Two film screenings, to take place at New York University’s King Juan Carlos I of Spain Center (located at 53 Washington Square South) in April, will focus on issues surrounding illegal immigration into the United States. Both screenings are following by Q&As with the filmmakers and are free and open to the public; for further information, call 212.998.3650 or visit www.nyu.edu/kjc.
On Monday, April 16, at 7:15 p.m., Crossing Arizona by Joseph Mathew and Daniel DeVivo will be shown. The film examines how heightened security in California and Texas has pushed illegal border-crossers into the treacherous Arizona desert in unprecedented numbers - an estimated 4,500 a day. The crisis is seen through the eyes of those directly affected by it. The film is in English and Spanish with English/Spanish subtitles. Crossing Arizona has won several film awards, including the One Future Prize, 2006 Munich Film Festival; Best Documentary, Arizona International Film Festival; and the Audience Award, Cine Las Americas. It was nominated for best documentary at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival.
A Q&A with filmmakers Mathew and DeVivo follows the screening.
On Monday, April 23, at 7:15 p.m., De Nadie by Tin Dirdamal will be screened. While many have justifiably discussed and debated the plight of migrants crossing into the U.S. in search of employment and a better life, much less is known about what happens to Central Americans who must first journey through Mexico on their way to the U.S. Frequently, they are tortured, raped, robbed, or even killed by any one of several groups, including Mexico’s corrupt police, gangs, and railroad employees. This film tells the story of Honduran migrant Maria, and what she endured. It is in Spanish with English subtitles. De Nadie won the Audience Award for World Cinema Documentary at Sundance.
A Q&A with filmmaker Dirdamal follows the screening.