Boston-based Community Supported Film (CSFilm) selected and trained 10 immigrants from 10 different countries of origin to produce 10 short documentary films on their fellow new immigrants and refugees. The resulting 10 films, New Immigrant and Refugee Visions (NIRV), will premiere at the Boston Public Library (BPL), Sunday, March 31 and Monday, April 1, 2019. 

The films were made to stimulate dialogue among audiences from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Five films will be screened at each event, followed by an open facilitate conversation among the audience, filmmakers and film subjects.

The films were made to stimulate dialogue among audiences from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Five films will be screened at each event, followed by an open facilitate conversation among the audience, filmmakers and film subjects.

CSFilm and the BPL share the belief that in order for people from diverse economic and cultural backgrounds to make responsible and equitable decisions about their communities, they need to learn first-hand about each other’s experiences, concerns and needs.

The films include stories of a Rohingya refugee recently arrived in Boston; A Somali family divided generationally; a Haitian healing through dance; an Indian campaigning for Revere city council; a Puerto Rican cultural activist; a Ugandan working in a nursing home and wondering why; a Christian refugee from Bhutan; and Ethiopian helping rural Americans overcome addiction, and; from the Dominican Republic, an undocumented daughter with DACA status.

The premiere at the Boston Public Library kicks off a 6-month national “Get-the-NIRV” Screen & Discuss campaign. CSFilmis working with local, regional and national organizations to leverage these films in facilitating public dialogue about immigration among audiences of diverse opinions and backgrounds across the country. (See Audience Impact and City Targeting Strategy and research data).

Event Details:

What: CSFilm Founder and Director, Michael Sheridan, will introduce the film making process, the NIRV filmmakers and subjects; five of the ten films will be premiered at each event, followed by facilitated discussion.

When: Sunday, March 31, 2019 from 2:30-4pm and Monday, April 1, 2019 from 6-7:30pm

Where: Boston Public Library, Copley Square Central Branch, Rabb Hall, 700 Boylston St., Boston

Available for Interviews:Michael Sheridan, Filmmaker, Educator and director of Community Supported Film, the NIRV filmmakers and some subjects are available for interviews.

Media Resources: NIRV video excerpts and biographies of our immigrant filmmakers; screeners and video stills; NIRV training and production photos.
 
Contact: Caryn Anderson at Community Supported Film: caryn@csfilm.org, 857.415.0564 (m).

CSFilm is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing access to stories rooted in local perspectives. After successful projects in Afghanistan and Haiti, CSFilm turned to new immigrants and refugees in the United States to enable them to amplify their unique insider perspectives on the challenges that immigrants face and the contributions they make to American culture, economy and social fabric.

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