Documentary tells stories of poverty in America
An eye-opening documentary about people in the United States living in poverty will be shown at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 3, in the Robert R. McCormick Museum at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton.
The museum is hosting the screening of "The Line" in partnership with People's Resource Center in Wheaton and the University of Illinois at Chicago's Institute for Policy and Civic Engagement.
The film by Emmy Award-winning producer Linda Midgett documents the stories of people across the country living at or below the poverty line.
One of the film's subjects is a DuPage County man who lost his job as a banker after the 2008 recession and fell on hard times. His surprising story lends credence to the film's subtitle, "Poverty in America - It's not what you think."
The McCormick Museum and its partners view "The Line" as a tool for raising awareness about local poverty and igniting community dialogue. The issue is easily overlooked, especially in places like DuPage County where the standard of living for most people is relatively high. As the film reveals, there is a "new face of poverty" that few of us know.
"It's a powerful and eye-opening message," said Diane Gutenkauf, director of the McCormick Museum. "Part of our mission is to engage with the community and explore contemporary issues that would have been of personal interest to our benefactor, Robert R. McCormick. Poverty in our own backyards is certainly one such issue and we hope 'The Line' triggers some useful discussion about working toward solutions."
After the 40-minute film, Kim Perez, executive director of the Wheaton-based People's Resource Center, will offer some brief commentary about poverty in DuPage.
"Poverty in DuPage County is a daily struggle for nearly 90,000 of our neighbors," Perez said. "Even in light of some economic improvement, poverty continues to present real challenges for our communities.
"This important discussion with the McCormick Museum and UIC will help to spark critical conversations that must continue around conference and dinner tables so that poverty can be addressed and a more robust quality of life can be secured by all our DuPage County neighbors."
Staff from UIC's Institute for Policy and Civic Engagement will facilitate a post-screening conversation about "The Line." Attendees will be invited to share their thoughts about the documentary and ask questions.
"Bringing people together in dialogue sparked by films like 'The Line' strengthens the social bonds necessary for addressing poverty," said Joseph Hoereth, director of UIC's Institute for Policy and Civic Engagement.
"The most powerful conversations often come from empathy and a shared understanding of how we are all affected by such challenges."
The screening and parking are free. But because seating is limited, those attending are asked to register online at cantigny.org or call (630) 260-8162. The event concludes at 6 p.m.
For information about "The Line," visit thelinemovie.com. The film is a product of Sojourners, a faith-based organization dedicated to social justice.
If you go
What: Documentary "The Line: Poverty in America - It's not what you think"
When: 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 3
Where: Robert R. McCormick Museum at Cantigny Park, 1S151 S. Winfield Road, Wheaton
Cost: Free
Reservations: (630) 260-8162 or cantigny.org