News

October 15, 2007

‘Border’ filmmaker set for Hazleton

Chris Burgard is the writer, director of a documentary on illegal immigration.

By Steve Mocarsky smocarsky@timesleader.com
Staff Writer
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WEST HAZLETON – A local group that has been rallying behind Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta’s illegal immigration laws has arranged for the director of a documentary film on illegal immigration to stop in the Hazleton area next week during his national tour.

Chris Burgard, the writer and director of “Border” – is on a 38-city tour promoting the documentary, which has been described as “a haunting, inside look at the war zone that has become our southern border.”

“Rape trees, illegal immigration, drug smuggling, sex trafficking and more – all taking place at the United States’ southern border with Mexico. From drug cartels and smuggler towns to besieged American ranchers routinely finding corpses on their properties, ‘Border’ gives the viewers a front row seat,” a press release states.

The film will be screened at 7 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Cinema & Drafthouse – a refurbished large-screen theater in West Hazleton that serves food and beverages during films, with patrons seated at tables facing the screen.

Dan Smeriglio, founder and president of Hazleton-based Voice of the People USA, said he worked with Burgard’s publicist to arrange for the stop in West Hazleton.

While Voice of the People USA has had a series of rallies to support Barletta’s Illegal Immigration Relief Act and to call for national immigration reform and the stepping up of enforcement, Smeriglio said the documentary offers a fair look at illegal immigration.

“This film is great for people on both sides of the (illegal immigration) debate. It gives a non-biased look at the hardships (illegal immigrants) go through to come here, and also the hardships our country faces because of illegal immigration,” Smeriglio said.

Smeriglio called the film an “in-your-face reality blast” that has been playing to sold-out audiences in major cities across the country.

IF YOU GO

What: Screening of “Border” followed by a question-and-answer session with writer/director Chris Burgard

When: 7 p.m. Oct. 24

Where: Cinema & Drafthouse, 31 W. Broad St., West Hazleton.

Admission: $10.

Learn more about the movie or pre-order tickets at bordermovie.com or voiceofthepeopleusa.com.

Steve Mocarsky, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 459-2005.

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