9500 Liberty

Year: 2009
Country: USA
Run Time: 82 minutes

In 2007 Manassas, Virginia served as the flashpoint of an exceptionally contentious battle between longtime residents of the community and the growing population of new residents – immigrants. A relatively quiet town outside of Washington, D.C., it has grown exponentially in recent decades. Dissatisfied with the situation, charismatic Greg Letiecq started a blog spouting venomous rhetoric about the immigration population in Prince William County and his commentary led to the formation of Help Save Manassas, a group set on creating an intolerable existence for immigrants. Their target: the local government. Their goal: the passage of the Prince William County Immigration Resolution, requiring police to check anyone with "probable cause" to determine whether or not he or she is an illegal alien. But how do you judge probable cause? And how do you train police officers to judge without racial profiling? As the resistance movement grows, the use of YouTube videos and virtual town halls become critical platforms for counter argument. 9500 LIBERTY depicts a completely unique kind of documentary format, incorporating new media and new venues. It is a compelling story, a microcosm of what is happening in other parts of the United States, depicting one group living in hate; another living in fear. (In English and Spanish with subtitles) – C.C.P.

• Tweet