More than 60 people gathered at the Levine Museum of the New South in Charlotte last night to watch the local premiere of Brother Towns / Pueblos Hermanos – a film about family, faith and immigration. This event, which was featured in one of the Charlotte Observer’s blogs, was the first in a statewide series that the Council is sponsoring.
We’ve partnered with local filmmaker Charlie Thompson to sponsor this series because we’re interested in sparking thoughtful conversations about immigration. It’s a complicated and controversial topic, but we’re already seeing how this excellent film can help illuminate the issues at stake. Last night’s participants had many thoughtful questions for the filmmaker, including questions about life in Guatemala, the economic downturn, and the continuing debate surrounding the El Sol Neighborhood Resource Center which is featured in the film.
Afterwards, one person pulled me aside to say that this is one of the very best documentaries he has seen on these issues because it places the people who are involved at the very heart of the story.
Brett McCarty, a Duke Divinity School intern with the Council, said later: “Watching Brother Towns for the first time was a powerful experience, especially because I had never before seen the faces of families that immigrant day laborers are working to support. Because of Brother Towns, I will never look at migrant workers without thinking of their families.”
Many people took home DVDs and study guides in order to watch Brother Towns / Pueblos Hermanos with their friends, families, schools, churches and community groups. We’re thrilled to see that the conversation is just beginning. We hope you’ll be able to join us when we come to a city near you.
Next up: Chapel Hill (Friday, Oct. 15)
Chris Liu-Beers, Program Associate
