HACC’s York Campus to show ‘Latinos beyond Reel’ documentary

 YORK, Pa. – The public is invited to a free screening of the documentary, "Latinos Beyond Reel," in a Hispanic Heritage Month event on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2013, from 3-5 p.m., at the York Campus of HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College.

The office of student life and multicultural programswill show the film in the Glatfelter Community Room in the Cytec building on the campus located at 2010 Pennsylvania Ave. The film will be followed by a dialogue about issues addressed in the film.

The documentary seeks to address how Latinos are represented in the United States’ mainstream media.  Through interviews with scholars, community leaders, actors, and children, the filmmakers uncover the negative portrayal of Latinos. This film challenges those narrow perspectives and encourages viewers to think critically about the impact of these news and entertainment media stereotypes.

“This documentary is important not just for all our students, but for those in the community who may be shocked at the profound levels that Latinos are misrepresented in film and games,” said Errol Wizda, coordinator of student life and multicultural programs. “We want to engage the York community in a discussion about how media shapes culture and how our consumption of films, television and games creates certain expectations for our interactions with those different from ourselves. When we start engaging in dialogue, we start to hear and understand points of view that may be different than our own. This, in turn, helps improve intercultural relations and builds a stronger community.”

The most recent U.S. Census reports that, as of July 1, 2011, an estimated 52 million Hispanics live in this country, representing 16.7 percent of the total population. By 2050, that number is estimated to reach 132.8 million, which represents nearly 30 percent of the U.S. population. These figures indicate that people of Hispanic origin are the nation's largest ethnic or race minority. This documentary offers a view of this group as a growing percentage of people in America.

For more information, contact Errol Wizda,coordinator of student affairs,by phone, 717-801-3251, or by email, ejwizda@hacc.edu.