Immigration documentary screens Oct. 23 at Ross Media Arts Center

"We The People: An American Dream and Nightmare," a documentary on immigration, will be shown at 7 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center, 313 N. 13th St. "We The People" looks at legal and illegal immigration from Mexico to the United States and the popular and political responses to the issue. The showing will be followed by a panel discussion. Admission is free and the presentation is open to the public.

Luis Peon-Casanova, an assistant professor of advertising at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Journalism and Mass Communications, produced the 55-minute documentary as part of his thesis project. A Mexican immigrant, Peon-Casanova took the oath of American citizenship Dec. 7, 2007.

"In light of the recent terrorist attacks on the U.S. and the debate surrounding the value of immigration," Peon-Casanova said, "I feel a responsibility to communicate my experience and the experiences of those who are struggling to realize their own American dream."

The documentary gives a brief historical background about the long history of immigration in the United States and looks at two central issues of legal and illegal immigration following the terrorist attacks on the United States on Sept. 11, 2001 -- national security and immigration reform. Peon-Casanova interviewed scholars, politicians, citizens and immigration officials and immigrants. The documentary offers social commentary about the issues surrounding immigration in the run-up of a presidential election year.

Peon-Casanova has taught at the UNL College of Journalism and Mass Communications since 2002. He teaches courses in photojournalism, advanced television production and communication graphics.