Limelight

Moon Machar films the challenges and successes of the evolving face of Maine

Photo: Maine Public Television website

Sanford’s Resilience Shines in New Documentary on Asylum Seekers

By Brian Boisvert

The city of Sanford, once dubbed “the town that refused to die,” is once again living up to its reputation. A new documentary, “I Come From Away: An Immigrant in Maine Part Two,” chronicles the city’s extraordinary response to the unexpected arrival of hundreds of asylum seekers in the spring of 2023. The film, by Nyamuon Nguany (Moon) Machar, premiered earlier this month in Portland and is scheduled for a special screening event in Springvale on Friday, February 21 before airing on PBS.

The documentary captures a pivotal moment in Sanford’s history, showcasing the community’s resilience and compassion in the face of an unprecedented challenge. When asylum seekers suddenly appeared at Sanford City Hall one Friday, the city sprang into action. With no immediate support from federal or state governments, local officials, community action workers, police, and volunteers rallied together to address the pressing needs of these new arrivals.

Moon, a refugee and immigrant activist, follows the story over several months, documenting the collective effort to find housing, provide food, and help the asylum seekers navigate their new lives in Maine. The film offers an intimate look at the experiences of individuals like Abel Nimi, who arrived from Angola. Nimi’s journey from seeking asylum to obtaining a work permit is a testament to the opportunities and challenges faced by these new Mainers.

The documentary doesn’t shy away from the complexities of the situation. City Manager Steven Buck candidly discusses the financial strain on Sanford’s resources, with the General Assistance budget skyrocketing from $150,000 to $1.3 million. However, Buck also notes the positive aspects, such as the successful integration of children into local schools.

Sanford Police Major Matt Gagne provides insight into the crucial role of community education in easing tensions and fostering understanding. The film highlights how law enforcement worked to bridge the gap between long-time residents and newcomers, addressing concerns and promoting acceptance.

The documentary is a follow-up to Moon’s earlier work focusing on asylum seekers arriving in Portland, which is being shown on Maine Public Television Saturday, Feb 22 at 2 PM and is also available to watch on-demand at www.pbs.org/video/i-come-from-away-an-immigrant-in-maine-ujzfr4. The new installment brings the story closer to home for Sanford residents, offering a unique perspective on how a small city can respond to global issues with compassion and ingenuity.

The screening at the Nasson Community Center and Little Theatre on February 21 starts at 6 PM. Following the film, a panel discussion will feature key figures from the documentary, including Steven Buck, Jennifer Davie from York County Community Action Corporation, and Ndombaxe Pedro, a Community Health Worker.

As Sanford continues to navigate the complexities of welcoming asylum seekers, this documentary serves as a powerful reminder of the city’s strength and adaptability. It invites viewers to consider the broader implications of immigration in Maine and the potential contributions of new residents to the state’s future.

Everyone is encouraged to see this important documentary (which airs on Maine Public Television on Feb 27+28 and March 20-22) to witness Sanford’s story on screen and to join the conversation about how Maine can continue to grow and thrive in an increasingly diverse world.

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Before electricity, quicklime was used to illuminate performers. This is where the phrase “in the limelight” comes from.

Theatres and music halls used to direct a flame fueled by oxygen and hydrogen onto a cylinder of quicklime (calcium oxide), producing a bright white light through incandescence and candoluminescence.

The technology revolutionized stage lighting in the 19th century, allowing performers to be more visibly highlighted during productions. Though quicklime has long been replaced by electric lighting, it played a crucial role in shaping theatrical presentation and visual storytelling.

Despite its obsolescence, the term “limelight” has endured, symbolizing fame and public attention.

Today, when someone is “in the limelight,” they are at the center of attention, much like actors once illuminated by this brilliant stage light.