Becoming American: A Documentary Film and Discussion Series on our Immigration Experience continues this Thursday, Aug. 23, at the National Hispanic Cultural Center. Funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities as part of the organization’s Community Conversations initiative, this series features documentary film screenings and scholar-led discussions designed to “encourage an informed discussion of immigration issues against the backdrop of our immigration history.” This week’s film is The Search for General Tso. Described as “as much an immigration history as a culinary detective story,” this foodie documentary uses the ubiquitous Americanized dish General Tso’s chicken to examine issues of immigration, adaptation and innovation. Historians, chefs, writers and Chinese food enthusiasts explain how Chinese food took over America. Dr. Gabriel Sanchez, professor of political science at the University of New Mexico, serves as moderator for the post-film discussion. The film starts at 7pm. Free tickets can be picked up at the NHCC’s Bank of America Theater box office (1701 Fourth Street SW) one hour before showtime. For more info go to nhccnm.org.
Reel World: Book It Book It
Looking for some free family movie action this weekend? Swing by the weekly Movies on the Plaza this Friday, Aug. 24, for a completely fee-free showing of 2014’s stylishly animated fantasy The Book of Life. The CGI-animated feature is based on the Mexican mythology surrounding Day of the Dead. In it, the angelic ruler of the Land of the Remembered and the demonic ruler of the Land of the Forgotten place a wager on whether a soulful musician (Diego Luna) or a heroic soldier (Channing Tatum) will win the heart of a general’s spirited daughter (Zoe Saldana). The film starts at dusk (around 8pm), but moviegoers are invited to show up early, claim a good spot and take advantage of ABQ Food Fridays, which features tasty grub from great local food trucks.
Reel World: Gimme A (Tax) Break Gimme A (Tax) Break
The New Mexico Film Office presents another installment of its monthly Educational Speakers Series. This Wednesday, Aug. 29, the topic is “The New Mexico Film Incentive—Getting Your Money.” Wonder what happens after your film is shot, and what you need to know to get the most out of New Mexico’s Film Incentive tax rebate? A representative from the Tax and Revenue Department will be there to walk you through your questions regarding state tax credits. This event takes place from 6 to 7pm at the Joseph Montoya Building’s Bid Room (1100 S. St. Francis Drive in Santa Fe). This event is free, but you must RSVP to Eventbrite in order to secure a seat. For more info, go to nmfilm.com/monthly-speaker-series.aspx.
