The “Independent Lens” documentary “The State of Arizona” is playing at JSC on Dec. 3.

The film documents the ongoing debate over immigration in Arizona. It is the most recent film from Vermont Public Television’s (VPT) Community Cinema program to come to Johnson State College.

The Community Cinema program pre-screens selected documentary films before they are aired at several locations around the state, accompanying the screening with panel-led discussions afterward. According to vpt.org, the films selected for screening are relevant to current events and social issues.

The films shown in the Community Cinema program are all produced by the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), as part of the ongoing documentary series “Independent Lens.”

According to Chuck Pizer, community engagement director at VPT, films from “Independent Lens” exemplify what community cinema is all about.

“The “Independent Lens” films are timely, topical and provocative,” said Pizer while discussing “The State of Arizona.”

“The film explores Arizona’s controversial immigration law and practices, and how these laws are shaping the national conversation around immigration reform. A college campus like JSC offers a dynamic environment to foster dialogue and greater understanding of issues that affect our country, our state and our communities.”

Pizer explained that the reason JSC is such a good setting for the screenings is because it is a college campus that is very involved in the surrounding towns, drawing in both students and community members.
The panel members leading the discussion after the screening have yet to be chosen, and will consist of volunteers from the community. Students, professors, and community members can all take part as panel members.

“Watching the film—and hearing the thoughts, positions and concerns of the panelists as well as the audience—enables each of us to form an educated opinion,” said Pizer. “And if moved through knowledge and reason, one can respond to the filmmakers call to action.”

According to pbs.org, “The State of Arizona” focuses of the controversy surrounding the passage of the 2010 state bill SB1070, which allows police officers to ask anyone they have a reasonable suspicion of being an illegal immigrant for their papers (In Arizona, immigrants must carry documentation on their person at all times).

The bill sparked protests across the country by those who felt it encouraged racial profiling. However, it also has a large amount of support—which could encourage other states to follow Arizona’s lead.

The film description at pbs.org addressed these ramifications: “Arizona’s enforcement-led policy, which grew out of its unique position as a frontline border state, is reshaping the national conversation around immigration reform. With dozens of states considering a similar approach, “The State of Arizona” holds up a mirror, asking Americans who they are, and who they want to be.”

The film will be playing in the Stearns Cinema at 7 p.m.