Wrapping up National Hispanic Heritage Month, La Paz will host a film and discussion to present a personal account of the paths taken by many of today's immigrants.
La Paz joins the Hunter Museum of American Art to tell a story representative of thousands who seek a better life in America and the wealth of battles they face along the way, on Thursday, Oct. 15, from 5:30-7:45 p.m.
The film presented will be Tommy Davis’ Mojados: Through the Night. It is the recipient of Best Documentary at the Arizona International Film Festival and the Santa Fe Film Festival; Grand Prize at the San Antonio Underground Film Festival; and Audience Award at the Kansas International Film Festival and South By Southwest Film Festival.
“It seems to me films such as Mojados portray a trek, a journey, not seen through the filter of Hollywood,” said Dr. Carlos Parra, facilitator of the film’s discussion and chair of the Modern Languages Department at Southern Adventist University. “I believe this issue goes beyond a merely academic analysis; it's a reality that hits me in my face every day.
“It is definitely a tremendous feat to cross a border as treacherous as the southern U.S. border. However, many are willing to cross it for the sake of those left behind regardless of age, gender, political or religious affiliation, educational level, and economic status.”
Camera in hand, Mojados Director Tommy Davis captures raw footage of the 120 mile cross-desert journey of four men trying to get to the U.S. and tells of the firsthand reasons that motivate such a journey.
“Through this film, La Paz wants to expose the reality faced by many of the immigrants living in this country, in Chattanooga, today,” said La Paz Executive Director Stacy Johnson. “Just like the goal of the film’s director, we want to show this very real depiction of a people and situation that extends beyond the labels and generalizations often created by today’s discussion on immigration.”
The Museum's cafe will be open to purchase refreshments during the film.
Guests who say they're a friend of La Paz will get in free. Call La Paz at 624-8414 for more information.