Wilmington event highlights immigrant stories through film and discussion
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A night of storytelling and celebration is taking place Friday at Jengo’s Playhouse as local filmmakers and community leaders come together for Celebrate Immigrant Experiences, an event highlighting short films about identity, belonging and resilience.
The short film block begins at 7:30 p.m. and features several works, including Gabriela, a film written, directed and starring North Carolina filmmaker Evelyn Lorena.
Lorena said she wanted to tell a story that goes beyond common assumptions about immigrants.
“A lot of times there’s a lot of preconceived notions or ideas and stereotypes about what that means or what the community looks like,” Lorena said. “I wanted to tell a story that maybe starts off that way, you think that you have seen this kind of story before, but then it really examines this person’s hopes and dreams and it really becomes a universal story that anyone can relate to.”
Her film follows a young Guatemalan woman trying to join a country club swim team, which Lorena said represents a journey of self-discovery and identity.
“It’s actually her story to reclaim herself and come of age and find her identity,” she said.
Lorena said Gabriela was inspired by her own life, family experiences and stories from people she knows. She also received support from the Latino Film Institute and Netflix’s Latino Fellowship, which she said helped tell the story in an authentic way.
“They were very supportive of telling the story in a really authentic and universal way,” she said.
A film event called “Celebrate Immigrant Experiences” will share immigrant stories through film and discussion.
(Courtesy: Jengo’s Playhouse)
Other short films featured in the event come from that same fellowship and share similar themes of humanity and connection.
“They’re all very different, so I really encourage everyone to come out,” Lorena said.
Following the screenings, organizers will host a discussion featuring local nonprofits, including the NC Latinx Collaborative, to talk about current issues and perspectives related to the immigrant experience.
“I really hope empathy is a huge thing,” Lorena said. “Hopefully the panel will discuss what’s going on in the climate with a lot of objectivity and empathy that people can have for the immigrant experience.”
Tickets for Celebrate Immigrant Experiences can be purchased here.
