Mayor's response on the Rescheduled Film Screening, "Occupation of the American Mind"

This summer, one of the films scheduled in the We Are Takoma film series was, “The Occupation of the American Mind.” As with other We Are Takoma films and arts programming, the Mayor and City Council, do not endorse nor back the content.

The initial date for the screening was June 13. The film had been postponed after the screening came to the attention of the Council due to expressions of concern as well as support from a number of organizations and individuals. The Takoma Park City Council appreciated the comments and asked the Arts and Humanities Commission to postpone the screening.

The Mayor and Council requested that any future plans for the screening include space for a conversation about the points the film makes in a way that allows for people to express their thoughts and perspectives.

Over the past month, City staff have worked to put together a program agenda for the film screening.  We have engaged a professional facilitator, Theo Brown, Public Engagement Associates, to help us structure and lead the program.  Invitations have been extended to a number of organizations. We regret to say that the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington (JCRC) has declined our invitation to participate on the panel and we are disappointed in their decision.

We will continue to update our Program Agenda as more information becomes available.

The City of Takoma Park is committed to creating spaces for people to discuss various films and the issues they raise. We understand and have heard from many residents and non-residents about this particular film and the complexities of these issues and deeply held views. Our goal is to create a space for people to listen, critique, discuss, and learn from each other.