The American Civil Liberties Union is collaborating with the creative team behind the Oscar-nominated short “A Lien” on an impact campaign working to protect the rights of immigrants.
The campaign will be led by the production and distribution company Willa, focusing on litigation and advocacy work to create empathetic conversations around border policies and the rights of asylum seekers. For over 25 years, the ACLU has protected the rights of immigrants and will focus on leveraging “A Lien”s narrative to inspire meaningful action through screenings and discussions.
“At the ACLU, we work through the courts, the legislatures, through grassroots organizing and through shifting the culture to reach people’s hearts and minds,” nationwide director of artist & entertainment engagement at the ACLU Jessica Weitz said. “We know the harrowing story in ‘A Lien’ is happening all over our country. By developing impact campaigns like this, we give people a glimpse of what is happening in our country and humanize the lives of immigrants to create systemic change.”
“A Lien” tells the story of a young couple (Victoria Ratermanis and William Martinez) on the day of their green card interview as they navigate the dangerous immigration process first-hand. The short is executive produced by Adam McKay (“Don’t Look Up,” “The Big Short”) and produced by Tara Sheffer and Rebecca Eskreis.
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“We are honored to collaborate with the ACLU to amplify the messages within ‘A Lien,’” directors Sam and David Cutler-Kreutz said. “Our film seeks to spark conversations about the human impact of immigration policies, and through this partnership, we hope to drive meaningful change.”