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Casita Presents: Cities of Sanctuary Film Series

  • By Gail Heidel, Associate Director of Creative Arts Programs
  • 28 Apr, 2017

6 Films Celebrating the Immigrant Spirit In New York City and Beyond

Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education in partnership with the New York City Council and Council Member Rafael Salamanca is proud to present Cities of Sanctuary Film Series with screenings and discussions of six critically acclaimed movies that celebrate the immigrant spirit in New York City and beyond.
With support from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cities of Sanctuary Film Series will include movies that showcase New York as a longstanding sanctuary city but also illustrate how its residents - long-time citizens and newly arrived residents alike - create sanctuary for themselves and others. Whether a sports documentary like Doin’ It in the Park or a mainstream comedy like I Like It Like That, the program includes films for all community members regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, age and even taste. Furthermore, following the screening of each film, Casita Maria will facilitate a dialogue among audience members, giving them an opportunity to share their reflections on the movie and ideas for forging a sense of community in the South Bronx across the borough’s diverse residents. When possible the filmmakers have been invited to join these conversations, making themselves available to answer the audience’s questions.
In partnership with the New York City Council, Council Member Rafael Salamanca and support from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.

Schedule*

Mosquita y Mari

Friday, May 19, 6 PM
In a fast-paced immigrant community where dreams often lose to the need to survive, teens Mosquita y Mari find sanctuary in each other.

Mad Hot Ballroom

Saturday, May 20, 11 AM
This award-winning documentary follows a group of NYC kids as they learn ballroom dancing and prepare for a citywide dance competition.

Surprise Feature**

Saturday, May 20, 3 PM
When his grandmother dies, a Mexican boy is determined to travel to the U.S. to find his mother. Kate Del Castillo stars in this poignant movie.

Doin' It In Park

Friday, June 23, 6 PM  
New York City is the worldwide mecca of summer basketball, and this vibrant documentary explores the history, culture and social impact of this scene.

I Like It Like That

Saturday, June 24, 3 PM
In this edgy and touching comedy, a young woman must find a way to support her family when her husband is arrested during a blackout in the Bronx. The first studio picture directed by an African American woman.  

Surprise Feature**

Saturday, June 24, 11 AM
You won’t want to miss this visually stunning drama which tells the story of four Latino immigrants in New York.
* Subject to Change
** Due to licensing restrictions, we are prohibited from revealing the title in our promotional material. To inquire about the surprise feature, please call Luis Pagan, (718) 589-2230 ext. 6091
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Children at the Casita Maria Center for Arts and Education are bowing, stomping and vocalizing…and some are even pressing.  All that is music talk for playing the violin, dancing, singing and piano playing.  Casita Maria is music, arts and so much more.  We are building tomorrow’s leaders. When a child enters Casita’s doors they are coached, nurtured and supported.  They are taught self-reliance and responsibility, all while learning the joy of music.

This is what you make possible every time you donate to our programs.  Today, on #Giving Tuesday, share your joy of music with the children of the South Bronx and East Harlem and watch us create the leaders of the future.

Entering its sixth year, #GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. Since its inaugural year in 2012, #GivingTuesday has become a movement that celebrates and supports giving and philanthropy.

By Haydee Morales, Executive Director 27 Sep, 2017

Casita Maria (The Little House of Mary) was founded in 1934 to help Puerto Ricans in East Harlem. It is the first and oldest Latino charity.  That mission continues today as we stand in support of Puerto Ricans following Hurricanes Irma and Maria, and as we extend our hands and hearts to our sister islands in the Caribbean and to Mexico following the earthquake.  

Please give generously to relief efforts established via national and community organizations that can get the relief to the people who need it the most.

Locally, supplies needed for the humanitarian crisis in Puerto Rico can be dropped off at Mothers on the Move, 928 Intervale Avenue, at one of eleven centers at Urban Health Plan or Hispanic Federation.  

Casita Maria will be convening with partner organizations for a coordinated and sustained effort moving forward as Puerto Rico will require long-term assistance to address the devastation ahead.  

Water, power, fuel, food and life-saving supplies must reach them fast. We stand in solidarity with elected officials who are advocating swiftly and strongly in this matter.  We ask for your help.

We will continue to keep you posted about how, as a community, we can help moving forward and we thank you in advance for your generosity.

Arriba corazones!


Casita María (La Pequeña Casa de María) fue fundada en 1934 para ayudar a los puertorriqueños en El Barrio. Es la primera y más antigua organización en benéfica de los  latinos. Esa misión continúa hoy cuando apoyamos a los puertorriqueños después de los huracanes Irma y María, y extendemos nuestras manos y corazones a nuestras hermanas islas en el Caribe y a México después del terremoto.

Por favor dé generosamente a los esfuerzos de ayuda establecidos a través de las organizaciones nacionales y comunitarias que pueden obtener el alivio a las personas que más lo necesitan.

Localmente, los suministros necesarios para la crisis humanitaria en Puerto Rico, pueden ser dejados en Mothers on the Move, 928 Avenida Intervale, en uno de los once centros del Urban Health Plan o la Federación Hispana.

Casita María se reunirá con las organizaciones asociadas para un esfuerzo coordinado y sostenido, ya que Puerto Rico requerirá asistencia a largo plazo para enfrentar la devastación que se avecina.

Los suministros de agua, electricidad, combustible, alimentos y salud deben alcanzarlos rápidamente. Estamos en solidaridad con los funcionarios electos que están abogando con rapidez y firmeza en este asunto. Pedimos su ayuda.

Continuaremos manteniéndole informado sobre cómo, en comunidad, podemos ayudar a avanzar y le agradecemos de antemano por su generosidad.

Arriba corazones!

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