Oscar-Nominated ‘A Lien’ Partners with ACLU: Boosting Immigrant Rights Campaign!

The American Civil Liberties Union has teamed up with the creators of the Oscar-nominated short film “A Lien” to launch a campaign aimed at defending immigrant rights.

Spearheaded by the production and distribution firm Willa, the initiative will concentrate on legal and advocacy efforts to foster empathetic discourse regarding border regulations and the rights of those seeking asylum. The ACLU, with a history spanning over two decades in advocating for immigrants, plans to use the compelling story of “A Lien” to encourage impactful activities including film screenings and panel discussions.

“At the ACLU, our approach involves engaging through judicial avenues, legislative processes, grassroots organizing, and cultural shifts to touch the hearts and minds of the public,” said Jessica Weitz, who serves as the nationwide director of artist & entertainment engagement at the ACLU. “The poignant narrative depicted in ‘A Lien’ reflects ongoing realities across our nation. Through campaigns like this, we aim to offer a window into these realities and humanize immigrant experiences to foster systemic change.”

“A Lien” chronicles the journey of a young couple, portrayed by Victoria Ratermanis and William Martinez, as they experience the treacherous path of the immigration system during their green card interview. The film is backed by executive producer Adam McKay, known for “Don’t Look Up” and “The Big Short,” and is produced by Tara Sheffer and Rebecca Eskreis.

“It’s a privilege to work alongside the ACLU to enhance the powerful messages in ‘A Lien,'” stated directors Sam and David Cutler-Kreutz. “Our movie aims to ignite discussions on the personal effects of immigration laws, and we hope this collaboration will lead to significant reforms.”