ONU to welcome filmmaker Eric Byler

Ohio Northern University welcomes director Eric Byler to present his documentary film, “9500 Liberty,” on Tuesday, Jan. 18, at 7 p.m. in the McIntosh Ballroom. Following the showing, Byler will take questions from the audience. The event is free and open to the public.
 
“9500 Liberty” focuses on Prince William County in Virginia, which, after adopting a law requiring police officers to question anyone they have “probable cause” to suspect as an undocumented immigrant, became ground zero for the ongoing debate over immigration policy. The film unveils the surprising vulnerability of a county government that received tremendous pressure from anti-immigration groups who use the Internet to frighten and intimidate lawmakers and citizens. However, the residents of Prince William County fight back and form a resistance using YouTube videos and virtual town halls in an attempt to repeal the law.
 
Byler is a highly acclaimed filmmaker, winning awards at the Asian American International Film Festival, Phoenix Film Festival, Independent Film Festival Boston, St. Louis International Film Festival, and the Charlotte Film Festival for “9500 Liberty.” He and co-director Annabel Park are founding members of Coffee Party USA, an alternative to the Tea Party that promotes non-partisan solutions to problems the U.S. government now faces.
 
This event is sponsored by the Ohio Northern University Office of Academic Affairs, the Getty College of Arts & Sciences, the Office of Multicultural Development, the Cultural and Special Events Committee, and the Department of Modern Languages.

Published: Wed, 01/12/2011 - 9:30am