Catch Louisville’s May 14 screening of ‘Evicting the American Dream’
Evocative documentary will be paired with a panel discussion
LOUISVILLE — People within driving distance of Louisville, Kentucky now have a chance to attend a screening and discussion of “Evicting the American Dream,” a thought-provoking documentary on the impact of eviction on children and families.
The 51-minute film, which is a joint project of Counter Stories Productions and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA), will be shown at 7 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, May 14, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 4839 Southside Dr., which is next door to the Americana World Community Center.
A panel discussion with community leaders and advocates will follow the screening. Both are free, but registration at pcusa.info/EvictingScreening is encouraged.
Written and directed by David Barnhart as an educational resource, “Evicting the American Dream” amplifies the voices and stories of those affected by unjust systems that can lead to homelessness.
“Our aim is to collectively draw attention to the issue of housing and eviction and to educate the public at large — and the church as well — to learn how we can collectively tackle this issue,” said Margaret Mwale, associate for community development and constituent relations for the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People (SDOP).
The documentary includes interviews with experts, such as social workers, tenants’ rights organizations and eviction lawyers, discussing the scourge of eviction and how it can leave people with a Scarlet letter ‘E’ on their records. Near the end, children impacted by eviction share their dreams and realities.
“The voices amplified in this documentary bring up a fundamental question for all of us,” Barnhart has said. “Why do we continue to develop and support systems in this country that do not prioritize our children?”
Following the film, attendees will hear from a panel moderated by the Rev. Dr. Angela Johnson, pastor of Smoketown’s Grace Hope Presbyterian Church and co-president of Citizens of Louisville Organized and United Together (CLOUT). She’s also interim director of field education at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
The panelists scheduled to join her are as follows:
- Clare Wallace, Executive Director of South Louisville Community Ministries
- Jonet Wright, Peer Support & Housing Specialist of South Louisville Community Ministries
- George Eklund, Director of Education and Advocacy for the Coalition for the Homeless
- Heather Ford, Family Advocate Intern and Peer Support Specialist at the Americana World Community Center.
“Presbyterians and all other justice-minded people of all backgrounds across Louisville should consider attending this film screening as we look at issues of homelessness, housing justice, and eviction realities in our community,” said the Rev. Rebecca Barnes, who manages the Presbyterian Hunger Program. “It’s important to understand what we can do, what organizations are working for change, and how we can join hands to address these critical issues.”
Organizers of the upcoming events include SDOP, PHP and PDA, the Presbyterian Investment & Loan Program Inc., Mid-Kentucky Presbytery, the Association of Community Ministries, the Americana World Community Center, the Coalition for the Homeless and See Forward.
On the night of the screening, there will be representatives from many organizations “available for connecting and networking,” Barnes said. “This will be a great evening to build community and momentum for action.”
“Evicting the American Dream” has been screened in more than 20 U.S. cities in partnership with faith groups, along with organizations concerned with issues such as human rights, housing and homelessness, education and the law, said Michelle Muñiz, PDA associate for resource development and outreach.
Local screenings are important, Barnhart said. “I’ve always believed that lasting systemic change can only happen in community,” he explained. “These grassroot screenings have become a creative space to amplify these voices and counter stories and collectively find ways to mobilize, make connections and become a part of these movements for justice.”
The topics addressed in the film, such as housing, homelessness and redlining, are of interest to Presbyterians for multiple reasons.
“The church is called to works of justice and compassion by walking alongside people and communities impacted by poverty and other social issues, such as homelessness and eviction,” Mwale said. “As people of faith, we are called to be in solidarity with these communities to help promote justice, including housing justice, build stronger communities and seek economic equity in a way that is self-empowering towards the communities we are partnering with.”
PHP, PDA and SDOP have long worked to equip, empower and connect grassroots communities dealing with issues tied to social inequities, natural disasters and the effects of poverty and hunger, Barnes said.
“We all three have found that stable housing is a first priority and a vital necessity to be able to adequately address any of these major societal issues,” she said. “We look forward to joining community partners in this screening, so we can hear what resources are available here in Louisville to learn about and take action on housing justice.”
Want to attend the screening? Please register in advance. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the screening will begin promptly at 7 p.m. You can view the trailer and hear reactions to the film here. Consider streaming the documentary at home if you are unable to attend the live event.
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