“Lens of Truth” Film Festival

I, Too, Dream American (10 min) – Tomas Cortez – A moving short documentary on the impact of DACA’s ending on two Southern Illinois University students.

Footprints in the Sky (39 min) – Daniel Rodriguez – An exploration of the first group of Purepecha families that arrived in Cobden, Illinois, from Cherán, Michoacán, Mexico.

On the Battlefield (16 min) – P. Sniadecki – A tribute to Cairo, Illinois, and its historical significance in the fight for racial justice.

Kathryn and Her Daughters (45 min) – Sandra Pfeifer – A compelling look at a Southern Illinois rural homemaker who raised 7 children in a traditional rural lifestyle in the 1950s and whose life exemplifies the history of the changing role of women in rural America.

Walk with Me: The Story of Judge Damon J. Keith (103 min) – Jesse Nesser – A powerful film on the life and legacy of the civil rights judge.

The Adventures of Robert Russell’s Blues (47 min) – Dan Johnson – A combination of stories and songs that examines the Southern Illinois musician’s travels and experiences.

Juneteenth: A Long Walk to Freedom (30 min) – Abby Asher – A deep dive into the history and significance of Juneteenth.

Against All the Odds: A Story of Courage, Community, and Spirit in East St. Louis (60 min) – Sandra Pfeifer – A powerful narrative of resilience and community strength. This film is a commentary on how racial discrimination in a once rising Industrial city eventually produced the only all Black city in America.