National screening series seeks to spark conversations in Mesa

October 8, 2015 at 11:33 am

The City of Mesa Office of Diversity, City of Mesa Human Relations Advisory Board, Mesa Public Libraries, Independent Television Service and Arizona PBS present Indie Lens Pop-Up, formerly known as Community Cinema.

The first event of the 2015-2016 season is the screening of "Stray Dog" Thursday, Oct. 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Dobson Ranch Library, 2425 S. Dobson Road. "Stray Dog" is from Debra Granik, director of the Oscar-nominated movie "Winter's Bone" and is the portrait of a motorcycle-riding Vietnam veteran. But there is much more to Ronnie "Stray Dog" Hall than meets the eye. Behind the tattoos and leather vest is a man dedicated to helping his fellow vets and immigrant family as he also comes to terms with his combat experience.

Following the 80 minute screening there will be a panel discussion led by Brett Petersen, a social worker and counselor at Marc Community Resources in Mesa, and Mike Pappa, U.S. Navy/U.S. Air Force Retired Veteran.

In support of Veterans who may suffer from PTSD, we will be holding a bike lock donation drive at the screening. Ride 2 Recovery is a non-profit organization who donates refurbished bicycles to those Veterans that may benefit from their use. If you would like to help, bring a lock to donate. All locks collected will go to the local Ride 2 Recovery programs.

The next event in the series is "Autism in Love" Thursday, Nov. 19 at Dobson Ranch Library. The film features four adults at different places on the autism spectrum who open up their personal lives as they navigate dating and romantic relationships. Eye-opening, first person portrayals show that despite many challenges faced by those with autism, love can find a way.

To see the full season line up, and to get more information about screenings in Mesa, visit www.mesaaz.gov/diversity.

We are also pleased to announce the creation of two hashtags for the new film series release. They are:
#mesatalksdiversity
#indielenspopup!

Public Information and Communications
Contact: Kevin Christopher
Tel. 480-644-4699
kevin.christopher@mesaaz.gov