Photo credit Alexandra Hidalgo

By Susan MacLaury

Last week I reunited with Inocente, the subject of our film Inocente, to go to Michigan State University to do two screenings and Q and As of the film. We were hosted by Carleen Hsu, Professor of Practice in the Department of Media and Information and Film Studies Program, who was joined by faculty and staff in other departments to make our trip possible.

We showed the film first to Carleen’s film production class, attended by about 100 students, and later that night we did a second screening and Q and A for about 75 students, staff and faculty in one of the university’s libraries. Inocente was beguiling as always, and won the hearts of everyone with her honesty and grace. Her explanation of why she takes in homeless animals – even a very mean rabbit named BunBun – is humorous but very touching.

What also moved me tremendously was being honored at a dinner hosted by Michigan’s CAMP Program (College Assistance Migrant Program). We had a chance to meet wonderful staff and students, most of whom had worked in the fields as did the kids in our film, The Harvest (La Cosecha). 

Inocente summed up the day by saying: “This film will continue to be relevant as long as homelessness, undocumented immigrants subject to deportation, and lack of support for the arts continue.”

If you are interested in hosting a screening of one of these films, please contact info@shineglobal.org.
Screenings at schools and universities must go through the films’ distributors (we can put you in touch).
Please be aware that the subjects or filmmakers are usually not able to attend but they do require that hosts provide travel and lodging and a speaking fee.