BROOKLYN Mataron a Pedro Screening + Panel With Director And Producer
A special Brooklyn screening + conversation presented in collaboration with Xroads Cafe
Join us in Brooklyn for a special community screening of Mataron a Pedro, followed by a conversation with producer and executive producer Debbie Perez, founder and host of Borikén Podcast, and the film’s writer/director Kristian Mercado.
Mataron a Pedro tells the story of Pedro Albizu Campos and the Puerto Rican independence movement, but this conversation won't stop in the past.
Together, we'll talk about Puerto Rico today, colonialism, community, diaspora and why telling our own stories matters. We'll also go behind the scenes of the film—how an independent Puerto Rican production came together, the challenges of getting these stories made, and what it means to bring the film directly into Puerto Rican communities on the island and throughout the diaspora.
Debbie will share her perspective as a Puerto Rican woman of Afro-descendant heritage working as a producer, storyteller and community organizer, including what it means to navigate an industry where Latino, Black and Brown voices- particularly women's voices - remain underrepresented.
We'll also talk with the Director Kris about filmmaking itself: representation both in front of and behind the camera, building community around independent work, and why creating opportunities for Puerto Rican and Latino filmmakers matters.
Most importantly, this is a conversation. We want filmmakers, organizers, artists, Boricuas, members of the diaspora, neighbors and anyone interested in Puerto Rico to be part of the room.
Come watch the film. Stay for the conversation. Meet somebody you didn't know before you walked in.
Presented in collaboration with Xroads Cafe in Brooklyn.
📍 Xroads Cafe Brooklyn, NY
🕖 7:00–9:00 PM
🎬 Screening + conversation + audience Q&A
🎬 Encore screening available for late arrivals
Space is limited. Registration recommended.