Spring Break
Young Filmmakers 'Walk The Line' In New Film
Emily Abbate and Tara Joyce
Issue date: 10/17/07 Section: Focus
Ask yourself when the last time you stopped, took a break from your daily activities, and took a second to think about your surroundings. Think about where you are and the country you are in. Consider that more than 3.3 million immigrants - both legally and illegally - have entered the United States since January of 2000, according to the Center For Immigration Studies Web site. Filmmakers Landon Van Soest and Jeremy Levine did just that, and have created the award-winning documentary, "Walking The Line," that will be showing this evening at 7 p.m. at the Konover Auditorium.
Van Soest, originally from Denver attended Ithaca College where he studied non-fiction film production. He has worked with Big Mouth Productions and the Sundance channel and has additionally gained credits on projects for the National Geographic Channel, TLC, PBS and NBC, amongst others.
Levine, also a graduate of Ithaca College, developed a passion for filmmaking in his hometown of Beverly, Mass. Levine has been involved in a number of projects including production for "Jolly Black Slaves," a documentary on Dutch tradition and a short movie for Express Yourself, a Massacusetts-based performance group.
"The film explores the front lines of what many fatigue-wearing, self-style warriors dub a 'border war.' A commander marshals his armed troops, cocks his rifle and maps out maneuvers when suspected immigrants invade the property," according to the Web site. "A nighttime raid led by a cigar-chomping vigilante leads to the capture of startled migrant workers. 'Walking The Line' offers an intimate look into what drives these individuals to such extremes."
"[The movie] offers a harrowing view of the chaos, absurdity and senseless deaths along the U.S- Mexico border," according to the movie's website, "through private citizens who are taking the law into their own hands."
The movie discusses how southern Arizona, a region known for its history of disorder and confusion, has emerged as the nation's prime, and most dangerous, point to cross the border.
The movie follows border vigilantes such as Chris Simcox, leader of the Minuteman Project, and Casey Nethercott of Ranch Rescue, on their quest to scout out illegal immigrants while offering an inside look as to why these immigrants are so adamant about getting onto U.S. soil.
Tonight's showing is preceded by a workshop on filmmaking and immigration, open to all students, discussing how two undergraduate students made the award-winning film at 4:30 p.m. at the Batterson Hall multi-purpose room. Following the discussion, there is a dinner with the filmmakers at 5:30 p.m. at the Faculty-in-Residence Apartment, located in Russell Hall in Northwest.
Contact Emily Abbate at
Emily.Abbate@UConn.edu
Van Soest, originally from Denver attended Ithaca College where he studied non-fiction film production. He has worked with Big Mouth Productions and the Sundance channel and has additionally gained credits on projects for the National Geographic Channel, TLC, PBS and NBC, amongst others.
Levine, also a graduate of Ithaca College, developed a passion for filmmaking in his hometown of Beverly, Mass. Levine has been involved in a number of projects including production for "Jolly Black Slaves," a documentary on Dutch tradition and a short movie for Express Yourself, a Massacusetts-based performance group.
"The film explores the front lines of what many fatigue-wearing, self-style warriors dub a 'border war.' A commander marshals his armed troops, cocks his rifle and maps out maneuvers when suspected immigrants invade the property," according to the Web site. "A nighttime raid led by a cigar-chomping vigilante leads to the capture of startled migrant workers. 'Walking The Line' offers an intimate look into what drives these individuals to such extremes."
"[The movie] offers a harrowing view of the chaos, absurdity and senseless deaths along the U.S- Mexico border," according to the movie's website, "through private citizens who are taking the law into their own hands."
The movie discusses how southern Arizona, a region known for its history of disorder and confusion, has emerged as the nation's prime, and most dangerous, point to cross the border.
The movie follows border vigilantes such as Chris Simcox, leader of the Minuteman Project, and Casey Nethercott of Ranch Rescue, on their quest to scout out illegal immigrants while offering an inside look as to why these immigrants are so adamant about getting onto U.S. soil.
Tonight's showing is preceded by a workshop on filmmaking and immigration, open to all students, discussing how two undergraduate students made the award-winning film at 4:30 p.m. at the Batterson Hall multi-purpose room. Following the discussion, there is a dinner with the filmmakers at 5:30 p.m. at the Faculty-in-Residence Apartment, located in Russell Hall in Northwest.
Contact Emily Abbate at
Emily.Abbate@UConn.edu
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