In many American ski towns, the tourism and services economies would grind to a halt without their Latino populations. In a place like Jackson, Wyoming, the Latino community is a mix of documented immigrants and undocumented workers – many of whom have faced increasing risk of deportation in recent years, often resulting in family separation.
Here in the Ketchum/Sun Valley area, members of the Latino community ski alongside us, live next door, and participate in the same kids programs and school classes. They build homes and hotels, landscape, paint, clean sheets and towels, stock groceries, and cook in the restaurants we frequent. They keep the machine humming. Yet, we barely notice them.
The documentary film, The Quiet Force, investigates the human and economic impact of hispanic immigrants living in ski towns— specifically, Mammoth, Vail, and Jackson—where they comprise 30 percent (or more) of the local population. The film’s narrative explores the effects of the current political climate and actions on Latino individuals and communities. Interviews with immigrant families, local politicians, law enforcement, educators, non-profit organizations, and economists provide a balanced analysis of an ever-changing issue that remains murky even to the most seasoned.
The film (37 minutes) will be followed by a panel discussion, moderated by Luis Alberto Lecanda, MS, Galena and the Trails Advisory Committee Member. Panelists will include Becky Lopez, Incoming Executive Director of The Alliance of Idaho; Juan Martinez, Hailey City Council Member; Blanca Romero, Community Care Coordinator with The Hunger Coalition; and filmmaker Hilary Byrne.
Presented in collaboration with the Blaine County Recreation District and Galena Trails and Advisory.
Watch the trailer: