Indivisible: Love Knows No Borders

One of the reasons I started Reel Inspiration was to reach an audience for diverse films that create understanding by showing that we are more alike than different. There was one time in particular that I managed to accomplish just that.

It was 2010 and border issues were really heating up here in Tucson, Arizona. Hundreds of people were dying in our desert, trying to reach America for jobs to feed their children. The ones who made it lived in constant fear of being deported. Parents were dragged off in front of wailing children, not even given a chance to pack a bag or say, “Goodbye.” It wasn’t that long ago that not having papers was considered a misdemeanor, the equivalent of running a traffic light. But politicians used “illegals” as scapegoats, accusing them of causing the recession by taking American jobs. To bolster ratings, the corporate owned media exploited people’s fears by bombarding us with images of crimes conducted by Mexicans. They created the illusion that all undocumented Latinos were violent drug smugglers and home invaders.

In May of that year, local indie filmmaker LuisCarlos Davis invited me to a screening of his short doc, “389 Miles: Living the Border.”  When I arrived at the theater, it was standing room only. But LuisCarlos pulled out a chair for me. The audience watched transfixed as LuisCarlos documented the problems along the border with his camera. Seeing what was really happening was somehow empowering. People asked where they could get copies. He explained how the producers were in the process of getting distribution, so he could only screen his doc in person. I requested the mic. I told him flat out to forget distribution – that this film was too important. With so much miscommunication in the media, it was imperative that as many people as possible see his doc. Incredibly, LuisCarlos agreed. I put out a call to the Reel Inspiration community and my facebook friends asking them to set up public screenings at their clubs, organizations, churches, anywhere. LuisCarlos became an outspoken advocate for the undocumented, travelling the globe to speak on border issues.

(See the entire movie, "389 Miles: Living the Border" for free.)

This story was brought to mind by a recent screening of “Indivisible: Love Knows No Borders” presented by the Arizona International Film Festival.

Road trip! We ride along with a group of college students headed to Arizona. They are in turns excited and contemplative. They hadn’t seen their mothers since their mothers were deported. For one young woman, it had been six years! It’s not hard to get caught up in their whirlwind of emotions. And that’s exactly the point. Social Justice Activist Hilary Linder got fed up with the way that the corporate media was presenting undocumented teens (Dreamers) as statistics, so she set out to humanize their journey. In the doc “Indivisible” she shares three Dreamers stories of growing up in America and their efforts to be reunited with their families through activism.

I was astonished by the bravery of these students navigating their teen years (in a country that has become increasingly hostile towards undocumented immigrants) without the protection of their parents. One of the girls returned to the parking lot where her mother was pulled over by a policeman. She recalled how she watched in shock as her mom was dragged away in handcuffs like a criminal for not having a license. Despite growing up in the United States, these teens lived in constant fear of being deported themselves. They were raised to be quiet and invisible. But instead of staying hidden in their room, they decide to fight for a path to citizenship and a chance to be reunited with their families. They are making a lot of noise as activists, raising their voices in protest. They are drawing attention to their cause by organizing and attending protest marches, making speeches in the media, and even confronting congressmen. Remember when Obama announced the Dream Act? That was the direct result of their courageous actions.

After watching their profound stories, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house as the sobbing teens hugged and kissed their sobbing moms through the metal border fence.

Unfortunately, a wall still separates the Dreamers and their families. Our politicians have stonewalled the Dream Act, using it as a hot button election issue. It is up to the American people to pressure their representatives to get the act passed. During the Q & A, Hilary mentioned that she will be presenting the doc at film festival and community screenings before seeking distribution. She started her Tucson trip with a screening/discussion at Pueblo High School.

“Indivisible: Love Knows No Borders” is a great example of how powerful films can be – how a film can change people’s perceptions, open their hearts, and inspire action. I’m delighted to continue a Reel Inspiration tradition by putting a call out to our community. Please, support these brave Dreamers by hosting a screening of “Indivisible” at your church, club, organization, or anywhere with a movie or TV screen.

Find out how to arrange for a screening at: http://www.indivisiblefilm.com/

I'm delighted to announce that "Indivisible" won a Special Jury Award for Inspirational Filmmaking at the Arizona International Film Festival!

PLEASE, SHARE.

Movie blessings! 

Jana Segal-Stormont

www.reelinspiration.blogspot.com

"Spare Parts"

In Search of "Spare Parts" and the American Dream...

Carl Hayden Community High School Falcon Robotics Club

Overwhelmed by the myriad of Oscar nominated films in the Cineplex, I had overlooked the one little indie comedy on the marquee. The only thing I heard about it was that it was set in Arizona, but was shot in New Mexico to benefit from their tax incentives. (Don’t get me started…) Like the Hispanic families of the inner-city robotics team, I didn't have great expectations. But it was impossible not to be inspired by this true story of four poor undocumented high school students’ courage and determination to pursue a better life through robotics. They decide to compete against the country’s best including the reigning champions, MIT. It is awe inspiring watching them figure out how to make an underwater robot with an $800 budget, PVC piping and other, “spare parts.”

“Spare Parts,” is based on an article, “La Vida Robot” in Wired magazine. Writer Joshua David explained, “I wanted to write about the amazing thing they had done. If no one tells the stories, the real stories of people trying to do amazing things and succeeding, then the stereotypes persist. I want America to be as good as it can be. I like to find stories that emphasize the people that make the country great.”

Sure, it looks like a TV movie of the week. The school seemed too bright and clean to be the tough school it is made out to be. Director Sean McNamara and screenwriter Elissa Matsueda give it a comic tone to showcase the strengths of comedian George Lopez and to make it accessible to a larger audience. And they succeed. This is the first laugh-out-loud comedy I've seen in quite a while.

The movie may have been even more powerful if they portrayed more of the true day-to-day prejudices and challenges that these undocumented teens faced. The computer teacher (Marisa Tomei) sums it up, "Every day in a hundred ways they are told that they are hopeless, that they are beyond hope." The filmmakers make it accessible to more people by not casting blame. But they do show the results of being treated like a criminal - that you start to behave like a criminal. The brother of one of the team members has bought into this myth and has become a delinquent.

These teens have come to this country with their families to pursue the American Dream. After being rejected for the military, an enterprising young man starts the robotic team in hopes that the competition will lead to employment so he can support his family. In a heartbreaking scene, his mother confesses, "I told you anything could be yours. I don't think I was right."

The teens show incredible courage by continuing to work towards the competition despite daunting challenges such as: supporting a family, protecting a delinquent brother, being tracked down by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), being homeless, and fear of being deported. Keep in mind this all happened in Phoenix, Arizona where Sheriff Joe Arpaio imprisons undocumented people in tent city while it is 110 degrees outside, in a state where ethnic studies (that promote self-esteem and success in school) are illegal.

“Spare Parts” is an empowering underdog story that shows we can do anything we set our mind to. But it is so much more than that. Actor Esai Morales hopes that this movie will broaden what it means to be an American and our definition of the American Dream.

Movie blessings!
Jana Segal

www.reelinspiration.blogspot.com

Read, "The Real-Life Teachers of "Spare Parts" on What's Wrong with US Schools."

UPDATE: News of what came of the Carl Hayden Community High School Falcon Robotics team.

GOOD NEWS: Tucson police revise immigration policy about asking for papers.

Read my thoughts on, "What's Really Happening on the Arizona/Mexican Border."

Read my review of, "Under the Same Moon."

For more information on the struggles of undocumented workers, watch the documentary, "Immigrant Nation."

What's Really Happening on the Arizona/Mexican Border

After reading my recommendation of the doc, "389 Miles: Living the Border," a Myspace friend wrote that she wished people in the Northeast could actually know what's going on along the border.

Her question really weighed on my heart, so I spoke to a friend of the Douglas rancher who was killed. She told me that the police now know that it was drug smugglers who killed the rancher. She is angry because the newspaper accounts pointed to illegal immigrants crossing the border. She confirmed that things are horrific on the border. The drug smugglers and human traffickers are ruthless murderers. Much of what is happening isn't covered on the news - for instance little girls are being abducted from their homes. The smugglers have gotten cocky and bold and will shoot anyone that gets in their way - even policemen. The ranchers in the area are requesting military intervention. These ranchers are rightfully outraged. They want to shoot anyone who comes on their property.

But I want to make something clear - all "illegals" are not the violent criminals. The media is equating the word "illegal" or "illegal immigrant" with violent criminals. Not everyone who is crossing the border is a drug smuggler, kidnapper, or home invader. Most are migrant workers risking their lives to work for a better life for their families. Some of these migrant workers are even kidnapped and held for ransom or sold into human slavery. They are the victims. You might say that they should stay in Mexico. Imagine how bad things must be at home for these people to risk their lives crossing our brutally hot desert. And now it has become nearly impossible to get papers to come here legally.

Recently, a facebook friend posted a Fox news story on the Mexican crime wave spreading to Arizona. It was clearly edited to illicit fear. There were shots of: huge stacks of cocaine, members of the Mexican drug cartel shooting each other, dead bodies, kidnapping innocent civilians and a full out military attack on the smugglers. Then they showed shots of the violence spreading to Arizona: shots of migrant workers being kidnapped, and even a reenactment of a home invasion in Phoenix. Scary stuff. But the scariest part was that some FB friends couldn't distinguish from migrant workers and the home-invaders. One FB friend asked, "How do we tell the difference?"

This is not the first time the media has broadcast stories to create fear of illegals. The documentary,"Immigrant Nation," shows President Bush's efforts for immigration reform derailed by his own party. The Republican party used the media to create fear of illegal immigrants to get people to vote Republican. The news covered every crime they could find done by illegals including a drunk driver hitting an American. They created fear anyway they could - even reporting rumors of diseases being brought into our country by illegals.

I've lived in Tucson, Arizona for 15 years. I've seen undocumented immigrants in low income jobs like dish-washing and housecleaning or physically demanding outdoor work like landscaping, construction, and roofing. I don't know how they work out in hot Arizona sun. I wouldn't want to do it.

The undocumented workers I see are living in trailers, raising families, and working hard to send home money to their families in Mexico. I know a young woman who nearly died in the desert when she injured her foot. Luckily, a friend found her a walking stick which saved her life. Now that she knows the dangers, she says that she wouldn't cross the desert again. She came here to find work so she could help her family in a small Mexican town where there are only a few low paying jobs. Even when she found work, all her family could afford was tortillas and beans. I asked her why she didn't wait to come here legally and she said it costs so much and takes ten years (if you are accepted.)

This is a complicated issue. That is why documentaries like "389 Miles: Living the Border" (link to full movie) are so important. Tucson Filmmaker Luiscarlos Davis, who lived on the border city of Nogales, traveled the length of the border to capture stories that put a human face on this issue.

Recognizing a pressing need, Luiscarlos is presenting his documentary around Arizona to create more understanding during these difficult transitional times. He has agreed to do free screenings; but because the film doesn't have distribution yet he must present the film himself. This is great because he has a personal connection with the issue that he can share. Please, consider arranging for a screening for your club, organization or church NOW.

Movie blessings!
Jana Segal

(Note: The host usually pays for the filmmakers' travel expenses and may make a donation towards the costs of preparing the film for distribution so even more people can see this powerful film.)

To arrange for a screening, e-mail the filmmaker Luiscarlos at: email@389miles.com

Reel Inspiration: About Films of Substance.

You may have noticed that I haven't written a review for a while. I've seen plenty of films but few have inspired a review. (Sundance winner, "Don't Let Me Drown," that screened at the AIFF, warranted a great review but I only had time to send out a quick summary.) Even the Oscar nominated films I saw were lightweight in regards to theme.

I considered writing a review of "Crazy Heart." I thoroughly enjoyed Jeff Bridges lived-in performance of the seedy, alcoholic, has-been Western singer Bad Blake as well as his musical performance (which earned him a well-deserved Oscar nod.) But, for me, there was something missing from this redemption story. When Bad finally decides to go to rehab, his father says something to effect that it won't be easy. Aside from a scene where his young girlfriend refuses take him back, it's damn easy. No difficult introspection going on here.

