A free film screening of a movie that bridges Latino/a Heritage Month and Native American Heritage Month will be showing tonight.
"Follow Me Home," directed by Peter Bratt, follows four artists of different ethnicities on a journey across America to paint a mural of their ancestors on the White House.
Starring two Latino Americans, a Native American and an African American, the film connects Latino Heritage Month, which ends Oct. 15, with Native American Heritage Month, which begins Nov. 1. The film won't be released in national theaters, but is open for the public tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the Michigan Theater.
Diana Derige, co-chair of the student latino/a group Alianza, said it is essential for the organization to support and sponsor the film.
"We felt that it was good to support issues of people coming together," Derige said. "So many times we see movies where there are people of different cultures, but they never interact. It's important to acknowledge that people of all ethnicities and races interact in everyday situations."
"Follow Me Home" weaves together the dreams and struggles of the four main characters. Although the film delves into issues of race and ethnicity, Shannon Martin, Native American Coordinator at the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs, said it also touches issues for all people, despite their race.
"I think the movie will speak for itself, as far as showcasing the different walks of life here," Martin said. "The message it will bring is that we can all come together and realize similarities that we all have.
"The characters come together for a goal and they work together and learn about each other. This is something that I hope University students will try to do, despite different barriers."
Shannon Muir, secretary of the African American Program Task Force, said she hopes many people will come to the screening to learn about different traditions.
"I think because the movie covers such diverse topics, it will definitely draw a diverse crowd," Muir said. "I expect a lot of students to come watch."
Following the showing, Bratt will be available for questions.
10-02-97
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