'Seeking Justice in a Diverse America'
Item Metadata
Title
'Seeking Justice in a Diverse America'
Date Created
2021-05-01
Type
Text/Image
Creator
Julia Nielsen
Language
ENG
Is Part Of
Chinook Student Newspaper, CCA 08.i.2023.01 WyCaC US. Casper College Archives and Special Collections.
Identifier
May_FilmFestDiverseAmerica
Format
PNG
Publisher
Casper College
Text
[Title] 'Seeking Justice in a Diverse America'
[Author] Julia Nielsen, Chinook Writer
[Text]
The 29th annual Casper College Multicultural Film Festival screened "To Kill a Mockingbird," on Friday, April 16 at 7 p.m. and "Just Mercy," on Friday, April 30 at 7 p.m. in the Wheeler Auditorium. Erich Frankland, Chair of Political Science, History, and International Studies directed the film festival. Each year, Frankland said he tries to alternate between lighthearted content such as international cartoons or a serious topic relating to current political and social climates.
His intention for this year's festival involved choosing a theme that connects to the two films and facilitates an open discussion by the end.
"The film festival is an opportunity for you as a student to explore issues with people who maybe see things completely different from you," said Frankland.
The theme this year emphasized the American legal system and 'Seeking Justice in a Diverse America' regarding race and class. Amanda Nelson, director of the Casper College Paralegal Studies Program, led the discussion for the "To Kill a Mockingbird," screening. The discussion focused on American's Miranda rights, such as an individual's right to an attorney when questioned or interrogated.
"A good part of the discussion focused upon the concern if things have really changed for minorities to obtain justice in America and how our ideals of justice often lag in reality. We also explored that sometimes little steps on diversity and justice are exceptionally important and can lead to major change," said Frankland. "We also looked at the impact that dignity and morality can have on peoples struggling for equality and those helping them."
The film "Just Mercy," folows lawyer Bryan Stevenson on his journey to defend those wrongly condemned or convicted of crimes they did not commit. When "Just Mercy," made its initial premier, theaters were closed due to the COVID-29 pandemic and quarantine. The timing wasn't ideal and it went under the radar, so Frankland wanted students to be exposed to a film that discusses such important issues.
"The idea of justice is very subjective, and with this theme we explore how it's not right for specific races and groups to be discriminated against. In both films, race and class are the overarching themes. Neither of the gentlemen can afford a quality attorney, and we want to discuss why these barriers for justice and fair treatment exist within the American criminal justice system," said Frankland.
Frankland said he intended for thought-provoking discussions and diverse interaction between students and the community.
He reiterated the importance of face-to-face discussions as opposed to debates on social media. The film festival provides an opportunity for students to find common ground while also being exposed to different opinions and perspectives.
"We are content to say things on social media we wouldn't usually say in person, or maybe we're avoiding certain conversations because we don't want to be unfriended. This setting allows a safe, real conversation and that's one reason we've stuck with this approach," said Frankland.
Chad Hanson, Chair of Social and Cultural studies, said that the importance of public forums should be preserved in the name of American democracy. The Multicultural Film Festival celebrates its 30th anniversary next year and upholding this tradition is important in his eyes. Hanson hosted and moderated the screening for "Just Mercy," and provided a sociological perspective for the audience.
"Some of the discussions we should have had regarding inequalities in the United States were swept under the rug. And I think we live in a time where some of the curtains are being pulled back. We've reached a time where people are more willing to talk about these issues and try to change them," said Hanson.
Community colleges and universities are one of the most important places to have these kinds of discussions. The festival allows people to look one another in the eye and come from a place of empathy and respect. The anonymity of the internet has changed the way we talk about these topics and civil discussion within a public forum is a vital aspect of American democracy that holds immense value.
"Where else in society can you just get together with people you don't even know and have a really important conversation about something that matters, knowing that you'll be heard and listened to. I think that alone is a tradition to preserve," said Hanson.
The Multicultural Film Festival provides a public forum for students, staff, and members of the community to discuss topics that matter to them.
[Image: Movie poster for Just Mercy, with Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx and Brie Larson. "Every generation has its hero. Meet ours."]
