On Wednesday, May 22, the ARISE program collaborated with Mt. SAC’s Center for Black Culture and Student Success, the Equity Center and the library in hosting a screening of the 2022 film “Liquor Store Dreams” and a post-film Q&A with the director, So Yun Um.

This was part of the two-day “Streaming Critical Consciousness Series” event, where the collaborating Mt. SAC programs, put on in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The day before the showing of “Liquor Store Dreams,” the 2021 film, “Blue Bayou” was exhibited.

Students, staff and community members came together and enjoyed free snacks and refreshments before the film was shown. The multicultural center was packed with people having to sit and stand outside in order to see the film.

Before the documentary began, the ARISE program specialist Tutasi Asuega talked to those in attendance about the film’s importance and explained that it shows hard-hitting topics that are important to explore and discuss.

At the conclusion of the event, Asuega explained how important it is to have events like this available to people so that the students are able to feel seen and heard.

“We also want to make sure that maybe things that are not always taught or discussed in classrooms or at home are discussed within our Mt. SAC community,” she added.

“Liquor Store Dreams” dove deep into the harsh realities of being a Korean liquor store owner in downtown Los Angeles. Once the film was over, director So Yun Um showed up and had a discussion and Q&A about the film and how it has impacted her life.

Before the Q&A session started, the room erupted in the singing of “Happy Birthday” after Um expressed that it was her birthday.

According to Um, the creation of her film helped her become closer with her father. She expanded on how she believes that the first step in creating change in the world is to better yourself first and also live as the person you want to be.

Mt. SAC’s CBCSS coordinator Mercedes Cunningham was one of those who helped interview Um in the Q&A. According to Cunningham, Um did a great job at hammering down the point that people who have the idea to help save the world need to take care of themselves first.

“Social justice still requires healthy individuals who can do that,” Cunningham said. “If you want sustainable work for longevity you need to have sustainability within yourself.”

The ARISE program will finish honoring Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and finish the semester off with their end of the year celebration.