SMC Presents Social Justice Series

SANTA MONICA, CA — Santa Monica College (SMC) continues its Social Justice Lecture Series in fall 2019 with presentations, talks, and discussions that explore the concept of social justice and a variety of aspects, issues, and developments affecting and shaping it in today’s world.

All presentations in the series are free and will be held either on the Santa Monica College main campus (1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica) or at the SMC Center for Media and Design (1660 Stewart Street, Santa Monica). Unless otherwise noted, all presentations are sponsored by the SMC Associates, a private organization that funds speakers and special programs on the Santa Monica College campus. Seating is strictly on a first-arrival basis.

The fall 2019 series lineup is:

• September 17 – Film Screening and Q&A moderated by Chazzen Danny Maseng (MAKOM LA): “Filmmaker Claudia Sobral: Hotel Everest: One Step at a Time.” A documentary about individuals who have the courage to overcome ancient hatreds, fear, and mistrust to strive for self-determination and peace, Hotel Everest: One Step at a Time reflects Claudia Sobral’s interest in how people from differing cultures and backgrounds are willing to risk and connect with the humanity of the “other,” find ways to get along and create new worlds for themselves and their communities. A Q&A with the filmmaker, moderated by Chazzen Danny Maseng, follows the screening. The screening and Q&A will be held at 11:15 a.m. in Stromberg Hall (HSS165).

• September 26 – Documentary Film Screening and Q&A: “Director Eduardo Chavez: Hailing César.” A feature documentary about César Chávez, Hailing César was directed by actor/activist Eduardo Chavez. He is the grandson of both the legendary civil rights activist and Cuban revolutionary Max Lesnik, as well as co-founder of Latindia Studios, and a member of the Speakers’ Board for the Chavez Institute for Law and Social Justice. A Q&A with the film director follows the screening. Additional sponsor for this event: SMC Global Citizenship. The screening and discussion will be held at 11:15 a.m. in SMC Student Services Center Orientation Hall (S183).

• September 26 – Robert Hernandez: “Building Empathy Through Virtual Reality Journalism.” Robert Hernandez (aka WebJournalist) will give a short presentation on how technology can help journalism audiences better understand the lives of homeless people, deported immigrants, and other marginalized communities. Hernandez explores and develops the intersection of technology and journalism. An Associate Professor of Professional Practice at USC Annenberg, the ‘hackademic’ has worked with augmented reality (AR), wearables, and virtual reality (VR), and he and his students produce award-winning VR experiences under their brand, Jovrnalism™. Hands-on demos of VR stories and equipment follow the presentation. The presentation will be held at 7 p.m. in SMC’s Center for Media and Design, Auditorium 180. Additional sponsors for this event: SMC Communication and Media Studies Department and SMC Design Technology Department.

• October 29 – Dotan Saguy: “From Street Photography to Photojournalism.” After a successful career as a high-tech entrepreneur, SMC alum Dotan Saguy decided to focus on his lifelong passion for photography, including studying photojournalism at SMC. His award-winning photographs have appeared in National Geographic, The Guardian, The Los Angeles Times, and many other publications. He published his first monograph in 2018 — with German publisher Kehrer Verlag — about the endangered culture of Venice, California, and was awarded Bronze by the prestigious Deutscher Fotobuchpreis 2018-19. He is currently working on several projects, including a photo essay on people living in vehicles in Los Angeles. The presentation will be held at 11:15 a.m. in Stromberg Hall (HSS 165). Additional sponsors for this event: SMC Communication and Media Studies Department and SMC Design Technology Department.

All programs are subject to change without notice, and new speakers may be added to the series. Up-to-date details are posted at smc.edu/eventsinfo and available by calling 310-434-4100.