented workers”?) to learning about a recent ‘quiet’ raid by ICE at a nearby janitorial services company and connecting with local groups working for immigrant rights.

- Cathryn Carlis
Teacher
Northwest Passage High School
Coon Rapids, Minnesota

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.”

“Once here, many immigrants are separated from members of their families, continued Ms. Bracco. “Most Americans have no idea how difficult it is to live without family members. It takes a phenomenal amount of courage to come to this country under these desperate circumstances and to keep working so hard, to keep persevering,” she added.

The conversation also focused on how the mainstream media always focuses on day laborers when covering immigration, and that “La Americana” reveals the truer, bigger picture of recent immigration – a picture of moms and dads and families seeking a future where they once had none – a future with perhaps the ability to make a living and to even dream of an education for their children.

“La Americana,” Carmen and Nicholas Bruckman inspire us to continue the conversation – each and every day – until immigration reform becomes a reality – until immigrants are treated with the dignity and respect their amazing stories demand.

- Marianne Delaney,
Director of Development and Communications
Neighbor’s Link

“La Americana puts a human face on today’s debate over immigration.  It is a wonderful tool for educators, advocates, and policy experts who wish to create a humane discussion about this heated issue”  – Claire Tesh, Director, American Immigration Council’s Community Education Center

http://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/film-reviews/community-education-center-endorses-la-americana-documentary

“The discussion after our screening of the film, La Americana really brought people to a place of wanting to envision a  way of life that treats people with dignity and respect.  It was so clear, after hearing Carmen’s story, that something must be done! People’s lives are more important than the laws that don’t work anymore!

Our discussion allowed us to explore the importance of urgently working for reform, the “push factors” that lead immigrants here, to the U.S.,  and made us look at our country’s desperate need to do something — and soon! People can’t wait any longer for our policy makers to radically change their lives, the film conveyed the message of urgency to our members.  Many people in the audience were moved by the ending… It really brought home the point that this issue affects millions of people, not just one.

This film was beneficial to both our organization and our community, and provided us with a way to start a conversation from a place of humanity and compassion. We work with a lot of teachers through our Educators for Immigrant Rights project and hope to have more students view the film.”

- Jordan T. Garcia
Organizing Director
American Friends Service Committee