‘Projections’ With J. Oscar Molina

Sag Harbor Cinema continues its “Projections” series on October 9, from 1 to 3 p.m. with “Children of the World: A Conversation With J. Oscar Molina.” For this program, the cinema has partnered with OLA of Eastern Long Island, Inc. (Organización Latino Americana), a nonprofit Latino-focused advocacy organization working in the five East End towns.

The free event features the Salvadorian-American artist J. Oscar Molina in conversation with Minerva Perez, executive director of OLA of Eastern Long Island; Esperanza León, head of education and community engagement at LongHouse Reserve; Mago Martinez, Latinx artist, filmmaker and diversity curator. Cristina Cuomo, founder and editor-in-chief of Purist magazine, will moderate the panel.

Before the panel discussion, there will be a screening of “Children of the World” (2023), a 15-minute film that explores Molina’s history and art practice. The documentary utilizes the artist’s work to illuminate the difficulties, struggles and fears as well as the dreams, strength and beauty of immigrants fleeing violence and poverty in their home countries to seek asylum and refuge in the United States. The documentary was directed by Marsin Mogielski and produced by Martinez.

“Politics, culture and identity — how they intersect and interact with one another is what intrigues me,” says Molina. “I immigrated to the U.S. from El Salvador yet, for me, a border is nothing more than a concept. I offer my art as a social practice, as an invitation to a much-needed conversation amongst diverse cultures. I believe that this exchange is the key to the preservation and evolution of our traditions — and it is this exchange that enriches each one of us and, as a result, our community.”

“OLA is happy to highlight the artistry and talent of Oscar Molina, a local Latino artist,” says Perez. “We are also thrilled to partner with Sag Harbor Cinema on this ‘Projections’ series.”

“‘Projections’ has been a way to engage and connect our audiences with other nonprofit organizations,” says Genevieve Villaflor, executive director of Sag Harbor Cinema. “We are pleased to partner with OLA, highlight the incredible story and work of Oscar Molina, and welcome a panel of distinguished members of our East End Latino community to the Cinema.”

The “Projections” program is free to the public, but space is limited. Reserve a spot to attend at sagharborcinema.org. Sag Harbor Cinema is at 90 Main Street, Sag Harbor.