The International Rescue Committee, in partnership with the Seattle Public Library and KCTS Public Television, explores immigration, an issue that affects us all and is at the center of debate in Congress. Everyone is invited to learn more and engage in discussions about why people come here and how the current controversy touches our community. All events are free and open to the public. For more information contact Valerie Wonder at 206.623.2105.
FILMS ABOUT IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE EXPERIENCES
This series of documentary films provides glimpses into the stories of why and how people come to the United States. Panel discussions with local immigrants and representatives of community-based organizations follow each film.
2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9
Central Library: Sentenced Home
Ballard Branch: The Hobart Shakespeareans
Capitol Hill Branch: Lost Boys of Sudan
High Point Branch: Al Otro Lado (To the Other Side)
2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10
Central Library: The Hobart Shakespeareans
Ballard Branch: Sentenced Home
Capitol Hill Branch: Al Otro Lado (To the Other Side)
High Point Branch: Lost Boys of Sudan
Lost Boys of Sudan follows two young refugees of Sudan's 20-year civil war, Peter and Santino, through their first year in America. Along with 20,000 other boys, they lost their families and wandered hundreds of miles across the desert seeking safety. Directed and produced by Megan Mylan and Jon Shenk (87 minutes).
Sentenced Home examines the deportation of three Cambodian refugees who, having grown up in Seattle, are drawn into gang life and ultimately end up in jail. In the wake of 9/11, these Cambodian Americans are faced with leaving their families and returning to a land they barely know. Directed by Nicole Newnham and David Grabias (76 minutes).
The Hobart Shakespeareans explores how one teacher's uncommon commitment and resourcefulness opened up worlds of opportunity for his students from mostly immigrant and refugee families and perhaps demonstrates a way forward for America's beleaguered public education system. Directed and produced by Mel Stuart (56 minutes).
Al Otro Lado (To the Other Side) follows Magdiel, an aspiring corrido composer from the drug capital of Mexico, as he faces two difficult choices to better his life: to traffic drugs or to risk his life crossing the border illegally into the United States. Performance footage by corrido superstars is interspersed with the day-to-day struggles of Magdiel as he embarks on an uncertain journey. Directed by Natalia Almada (60 Minutes).
RAY SUAREZ: KEYNOTE ADDRESS
"The Immigration Controversy: Why It's Relevant to You"
7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 11
Town Hall at Eighth and Seneca
Ray Suarez, senior correspondent for "The NewsHour" on PBS, discusses the genesis of the immigration controversy, why the issue has proponents and opponents crossing party lines. Copies of Suarez's new book, The Holy Vote: The Politics of Faith in America, will be available for purchase and signing.
