“Not a u.s. citizen” premieres online january 28
NOT A U.S. CITIZEN explores the debate around the unique legal status of those born in American Sāmoa, a U.S. territory whose residents are not U.S. citizens but retain Indigenous ownership over their land. The film follows two American Samoans with opposing viewpoints; both perspectives question American Samoans relationship to land, family, and identity.
The film is part of the HOMEGROWN: A Part Of/Apart From anthology series and it is one of eight episodes from U.S. territories, Hawaiʻi, and their diasporic communities. The series explores cultural identity, sovereignty, and agency unique to each region and examines how local residents and members of the diaspora grapple with what it means to be “a part of and apart from” the U.S. Continent.
The series is presented by Firelight Media, Pacific Islanders in Communications, Black Public Media, Latino Public Broadcasting, and PBS, with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
PRESS
"HOMEGROWN SHORTS PROGRAM: NEGOTIATING IDENTITIES IN US TERRITORIES"
NOT A U.S. CITIZEN had its world premiere at the Hawaiʻi International Film Festival in October 2024 as a part of its HOMEGROWN: A PART OF/APART FROM 8 episode collection.
PBS Utah hosts NOT A U.S. CITIZEN online premiere on PBS Digital Studios. Join us on January 28, 6-8pm at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center - West Valley City, UT. Please RSVP to Jessica Rasekhi: jrasekhi@pbsutah.org to secure your seat! Please include the number of people you plan to attend with you.