In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, award-winning filmmaker Jesús Nebot is slated to speak at Francis Marion University on Thursday, Sept. 20 at 4 p.m.

The presentation, set to take place in Lowrimore Auditorium, is entitled Illegal Immigration: Humanitarian Solutions. Illegal immigration is a pressing issue in the United States and at the forefront of politics. Nebot commented on what he hopes to accomplish with his presentation.

“My goal with the presentation is to really bring a greater understanding of all points of views to those that may have resentment or resistance towards immigration and for those that actually had to emigrate here,” Nebot said.

Dr. Daphne Carter-McCants, Assistant Dean of Students, is responsible for the collaborative effort. Carter-McCants said she is passionate about expanding both the students’ and the community’s horizons.

“This is the first time we have had a filmmaker speak about his personal experiences with illegal immigration,” Carter-McCants said. “Students and the community can take from this program a broader view of illegal immigration in the United States.”

Associate Professor of Spanish and Spanish program coordinator Dr. Wendy Caldwell said she has no doubt Nebot’s presentation will open the eyes of many to one of the most challenging issues facing our country.

“Illegal immigration is extremely complex, and it is important to consider all perspectives before forming an opinion,” Caldwell said.

Carter-McCants said she believes Nebot will be effective and inspirational.

“It will also help promote a greater appreciation for diversity among the campus community and Pee Dee region,” Carter-McCants said.

Nebot’s first production, No Turning Back, was sold to 78 countries and over 100 colleges. The film portrays the harsh reality for many illegal immigrants in the U.S.  The film has won 23 International Film Festival awards, including the most prestigious award for any Latino production shot in the U.S.