DocuClub LA: A Town Called Victoria
Event Information
Description
DocuClub LA is a collaboration between the International Documentary Association and Film Independent. This work-in-progress screening offers the public and members of the film community advance access to new documentaries in progress, and the opportunity to participate in behind-the-scenes conversations with filmmakers and creators. DocuClub offers filmmakers a place to share their stories in a safe and supportive environment and receive constructive feedback that will get their projects festival ready.
Please join the International Documentary Association and Film Independent on Monday, February 24, for the first DocuClub LA of 2020 with a screening of the docuseries A Town Called Victoria. Following the screening, we will be joined by director/producer, Li Lu, producer, Anthony Pedone, and editor Evita YuePu Zhou for a moderated discussion.
Doors open at 7:00 pm. Screening, followed by a moderated feedback discussion with the filmmakers - 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm. Drinks and snacks will be available for a modest suggested donation.
Space is very limited so please update your RSVP if you can't make it so we can have a real count of the attendees. Admission not guaranteed, all RSVP's are first-come, first served.
Film Independent
5670 Wilshire Blvd. 9th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90036 (Map)
THE SERIES
Hours after the travel ban is announced, the Victoria Islamic Center burns to the ground. The world descends on Victoria and quickly labels it as another conservative, hate-filled Texas town. The Muslim community is shocked - they thought this could never happen here. The next day proved why. At dawn, 500 Victorians gathered at the charred mosque for a peace rally. A GoFundMe raised $1.2 million for the rebuild. But some applaud the fire. Leaders from minority communities ask: was this arson? Investigators confirm - it was. An arrest is made, but jaws drop when Marq Vincent Perez, a Hispanic man, is revealed as the suspect. The docuseries explores the systemic issues of race, power, and identity through this arson. Just below Victoria's surface lies a bitterly divided town grappling with its identity. Can this community overcome its deeply rooted political, cultural, racial, & economic divides?
From the arrest of Perez to the opening of the new mosque, we follow the people of Victoria – its activists and politicians; preachers and worshippers; students and teachers; leaders and ordinary folks – as they struggle to find answers, reach each other, learn the lessons of the past, and find a better way forward.
Li Lu (Director/Producer)

Anthony Pedone (Producer)

Evita YuePu Zhou (Editor)

Directions:
Driving & Parking: Validated parking available in the building after 5:31 pm (Enter from Hauser or Masselin). Check in at the security desk in the lobby to gain access to Film Independent’s offices. You may have to show ID.