University News

Screening of 'Monumental Crossroads' Documentary April 21 at Western

April 11, 2022

Printer friendly version

MACOMB, IL – Western Illinois University will host Dutch filmmaker Tim van den Hoff for a screening of his film, "Monumental Crossroads," from 6-9 p.m. Thursday, April 21 in the University Union's Sandburg Theatre.

The screening is being hosted by WIU Professor and Anthropology Program Director Heather McIlvaine-Newsad and WIU Assistant to the President for Diversity and Inclusion Sterling Saddler, and Malpass Libraries.

The film chronicles a 6,000-mile road trip through the former Confederacy as monuments in numerous communities are targeted for removal. Struck by the similarities to debates about blackface traditions surrounding "Black Pete" in the Netherlands, van den Hoff learned through his travels the depth of the racial divide in America.

"By comparing how different cultures approach similar problems - ones of racism in this case - we can learn from each other as we attempt to navigate our way towards a more equitable future for all humans," said McIlvaine-Newsad.

Through interviews with residents in the monument-based communities, van den Hoff records the opinions of both the pro and con residents and their debates about the status of the monuments.

For more information about the film, or to view its trailer, visit monumentalcrossroads.com.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing