Como Comunidad Screens Documentary in Columbia
The local group hosted a showing of Split at the Root to examine immigration policies and personal stories.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Cultural
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Como Comunidad recently hosted a screening of the documentary Split at the Root at Ragtag Cinema to highlight the impact of immigration policies. The event featured a panel discussion exploring local experiences and the formation of Immigrant Families Together.
Why it matters
Organizers hosted the event to conclude Hispanic Heritage Month by using real stories to raise awareness about immigration policies within the Columbia community.
The documentary details the $7,500 bond paid to secure the release of Yeni Gonzalez from the Eloy Detention Center. Additionally, the film highlights a protest in Minneapolis where 300 businesses closed on Jan. 23.
The players
Como Comunidad
This is a local organization that facilitates community events and discussions regarding Hispanic heritage and immigrant advocacy.
Yeni Gonzalez
She is the subject of the documentary who was separated from her three children after crossing the U.S.-Mexico border and later had an asylum request denied.
Julie Schwietert Collazo
She is an activist who organized the fundraising for the bond money and the transportation for Gonzalez to New York.
Tim Walz
He is the Governor of Minnesota who mobilized the National Guard during the immigration protests in Minneapolis.
Donald Trump
He is the current President of the United States whose second term administration increased funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The details
The film documents the story of Yeni Gonzalez, who was separated from her children after crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, and the efforts of Julie Schwietert Collazo to secure her release. Following the screening, a panel involving a university professor and a film society director discussed the broader implications of these policies.
Timeline
The documentary Split at the Root premiered in 2022.
The Minneapolis business protest occurred on Jan. 23.
Como Comunidad hosted the film screening in Columbia on Oct. 14.
Industry Dynamics
The film follows the patterns established by the U.S. zero-tolerance immigration policy. The discussion at the screening marks a growing trend of utilizing independent documentary media to mobilize local public discourse on national regulatory shifts.
The screening provided residents with direct access to educational content regarding international immigration challenges and local advocacy efforts. Attendees were able to engage in post-film discussions that contextualize national policy within the local community.
The takeaway
Engaging with documentary storytelling can bridge the gap between abstract national policies and the human experiences of those affected by them. Residents can look for local community organizations to stay informed on similar educational events and public discussions.
Further reading
For more on community engagement, visit the Cultural section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Maneater.
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