Video resources

Below is a list of video resources which can be borrowed from the Office of Immigration through their lending library. Contact Dana Dages at (888) 728-7228 x5202.

'Be there. Be hope.'

United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) (Four individual segments varying from 4 to 7 minutes, each.)

If your group is looking for opportunities to serve the immigrant population, this documentary offers lots of suggestions. "Be there. Be Hope." gives an overview of the work being done by UMCOR.

Suggested Uses: Use this film as a way to spark a brainstorming session on ways your group can assist immigrants.

'Lives for Sale'

A documentary on immigration and human trafficking. First aired on Public Television and the Hallmark Channel, this harrowing film goes beyond the rhetoric to show why immigrants are willing to risk everything even virtual slavery for the american dream. While politicians, activists and the media wrestle with the thorny issue of immigration, "Lives for Sale" exposes the painful, rarely seen human side of illegal immigration — especially the growing black market trade in human beings. The documentary also looks at some practical alternatives to these tragic realities.

Tracing the stories of two young women who were trafficked, one in California, the other in Florida, the documentary asks why and how this could happen in the United States — and what can be done to stem the most lucrative criminal enterprise after drugs and gun sales. 58 minutes

Suggested Uses: This documentary could be used in a group to facilitate discussion and help gain interest in studying further the issues surrounding immigration.

'Jose Interview'

September 2005 (10 minutes)

This is one interview from a series of interviews where undocumented Mexican workers and residents have shared their stories. They have described the reasons why they are here in the United States and their experiences of living without government protection. The stories Jose tells on this video are good examples of shared experiences of a Mexican man living in the United States without American papers. His story seems to ring true with the many Mexican immigrants that were spoken to while making the film. His identity has been hidden so that he could speak freely and without fear of repercussions. The purpose of this short documentary is to raise awareness and provide firsthand accounts of what life is like for an undocumented worker in the United States and to help us better understand what must be done for our neighbors from the south who have become an integral part of our society.

Suggested Uses: This short film could be used as part of a study session focusing on learning about undocumented immigrants and the risks taken to provide for their families.

'Encouraging Hope'

by Kentucky Refugee Ministries, Inc.

Kentucky Refugee Ministries, Inc. is the refugee resettlement office in the state of Kentucky for two national church-based programs: The Episcopal Migration Ministries and Church World Service. Kentucky Refugee Ministries is authorized by the U.S. Dept. of State to assist refugees who have been legally admitted to the United States as victims of warfare or other forms of persecution because of their religious or political beliefs.

A short informational film that explains the process of resettling refugees for just one of the many resettlement offices in the United States. The film shares the stories of refuges and the challenges they faced both in the United States and prior to being resettled.

Suggested Uses: The film could be used as part of a program informing a group about potential opportunities to serve refugee populations.

'The Job'

Let’s face it talking about immigration can be depressing. This short film by Screaming Frog Productions could provide some much needed comedy relief for your group discussion.

Suggested Uses: Use this film to share a laugh after any group discussion.

The Visitor

A college professor has a chance encounter with a couple who are undocumented immigrants. Through music and exchange of culture, they develop a deep relationship. As problems arise in the lives of the immigrant couple, the professor is compelled to assist them and finds himself enmeshed in the bureaucratic immigration system. Rated PG-13. 104 minutes.

Suggested uses: This film is moving and brings light to the situation families face when their loved one is detained by immigration. The underlying question of what constitute neighbor and family has deep theological implications as well. It would make a thoughtful introduction to a segment on immigration, especially as it relates to hospitality or deportation.

'One Border One Body: Immigration and the Eucharist'

Each year clergy and lay people gather along the U.S./Mexico border to celebrate the Eucharist. They are separated by the metal fence that divides the two countries. This meal is shared as symbol of all borders overcome by God in the Incarnation. In addition the lives of those who perished in the desert while migrating to the United States are remembered and honored.

While the film has a distinct Catholic perspective, it is a reminder of the community that is formed when we remember the life and death of Jesus through communion. 30 minutes.

Suggest uses: This film would add a theological component to conversations about borders and neighbors.

'The New Americans: Tape 2'

This video is a part of a miniseries on today’s immigrants and refugees which follows the lives of immigrants who have been living in the United States and the changes they have experienced. This segment contains: one woman prepares to marry, a Nigerian refugee couple who are coping with low-paying jobs and the arrival of their first American baby, and one Mexican family is reunited after 13 years apart.

Get a first person account of the challenges and successes that making a new home can bring. Available on VHS only – 2002, 115 minutes.

Suggested uses: This video would be useful to give first person accounts of the lives of immigrants after studying policy and/or scripture.

'Keep the Border Patrol on the Border'

A documentary on the impact the Border Patrol has had on a small town in Washington state. People in the community form an advocacy group to urge the town to resist the presence of Border Patrol agents and this film chronicles that process. Community residents share their stories of interactions with agents and how it has changed their town. 52 minutes.

Suggested uses: This film would compliment a discussion on borders or protecting the civil and human rights of those living along Untied States borders.

'Strangers No Longer'

This film produced by the Justice for Immigrants Campaign can be used with a study guide which explores immigration from the perspective of the biblical mandate to welcome the stranger. Includes coverage of the services and advocacy work done by the Catholic Church in Virginia as an example of how to ensure immigrants are strangers no longer.

Suggested uses: Could be used as the resource materials on “Welcoming the Stranger.” Short film: 16 minutes or longer film: 22 minutes.

'Take These Hands'

A moving seven-minute music video montage on immigration.

Suggested uses: This music and accompanying images could be used as a reflection or meditative piece to begin a discussion group.

'Immigration Today'

A series of segments on immigration issues that includes some pieces that are ironic and witty and others are news show segments. Topics covered: Reframing the immigration debate, raids, detention, and the DREAM Act. 50 minutes total running time.

Suggested uses: Groups could view some of the segments as a catalysis for informal discussions on immigration and the debate on immigration or as a companion piece to other resources on related topics.

'Immigrant Voices'

This film features the lives of a variety of immigrant populations in the United States. and their struggle to make a new home while maintaining ties to their home country. 30 minutes.

Suggested uses: Immigrant Voices could be used for discussion groups wanting to learn more about the immigrant experience.

'Know Your Rights'

This educational video produced by the Coalition For Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles helps prepare people in the event they are questioned by police or immigration officials.

Suggested uses: This film could be used to illustrate to citizen discussion groups the challenges facing immigrants or as a tool for immigrants to help them prepare for raids. The video was produced in Los Angeles where local police are not authorized to enforce federal immigration laws. However, in some states and cities laws have been passed giving local police the ability to detain people for immigration violations. If this is to be used for immigrants, be sure to thoroughly explain all local laws related to immigration.

'The Voices of CAIR'

This short interview segment features conversations with three immigrant detainees. They are working with representatives of CAIR to gain release from detention and the ability to stay in the United States. Their stories are heartbreaking yet typical of those in detention. 7 minutes total running time.

Suggested uses: These interviews could be used during a discussion on detention or comprehensive immigration reform in order to give participants a firsthand account of how immigration policies impact families. These interviews are also featured on the Immigration Today video.

For additional movie selections along with descriptions visit Murthy Law Firm.