Hi All,

I hope the first week went well. I just wanted to share a short review of a film (9500 Liberty) that I went to see with one of my colleagues at Georgetown's Labor Initiative after work one day. Here is the link to the youtube trailer, review below. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjHUb9PqysI

I was privileged to attend Annabel Park and Eric Byler’s 9500 Liberty—a vivid, representational portrait of immigration issues in northern Virginia—on June 16th 2010.

Park and Byler’s ability to depict the nature of small town politics in Manassas, Virginia reveals the rivalries, coalitions, and infighting that result from locally divisive issues. Testimonial accounts captured my attention and drove me to think more critically about how local groups can have an impact on the nature of the legal process. Together, these accounts illustrated the resounding need for political action and attentiveness, rather than apathy.

While my appreciation of the film stems from the filmmakers’ passion for the subject, I offer a critique on the question of objectivity. The filmmakers become involved in the story as it unfolds in a manner reminiscent of (though much less reckless than) “Gonzo journalism”. Perhaps, it is unfair to pigeon hole them into the role of objective documentarian. However, the film left in me a contrarian desire to better understand the motivations behind anti-immigration policies. By the conclusion of the film, it seemed difficult to comprehend how the filmmakers could acquire an honest interview from their opposition as they publicly associated themselves with one side.

Regardless, this academic complaint should not take away from the films resounding success in depicting the convergence of activism, technology, and politics on the issue of immigration. It is an inspirational job well done.