April 22, 2024

SVSU to host screening of award-winning documentary ‘Still Here’

Filmmaker has ties to Saginaw

Saginaw Valley State University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs will host a screening of Mariah Barrera’s acclaimed documentary short film “Still Here” on Wednesday, April 24, at 5 p.m. in the Curtiss Hall Seminar Rooms (second floor). The screening is free and open to the public.

Barrera, a first-generation student at Columbia University in New York City, was born in Saginaw and raised here until she was 10, when her family moved to Grand Rapids. She brings her deeply personal perspective to the film, which tells the story of a Latino family in the Midwest. Focusing on three brothers — her father and uncles — whose coming of age was marked by violence, poverty and incarceration, the documentary offers an intimate exploration of love amid adversity.

Directed, written, filmed and edited by Barrera, and supported by the Oakland, California-based organization Still I Rise Films, “Still Here” has received widespread acclaim, including recognition at prestigious film festivals such as DOC NYC, Urbanworld and the Cleveland International Film Festival, all of which are Academy Award-qualifying festivals. Barrera has garnered numerous awards and accolades, including the Gold Award in Film from the National YoungArts Foundation.

“We are thrilled to host the public screening of ‘Still Here’ at Saginaw Valley State University” said Roberto Garcia, director of SVSU’s Office of Multicultural Student Affairs. “This film offers a compelling perspective on important social issues, and we believe it will resonate deeply with our community. We invite everyone, especially aspiring filmmakers and those impacted by incarceration, to join us for this special event.”

Following the screening, there will be a Q&A session featuring the writer(s), director and subjects of the film, including Mariah Barrera, Robert Barrera, Ramon Barrera and Michael Barrera. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the creators and protagonists of this powerful documentary, gaining insights into their experiences and the filmmaking process. A reception will close out the evening, providing an opportunity for further discussion and reflection.

For more information on the screening, contact SVSU’s Office of Multicultural Student Affairs at (989) 964-7090 or mailto:msa@svsu.edu.