A “Define American” Film Festival will take place Oct. 24-27 at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. This four-day festival will include films, discussions and personal testimonials regarding issues of race, identity and citizenship.
Each day is specially tailored to provoke a positive and meaningful conversation revolving around how the word American is defined. The festival events are free and open to the public.
Oct. 24: Union Auditorium, 6-8 p.m.
“I Learn America” by Jean Michel Dissard and Gitte Peng — In this film, five resilient immigrant teenagers come together over a year at the International High School at Lafayette while they struggle to learn their new land. Through these five vibrant young people, their stories and struggles, and their willingness to open their lives and share them with us, we “learn America.”
Oct. 25: Union Regency B-C, 7-9 p.m.
“Halmoni” by Ju Hong and Anna Oh — This film follows a 24-year-old immigrant activist as he struggles to understand the deep sense of responsibility he feels toward his family, especially his mom and older sister who are undocumented. Intimate moments shared with his family members in South Korea reveal that being undocumented may not be just a label to define one’s immigration status. His story represents just one of the millions of undocumented immigrants living in America today.
Oct. 26: Union Colonial A, 6-8 p.m.
“Abrazos” by Luis Argueta — This film tells the story of the transformational journey of a group of U.S. citizen children who travel 3,000 miles, from Minnesota to Guatemala, to meet their grandparents for the first time. After being separated for nearly two decades, these families are able to share stories, strengthen traditions and begin to reconstruct their cultural identity.
Oct. 27: Union Regency B-C, 7-8:30 p.m.
“Dish It Up!” Discussion Event — Join other Nebraska students in wrapping up the festival with a Late Night “Dish It Up” event to further discuss the topics evoked by prior film screenings. Refreshments will be provided.
