Earlier this month I attended the Community Strategic Training Initiative (CSTI) hosted by the Western States Center in Portland, OR. This three-day seminar featured day-long workshops on everything from dismantling racism to introductions to community organizing. During my time there I met lots of great folks doing amazing work, one of which was Lauren Raheja who works with the Center for Intercultural Organizing in Portland. Lauren clued me in to a documentary that it seems like I should have already known about but had somehow missed: Divided We Fall.The film tells the story of hate violence in the aftermath of 9/11 and explores the question: who counts as American? I haven’t had a chance to watch the entire film yet, but the trailer and clips on the website are powerful and there are many opportunities for creating positive change.
The Divided We Fall campaign is currently coordinating screening events in all 50 states during the month of September. Organizations like the Center for Intercultural Organizing are hosting screenings that will be followed by crucial conversations with audience members and local leaders about racism, religion, and healing in the aftermath of September 11th.
At Working Films we strive to support filmmakers and organizers as they create opportunities for films to make real impact in the world. Kudos to organization’s like the one Lauren works for and to filmmakers like Jodi Elliot for putting Divided We Fall to work in communities across the country.
I encourage everyone to check out the Divided We Fall website and considering hosting a screening and dialogue in your community.
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