'Independent Lens' launches neighborhood screening series

"Independent Lens" has announced the launch of Indie Lens Pop-Up, a neighborhood screening series that brings people together for community-driven conversations around films from the award-winning PBS series.

Formerly known as Community Cinema, the long-running screening series has been renamed Indie Lens Pop-Up to strengthen the bond between the "Independent Lens" television series and local communities, and bring new energy and new audiences to the in-person events as well as online OVEE screening events and the broadcasts on Arizona PBS. Over the past decade, screenings of "Independent Lens" films have brought more than 331,000 participants together at more than 5,700 events to discuss issues that impact local communities.

The Indie Lens Pop-Up lineup includes a diverse selection of new documentaries that explore issues from race to gun violence, from veterans’ issues to autism.

ASU's Project Humanities, an award-winning university initiative, is serving as a community partner for this PBS film series, the values and messages of which align seamlessly with the types of dialogues critical to their style of programming. Throughout this series, Project Humanities is also collaborating with several community organizations and hopes to use these partnerships to foster community bonds and connections.

The screenings will feature different, diverse partnerships, each fueled by shared interests. Partners include such institutions as the Burton Barr Central Library, which will host a timely film about the Black Panthers for Black History Month in February and a film about the relationship between law enforcement and the public in April.

For the December screening of "Autism in Love," Project Humanities co-hosted with local organizations with a specific focus on autism advocacy and support. Groups included Arizona ASSIST and Arizona Autism United, two organizations specifically focused on helping communities, families and individuals affected by autism. One screening was held this month at Ability 360, an advocacy and support organization for people with disabilities. Another will be held in January at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, also in Phoenix, an institution widely known for its open and affirming congregation.

Sharon Torres, coordinator for Project Humanities, explained her excitement and enthusiasm for the upcoming film series.

“I feel honored that Project Humanities has been selected as a community partner for this film series. PBS’ progressive films align with critical topics that we use to engage our communities in 'Talking, Listening, Connecting.' We are absolutely excited to partner with other organizations and to include more community organizations and advocacy groups who are equally embedded in these types of initiatives,” Torres said.

Indie Lens Pop-Up 2015-2016 lineup

"In Football We Trust," by Tony Vainuku and Erika Cohn

6-9 p.m. Jan. 26, Memorial Union, ASU Tempe campus

"In Football We Trust" intimately follows four Polynesian high school football players in Utah struggling to overcome gang violence, family pressures and poverty as they enter the high-stakes world of college recruiting and the promise of pro sports. The odds may be stacked against them, but they’ll never stop fighting for a better future.

This event will be held in the Pima Auditorium on the second floor of ASU's Memorial Union in Tempe.

"The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution," by Stanley Nelson

6–9 p.m. Feb. 16, Burton Barr Central Library

A new revolutionary culture emerged in the turbulent 1960s, and the Black Panther Party was at the vanguard. Weaving together a treasure trove of rare footage with the voices of a diverse group of people who were there, Stanley Nelson tells the vibrant story of a pivotal movement that feels timely all over again.

This event will be held at the Burton Barr Central Library at 1221 N. Central Ave, Phoenix.

"Peace Officer," by Scott Christopherson and Brad Barber

6–9 p.m. April 12, Burton Barr Central Library

The increasingly tense relationship between law enforcement and the public is seen through the eyes of someone who has been on both sides: a former sheriff who established Utah's first SWAT team, only to see the same unit kill his son-in-law in a controversial standoff 30 years later. Now a private investigator, Dub seeks the truth in this case and other officer-involved shootings.

This event will be held at the Burton Barr Central Library on 1221 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, Arizona, 85004.

All events are free and open to the public.

For more information about Project Humanities and other upcoming events, visit humanities.asu.edu or call us at 480-727-7030