unseen Discussion Guide

As a blind, undocumented immigrant, Pedro faces uncertainty to obtain his college degree, become a social worker, and support his family. Through experimental cinematography and sound, unseen reimagines the accessibility of cinema, while exploring the intersections of immigration, disability, and mental health. A Co-Presentation with Latino Public Broadcasting (LPB).

Accessibility Features:

Audio Descriptions: Available in English and Spanish.

Closed Captions: Available in English and Spanish.

Enhanced Transcript: Available for improved viewer experience.  

This guide is an invitation to dialogue. It is based on a belief in the power of human connection and designed for people who want to use ‘unseen’ to engage family, friends, classmates, colleagues, and communities. In contrast to initiatives that foster debates in which participants try to convince others that they are right, this document envisions conversations undertaken in a spirit of openness in which people try to understand one another and expand their thinking by sharing viewpoints and listening actively.

The discussion prompts are intentionally crafted to help a wide range of audiences think more deeply about the issues in the film. Rather than attempting to address them all, choose one or two that best meet your needs and interests. And be sure to leave time to consider taking action. Planning next steps can help people leave the room feeling energized and optimistic, even in instances when conversations have been difficult.

For more detailed event planning and facilitation tips, visit https://communitynetwork.amdoc.org/.

About the Author, Sara M. Acevedo, PhD

Sara M. Acevedo is a multiply-disabled, Mestiza scholar-activist born and raised in Colombia, South America. She is an assistant professor of disability studies at Miami University, where she works to bridge critical pedagogy and disability activism through community partnerships, drawing from disability justice principles and the wisdom of disabled BIPOC.

Acevedo is the recipient of several social justice awards and is currently a distinguished visiting scholar at the State University of New York at Buffalo, where she is leading a research project on neurodivergent culture and activism with a grant from the Ford Foundation’s Disability Rights program. Acevedo is a co-founder of the National Coalition of Latinxs with Disabilities (CNLD) and sits on the editorial board of Disability and the Global South: The International Journal. During her three-year term on the board of directors of the Society for Disability Studies, Acevedo led the creation of the organization’s 15 principles.

DISCUSSION GUIDE PRODUCERS

Courtney B. Cook, Phd | Education Manager, POV 

C. Rees | Education Editor, POV

THANKS TO THOSE WHO REVIEWED AND CONTRIBUTED TO THIS RESOURCE

Natalie Danford | Copyeditor 

unseen Plain Text Discussion Guide

‘lo que no se ve’ Discussion Guide (Spanish)