Update: Due to coronavirus concerns, organizers have decided to postpone an upcoming screening of The Effects, a film about deportation that is written by a 16-year-old Cleveland Metropolitan School District student. “We believe The Effects is a story that must be shared in order to help our families and communities support each other during these difficult times,” reads a press release announcing the postponement. “We hope you will stay with us, save your tickets and plan to attend the rescheduled event. If you already purchased your tickets online, we have your name saved in our database. When the new date is identified in April or May, it will be posted on Facebook and will be on the homepage of the website, ArtofMe.org.”

Original Post 3/10/2020: Written by 16-year-old Cleveland Metropolitan School District student Rosemary Gramajo Quiñones, the first contest winner for Art of Me’s What is Power & Community? story contest, The Effects centers on a Guatamalan teen whose father faces deporation.

Filmed in Cleveland, the movie will appear on Showtime later this year. It’ll screen locally before appearing on Showtime, however, and has a special screening at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 20, at the Capitol Theatre.

After the screening, a panel discussion of community leaders will answer questions, share insight and talk about what families can do as they face deportation and discrimination.

In addition, Quiñones will present the movie in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, March 24, at the UNIDOS National Changemakers Advocacy Conference.

Sign up for Scene’s weekly newsletters to get the latest on Cleveland news, things to do and places to eat delivered right to your inbox.

Youtube video

This article appears in Mar 4-10, 2020.

Jeff has been covering the Cleveland music scene for more than 25 years now. On a regular basis, he tries to talk to whatever big acts are coming through town. And if you're in a local band that he needs to hear, email him at jniesel@clevescene.com.