Seattle's immigrant communities are in for an evening of film and thoughtful discussion, as the Seattle Information Technology and the Seattle Office of Civil Rights have teamed up with the Seattle Public Library to present the documentary "From Here." Mark your calendar for Thursday, October 24 from 5 to 7:45 p.m. at the Seattle Central Library. Doors will swing open at 5 p.m., with the feature beginning at 5:30 p.m., offering a glimpse into the lives of young individuals grappling with identity and belonging in this era of burgeoning nationalism.
The documentary directed by Christina Antonakos-Wallace, unfolds within the urban tapestries of Berlin and New York and centers on four young artists and activists from immigrant backgrounds, their struggles, and their triumphs over a span of ten years. After the screening, a panel discussion is set to take place featuring insights from notable figures such as Antonakos-Wallace herself, Oksana Bilobran, who serves as Legal Programs Manager and Policy Advisor with Seattle’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, along with David Peña, Washington New Americans Administrative Manager from OneAmerica. The exchange of ideas will be adeptly navigated by Jenifer Chao, Director of Seattle’s Department of Neighborhoods.
Those interested in the intersection of art, activism, and the immigrant experience will find the film's backdrop, contrasted by the rise of global nationalism, particularly relevant. Audiences can look forward to a bilingual viewing experience as closed captioning in both English and Spanish will be provided. Ensuring accessibility has been a priority for the event organizers, with Seattle Central Library's Auditorium on Level 1 being wheelchair accessible. Guests in need of additional accommodations are encouraged to indicate their requirements via the form provided on the library’s website.
For additional details and to make accommodation requests, the public can visit the event's information page at Seattle Public Library's event announcement. This is an opportunity for the community to engage in a critical conversation about what it means to create a sense of belonging for all in a landscape that is both diverse, and at times, divided.
