THE ERACISM FILM AND DISCUSSION SERIES - 2003 PROGRAM

Press Release for the 2003 Program

In a continuing attempt to erase racism in Fort Collins, several community organizations have joined forces this year to sponsor the third annual "Eracism" Film and Discussion Series at the Fort Collins Senior Center during the next few weeks.

As in past years, the films will be a mix of documentaries and feature films highlighting particular racial or ethnic issues. Community leaders will lead a discussion following each film.

Film Schedule:

Sept. 21: "The Two Towns of Jasper" - In this documentary, two film crews, one black and one white, cover the trial of the men who dragged James Byrd to his death in Jasper, Texas. Dorothy Bland, publisher of The Coloradoan, will lead the discussion.

Sept. 28: "Unmentionable" - We're not allowed to advertise the name of this award-winning Australian drama based on real events. The film follows three mixed race children who are forcibly removed to boarding schools, then escape and make their way 1,500 miles back home. Discussion leader will be Christinia Eala of Winyan Maka, an Indigenous Women's group in Fort Collins.

Oct. 12: "Maryam" - The world of an Iranian-American teenager in 1970s suburban New Jersey changes drastically when Americans are taken hostage in Iran and her family becomes the target of anti-Iranian acts. Mohammad Siddiqui, a retired CSU professor, will be discussion leader.

Oct. 19: "Postville: Clash of Cultures" - When a meat-packing plant closed in Postville, Iowa, it was bought by a group of Hasidic Jews from New York, who hired a number of Latino workers. This documentary follows events and attitudes in this once-homogeneous white Christian community when it becomes a multi-cultural stew, rather than a melting pot. Leading the discussion will be Ken Gordon, chair of the Fort Collins Human Relations Commission.

Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. Seating at the Senior Center is limited. All films begin at 6:30 p.m.

The series is presented by the Eracism Film Series Committee with support from the Gannett Foundation, Fort Fund, The Coloradoan, Foothills Unitarian Church, Interfaith Council, Northern Colorado Multicultural Corporation and Fort Collins Public Library.

Contact the Eracism Film Committee to find out how you can be a part of this exciting program.

Eracism Film Committee
(970) 484-7653
E-mail: margi@frii.com