Film Screenings Amplifying Authentic Immigrant Experiences via Drama come at a time when the immigrant voices have been ruthlessly silenced. The Humanities Institute at Stony Brook alongside Department of English Assistant Professor Neisha Terry Young are working to amplify those silenced voices, trying to dissolve social and political barriers. The discussion pushed for the idea that by fighting this anti-immigrant rhetoric, we create a safer environment for not only immigrants but also Americans.

The experience was held on April 8th in the Humanities Institute. It featured experts from several fields of study, bringing graduate and undergraduate students together. The event showcased Voice, a 2023 film that described and portrayed several immigrant stories from around the U.S., showcasing the difficulties of immigrant life through immigrants themselves. The presenters emphasized the importance of immigrant perspectives rather than someone else simply detailing those points of view.

After the film, each speaker opened the floor up for questions, many of which highlighted the dangerousness of the current rhetoric and view toward immigration as a whole. All of them, however, stressed the importance of not losing hope despite the harsh circumstances the country is facing.

Though times may seem bleak, hope is our most important resource in these trying times. Protesting, signing petitions, and demonstrating allyship toward immigrant communities are more important now than ever. By connecting with those diverse communities, we can better understand the immigrant experience, allowing nonimmigrants to further their stories and aid with the issues affecting their communities.