"The State of Arizona", a Community Cinema presentation

Join us for a free screening of a film that looks at the divisive battle over illegal immigration in Arizona that came to a head with Senate Bill 1070.

WXXI's Community Cinema series is pleased to present The State of Arizona on Monday, October 28, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at the Little Theatre. The film focuses on the controversial "papers please" law, SB1070. It will be followed by a panel discussion. 

The State of Arizona interweaves the volatile themes of immigration and race portrayed through a mosaic of characters and their responses to the law. The film's three-act structure is built around the turbulent arc of the law, from the Governor's signing of the bill in 2010 to the Supreme Court's June 2012 pronouncement on its constitutionality. Through the personal stories of individuals impacting and impacted by immigration policies, the film explores the social and political circumstances that gave rise to SB1070, examining the roles played by government and business, as well as the human consequences of the policy.

The panel discussion after the screening will include the following guests:

Walter H. Ruehle: Mr. Ruehle has practiced immigration law for over three decades in three law offices that provide legal representation to the poor. Currently, he is the director of the Immigration Program of the Legal Aid Society of Rochester. He is also the director of the Upstate New York Immigration Law Program, a partnership between his office and the immigration programs of legal aid offices in Syracuse and Albany. Wally is a 1976 graduate of SUNY Oneonta (high honors) and a 1979 graduate of Albany Law School of Union University. He was admitted to the New York bar in February, 1980 and the Connecticut bar in June, 1990. During the spring semesters of 2012 and 2013, he was an adjunct professor at Cornell Law School.

Dr. John (Lory) L. Ghertner: Bio to be posted soon.

Father Jesus Flores, Diocesan Coordinator for Migrant Ministry: Bio to be posted soon.

WXXI's Community Cinema series features films from the Emmy Award-winning PBS series, Independent Lens. The screenings, held at the Little Theatre (240 East Avenue, Rochester, NY), will be followed by lively panel discussions to encourage dialogue and action around important and timely social issues. These events are free, open to the public, and reservations are not required.

Community Cinema is presented by ITVS and funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people with additional support from the National Endowment for the Arts.