For those who love movies they can relate to, by virtue of their setting, the WNMU Film Series presents “All the World is Sleeping,” a raw and riveting New Mexican story that sheds light on the complexities of trauma, substance abuse and parenting. The free screening will take place at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 18, at Light Hall Theatre, 900 W. College Ave., Silver City. A panel discussion follows directly after.
Shot entirely in Las Cruces from May 12 through May 31, 2018, and released on March 17, 2023 “All the World is Sleeping” has since gone on to win awards at film festivals across the country, including the Santa Fe Independent Film Festival, and the New York Latino Film Festival. Based on the experiences of seven women with a history of addiction, the film was written and directed by Ryan Lacen and made in collaboration with the non-profit Bold Futures.
What’s the film about?
As a young girl in New Mexico, Chama (Melissa Barrera) strived to be different from her mother. Now in her 20s, she’s found herself falling into a similar cycle of generational addiction. This struggle threatens her balance as a mother to her own daughter. As Chama tries to keep it all together, a harrowing accident will cause her to spiral out of control leading to her daughter being taken from her custody. With nothing left, she’ll have to confront her past in order to fight for a better future.
The discussion that follows will hopefully spark conversation about substance use and parenting, as well as reducing shame and stigma for those experiencing it. The panelists for the discussion are Queva Hubbard and Sequaria Asbury.
Queva Hubbard is a dedicated advocate and support specialist, leveraging her personal experiences to uplift her community. As a Certified Peer Support Specialist and Comprehensive Community Support Worker in New Mexico, Queva has guided individuals through challenges similar to those she has faced, including incarceration, addiction, and family separation. She firmly believes that with support, individuals can overcome trauma and thrive. Her motto reflects her guiding philosophy: "Where there is support, there is less trauma."
Sequaria Asbury is a passionate and dedicated advocate who is devoted to her career as Peer support specialist both locally and on the national level, supporting families and empowering youth within her community. She has emerged as a leading voice in advocating equal rights and systemic change for those in her community, particularly those navigating the day-to-day challenges of today's multi-systems. She actively engages with youth, providing mentorship and guidance that empowers them to find their voices and advocate for their needs.
For more information on the film visit the website at AllTheWorldIsSleeping.com.