[Image caption: Advertising for the Multicultural Film Festival at the college featured the movie cover for "Just Mercy,"]
[Author] Julia Nielsen, Chinook Writer
[Text]
The 29th annual Casper College Multicultural Film Festival screened "To Kill a Mockingbird," on Friday, April 16 at 7 p.m. and "Just Mercy," on Friday, April 30 at 7 p.m. in the Wheeler Auditorium. Erich Frankland, Chair of Political Science, History, and International Studies directed the film festival. Each year, Frankland said he tries to alternate between lighthearted content such as international cartoons or a serious topic relating to current political and social climates.
His intention for this year's festival involved choosing a theme that connects to the two films and facilitates an open discussion by the end.
"The film festival is an opportunity for you as a student to explore issues with people who maybe see things completely different from you," said Frankland.
The theme this year emphasized the American legal system and 'Seeking Justice in a Diverse America' regarding race and class. Amanda Nelson, director of the Casper College Paralegal Studies Program, led the discussion for the "To Kill a Mockingbird," screening. The discussion focused on American's Miranda rights, such as an individual's right to an attorney when questioned or interrogated.
"A good part of the discussion focused upon the concern if things have really changed for minorities to obtain justice in America and how our ideals of justice often lag in reality. We also explored that sometimes little steps on diversity and justice are exceptionally important and can lead to major change," said Frankland. "We also looked at the impact that dignity and morality can have on peoples struggling for equality and those helping them."
The film "Just Mercy," folows lawyer Bryan Stevenson on his journey to defend those wrongly condemned or convicted of crimes they did not commit. When "Just Mercy," made its initial premier, theaters were closed due to the COVID-29 pandemic and quarantine. The timing wasn't ideal and it went under the radar, so Frankland wanted students to be exposed to a film that discusses such important issues.
"The idea of justice is very subjective, and with this theme we explore how it's not right for specific races and groups to be discriminated against. In both films, race and class are the overarching themes. Neither of the gentlemen can afford a quality attorney, and we want to discuss why these barriers for justice and fair treatment exist within the American criminal justice system," said Frankland.
Frankland said he intended for thought-provoking discussions and diverse interaction between students and the community.
He reiterated the importance of face-to-face discussions as opposed to debates on social media. The film festival provides an opportunity for students to find common ground while also being exposed to different opinions and perspectives.
"We are content to say things on social media we wouldn't usually say in person, or maybe we're avoiding certain conversations because we don't want to be unfriended. This setting allows a safe, real conversation and that's one reason we've stuck with this approach," said Frankland.
Chad Hanson, Chair of Social and Cultural studies, said that the importance of public forums should be preserved in the name of American democracy. The Multicultural Film Festival celebrates its 30th anniversary next year and upholding this tradition is important in his eyes. Hanson hosted and moderated the screening for "Just Mercy," and provided a sociological perspective for the audience.
"Some of the discussions we should have had regarding inequalities in the United States were swept under the rug. And I think we live in a time where some of the curtains are being pulled back. We've reached a time where people are more willing to talk about these issues and try to change them," said Hanson.
Community colleges and universities are one of the most important places to have these kinds of discussions. The festival allows people to look one another in the eye and come from a place of empathy and respect. The anonymity of the internet has changed the way we talk about these topics and civil discussion within a public forum is a vital aspect of American democracy that holds immense value.
"Where else in society can you just get together with people you don't even know and have a really important conversation about something that matters, knowing that you'll be heard and listened to. I think that alone is a tradition to preserve," said Hanson.
The Multicultural Film Festival provides a public forum for students, staff, and members of the community to discuss topics that matter to them.
[Image: Movie poster for Just Mercy, with Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx and Brie Larson. "Every generation has its hero. Meet ours."]
[Image caption: Advertising for the Multicultural Film Festival at the college featured the movie cover for "Just Mercy,"]
Original Format
Digital Newspaper
Citation
Julia Nielsen, “'Seeking Justice in a Diverse America',” Goodstein Foundation Library Western History Center Digital Collections, accessed July 10, 2025, https://caspercollege.cvlcollections.org/items/show/9367.