After seeing the trailer of, "The Last Station" I looked forward to reviewing this historic epic about the last turbulent days of Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy with his wife Countess Sofya . (Tolstoy's novels "War and Peace" and "Anna Karenina" sparked the Tolstoyism movement.) One reviewer called "The Last Station" a romantic comedy, a romantic romp! Considering the subject, I hoped for something more. I found the feuding between Tolstoy and his aristocratic, drama-queen wife entertaining. (Helen Mirren deserved an Oscar for her role.) But I learned very little about Tolstoyism movement - just that they opposed private property (while Tolstoy owned a huge estate) and advocated sexual abstinence (while Tolstoy and Sofya had numerous children.) The main focus of the story is about who should get the rights to his novels after Tolstoy's death - his wife and muse Sofya or the Russian people. This plot line becomes repetitious, then tedious. But I enjoyed the pretty scenery and pretty love making (ironically!)

"The Last Station" and "Crazy Heart" are now playing at Crossroads Cinema. I would definitely recommend them for their Oscar caliber performances and entertainment value.

Of all the films I watched, the one with the most depth and importance was a sixty-minute documentary called, "389 Miles: Living the Border" by Tucson filmmaker Luiscarlos Davis. I generally don't review documentaries, but I am making an exception because this film is so relevant to the issues of our times. Luiscarlos, who grew up in the border city of Nogales, travels the length of the border to find the true and sometimes tragic stories. I was so moved by this film, that I immediately went on facebook and urged my friends to organize screenings to spread more understanding of border issues and the trials facing migrant workers.

Recognizing a pressing need, Luiscarlos is presenting his documentary around Arizona to create more understanding during these difficult transitional times. He has agreed to do free screenings; but because the film doesn't have distribution yet he must present the film himself. This is great because he has a personal connection with the issue that he can share. Please, consider arranging for a screening for your club, organization or church NOW.

Movie blessings!
Jana Segal

(Note: The host usually pays for the filmmakers' travel expenses and may make a donation towards the costs of preparing the film for distribution so even more people can see this powerful film.)

To arrange for a screening, e-mail the filmmaker Luiscarlos at: email@389miles.com

Watch the trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0kvjJXKYGs

"Under the Same Moon" (La Misma Luna)

In Tucson, the debate of what to do about illegal immigration is a heated one with hard questions and no easy answers. Under the Same Moon (La Misma Luna) doesn't attempt to give the answers but does it's best to humanize the issue. Even the title suggests that we are all "under the same moon."

Writer Liquiah Villalobos and director Patricia Riggen present the rarely told story of the child who is left behind when a parent leaves Mexico to work in America. "Under the Same Moon," tells parallel stories of mother and son. In the opening sequence they appear to be in the same household as they perform similar chores while waiting to be reunited. Nine-year-old Carlitos (Adrian Alonso ) can't wait until Sunday for his mother's weekly call at the town pay phone. His mother, Rosario, (Kate de Castillo) is in East L.A. working to provide a "better life" for him. Carlitos doesn't understand how it can be a better life without his mother. He needs her now. So when his grandmother unexpectedly dies,Carlitos sneaks across the border to find her.

The parallels continue as Carlitos experiences first hand the same hardships and dangers his mother had to endure crossing the border and working illegally. While he is struggling to get to her in America, she is preparing to return to Mexico to be with him. Carlitos looks at the moon when he's lonely because he's been told that she is looking at it too. Their connection is that strong.

Some reviewers have a problem with this precocious nine year old whose innocent devotion brings out the decency in folks. Perhaps it would be more real if he got tired and irritable sometimes. But this is a movie that believes in the goodness in people and the connection between a son and his mom. If you still believe in the goodness in people that connects us all, don't miss, "Under the Same Moon."

Movie Blessings!
Jana Segal
www.reelinspiration.blogspot.com/