The Pluralism Project at Harvard University
Fremont, U.S.A. Film Premiere and Panel, Co-Sponsored by the Pluralism Project and the Islam in the West Program at Harvard University
March 5, 2009
On March 5, 2009, the Pluralism Project cosponsored the premiere of its new documentary film, Fremont, U.S.A.: A City’s Encounter with Religious Diversity at Harvard University. Produced and directed by Rachel Antell and Elinor Pierce, this film explores the complex and challenging issues of religious diversity in small California city transformed by new immigration. Using the themes explored in Fremont, U.S.A. as a starting point, Dr. Diana L. Eck, Pluralism Project director, moderated a lively panel discussion on civic engagement and interfaith action in Greater Boston. Special guest panelists included Rev. Cheng Imm Tan, director, Mayor's Office of New Bostonians; M. Bilal Kaleem, executive director, Muslim American Society - Boston Chapter; and Alexander Levering Kern, executive director, Cooperative Metropolitan Ministries. The film, discussion, and reception were well attended by University students, faculty, Pluralism Project researchers, local religious and civic leaders, and members of the diverse faith communities of Greater Boston.
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University students, faculty, Pluralism Project researchers, local religious and civic leaders, and members of the diverse faith communities of Greater Boston participate in a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Diana L. Eck. |
Alexander Levering Kern, executive director, Cooperative Metropolitan Ministries, responds to a question from the audience. Other guest panelists included M. Bilal Kaleem, executive director, Muslim American Society - Boston Chapter; and Rev. Cheng Imm Tan, director, Mayor's Office of New Bostonians. |
Dr. Diana L. Eck speaks with panelist, M. Bilal Kaleem, executive director, Muslim American Society - Boston Chapter. |
Erin Loeb, Pluralism Project research coordinator, and Brittany Huckabee, director/producer of the film The Mosque in Morgantown, discuss Fremont, U.S.A. with co-director and producer Elinor Pierce, senior researcher at the Pluralism Project. |
Pluralism Project Research Associates Katie Merriman and Sarah Harcourt speak with Harvard Divinity School student Paul Nicholas at the reception. |
Penny Joy Snider-Light, peace representative, Greater Boston Area World Peace Prayer Society; Matt Porter, director of In Good Faith, and panelist Alexander Levering Kern enjoy the reception. |