TIME: 1 PM ET / 10 AM PT | PLATFORM: Zoom | REGISTER: bit.ly/TWRclarkston
This #MigrationMonday, join us for a special preview and discussion about CLARKSTON the film with filmmakers Erin Bernhardt and Din Blankenship. CLARKSTON is the story of a Muslim refugee and a former Klansman whose only commonality is being the target of blame in a polarized America. Set to the backdrop of the most diverse square mile in America - Clarkston, Georgia - the film uncovers what is possible when we leave the security of our tribes and what is at stake for our country if we don’t. If you’re an aspiring creative or emerging changemaker, you won’t want to miss this!
In the words of Erin and Din: “Many films have portrayed the refugee experience, and many films have illustrated the rise of hate in America. Set in the Deep South, CLARKSTON is the only film that weaves these seemingly disparate narratives into one compelling story. In this time of deep polarization, we have captured a story that invites our audience to see one another as individuals whose lives are painted by love, pain, hope, and loss. We hope that this film rekindles our sense of compassion towards one another.”
REGISTER: bit.ly/TWRclarkston
About the Filmmakers:
Erin Bernhardt, Director & Producer. Erin has won numerous film festival awards, two Peabody Awards, and an Emmy. Her first independent feature documentary, IMBA MEANS SING, was translated into 37 languages and aired worldwide on Netflix, Delta Studio, and all major VOD platforms. Prior to independent filmmaking, Erin served in the Peace Corps in Madagascar, worked as a Writer/Producer at CNN, and as the Director of Engagement for Points of Light, President George. H. W. Bush’s foundation. She is a lifelong volunteer, currently focused on NEXUS, the Atlanta BeltLine, and LEAD Atlanta. A multi-passionate soul, Erin also loves traveling and teaching yoga.
Din Blankenship, Director & Producer. Din Blankenship is an architectural designer by training who unexpectedly fell into filmmaking. Din has designed transitional shelters for refugees and was invited to present her work at the Symposium for the Architecture of Disaster Relief. Din has a Masters in Architecture with High Distinction from the University of Michigan, where her thesis earned the Thesis Award of Excellence. She also has a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Virginia. When Din is not working on the film, she can be found walking on the Beltline with her husband, daughter, and two dogs.