In light of the recent events surrounding diversity at Miami University, specifically the controversial art project constructed last week, a diversity-based film showing could not come at a more poignant time, according to sophomore Earl Pinkett IV, co-chair of the Multicultural Concert and Lecture Board at Miami.
The Miami Multicultural Concert and Lecture Board of Campus Activities Council (CAC) is sponsoring a showing of Qasim Basir's film 1 Nation, 2 Worlds, at 6 p.m. Nov. 7 in 112 Pearson Hall.
As Basir's most recent film, 1 Nation, 2 Worlds explores how two men of two different races could have two different backgrounds but end up at the same place applying for the same position.
"'The purpose of this film is to promote understanding with its look at how two lives from two different worlds can have their own different problems,'" said Pinkett, quoting Basir in a pamphlet of information given to him. "'No one has it easy and it's all in how you deal with life's challenges and choices.'"
According to Pinkett, Basir has dealt with mostly white and black environments throughout his life.
"In the background information given in his life, he has navigated both environments of both black and white and his friendships with cultures of white and black have helped him mold this film," Pinkett said.
Pinkett sees Basir's real-life experiences dealing with these environments as valuable.
"Basir is coming to Miami University to show his eye-opening film uncovering the cross-cultural differences and struggles within our society," Pinkett said. "His real-life experiences and personal research of the issues of diversity in this nation are all tied together to offer audiences a fresh view into issues that strongly affect our community."
1 Nation, 2 Worlds is the seventh film that Basir has written, produced and directed. The film has been screened in theaters in Detroit, New York and Dayton.
Pinkett also discussed the pertinence of Basir's film.
"The event is being brought to Miami University's campus to raise awareness of diversity and inclusion-issues that cannot be overlooked especially after the recent incident involving nooses hanging from trees being called artwork by students," he said.
Emily Wages, a Miami first-year, believes the diversity awareness activities are highly beneficial to Miami students due to the demographics of Miami's campus.
"Because of the lack of diversity on Miami's campus, we should take advantage of opportunities like this and get a reasonable outlook on diversity in the world," she said.
Pinkett also discussed how rare Basir's type of film is in the typical entertainment of a Miami student.
"Basir will give students an opportunity to see cross-cultural interaction in a way that is not typically displayed in modern entertainment; hence, generating ongoing conversation and increased awareness about significant issues in today's society," Pinkett said.
The event is free and open to all students, staff and community members. There will be a question and answer session following the screening.
Additional reporting contributed by Laura Bryant.
