With the How Democracy Works Now DC screenings underway through June 10, we’re thrilled to see coverage of the series in the media. Arizona’s controversial immigration laws have ignited debate, and the issue of immigration is once again at the forefront of the agenda.
On May 1st, Variety’s Ted Johnson wrote, “Hollywood Turns Focus to Immigration,” citing involvement of the how the arts community, from Jon Stewart to Shakira to “Ugly Betty” cast members, are becoming involved in the immigration issue.
Johnson concludes by asking if the entertainment industry gestures will translate to real change- cites How Democracy Works Now’s DC tour as an important resource for the legislative steps yet to be resolved:
What remains to be seen is whether these works really can help change hearts and minds if Congress takes up the issue soon. As was evident through much of the health care debate, the townhall and Tea Party shouts and volleys overshadowed all else, including the relatively few celebrities who waded in and rallied on Capitol Hill to push reform. To put it mildly, passions on both sides of the immigration debate are no less inflamed, probably more so.
In that regard, in the coming weeks filmmakers Shari Robertson and Michael Camerini will be screening their multipart “How Democracy Works Now” series in Washington. They spent six years capturing, in cinema verite style, the last concerted effort on Capitol Hill for immigration reform. A portion was shown on HBO in March.
Their project’s narrative culminates with the defeat of that reform in 2007. Depending on how you look at it, it’s either a roadmap for what not to do, or the shape of things to come.
If you’re in DC and would like to join for the screenings, we’ve got several dates left – check our schedule here.