Spotlight

It’s been a record-breaking year for Community Cinema. Regional outreach coordinators and producing partners have brought together over 30,000 people to 400 events across the country, working in partnership with hundreds of local and national organizations, including League of Women Voters, Campus Compact, Amnesty International, Colorlines magazine and many more.

Season Highlights

MISS NAVAJO
Denver, CO
Producing partner Rocky Mountain PBS
A diverse audience of 140 came together for the MISS NAVAJO screening at Starz Film Center. Audience members commented that the film provided a deeper understanding of the culture, with a focus on the preservation of language. Former Miss Navajo Sunny Dooley (who appears in the film) spoke on the panel and discussed the importance of oral tradition and language preservation.

BANISHED
St. Louis, MO
Producing partners KETC, Missouri History Museum
This was the biggest Community Cinema screening to date for producing partners KETC and Missouri History Museum, with over 500 community members flocking to the museum. Much of the discussion centered on steps to right the wrongs of the past and how racism is deeply embedded in U.S. society. One audience member noted an important step towards healing is to "have more frank discussions like the one provided tonight by KETC and Independent Lens films." The discussion ended on a hopeful note that people could right wrongs by finding a voice to confront people in power.

KING CORN
Boston, MA
Producing partners Boston Cares and Hostelling International
Over 200 guests of all ages were welcomed to the KING CORN screening at the Boston Public Library. Ian Cheney, co-producer, attended and audience members enjoyed hearing directly from him about his work and perspective he’s gained on the corn industry and its impact on U.S. citizens' health. One audience member commented, “This was the best documentary I have ever seen. Listening to Ian Cheney was amazing—his knowledge and film really hit more for me and has changed my life!” The producing partners reported having their largest turnout yet at this screening.

A DREAM IN DOUBT
Hayward, CA
Producing partner California State University East Bay
Over 70 people gathered together for the A DREAM IN DOUBT screening at California State University East Bay. The audience was comprised of college and high school students, educators, members of the Sikh community and families. Co-Producer Preet Singh provided opening remarks and stayed for an intimate Q&A and reception. The audience warmly shared reactions to the film and discussed ways to educate, foster dialogue and support the diverse Hayward community.

ITVS Community Cinema in the News

Philadelphia City Paper: Just do it

Idaho Statesman: Looking at life through an “Independent Lens’

The Detroit News: ‘Iron Ladies’ film focuses on Liberia

OregonLive.com: King Corn and CSAs

The Des Moines Register: Through film, discussion, let’s unlearn prejudice

St.Louis Beacon: Survivors: Film examines legacy of Cambodian genocide