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Carnegie to host free viewing of farmworker histories film
“El Ojo Comienza en la Mano”
“El Ojo Comienza en la Mano” (2022), a tribute to campesino (farmworker) histories in rural California told through the art of local farmworker and painter Rubén Sanchéz, will be shown at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Carnegie Arts Center.

UC Merced professor Yehuda Sharim’s film entitled “El Ojo Comienza en la Mano” (2022), which he calls a tribute to campesino (farmworker) histories in rural California told through the art of local farmworker and painter Rubén Sanchéz, has been featured at film festivals across the globe.

Now, Turlock residents will have the chance to see this 15-minute feature Friday night at the Carnegie Arts Center, 250 N. Broadway.

“We’ll screen the film, then have a Q&A session with the filmmaker, then we’ll have a second screening after the Q&A,” said Megan Hennes, CAC assistant director. “That way, the audience will have a little more insight into the film.”

“El Ojo Comienza en la Mano” (“The Eye Begins in The Hand”) has been shown at film festivals in New York City; St. Louis; Toronto; Helsinki; Wuppertal, Germany; Antwerp, Belgium; Sarasota, Fla.; and Hollywood.

“The overwhelming success of ‘El Ojo’ is a testimony to the great artists and visionaries that are among us,” said Sharim. “From Rubén Sanchéz to Richard Gomez, Gloria Sandoval, Ana Fabian Lomeli and so many more. By ‘greatness,’ I am not talking merely about artistic excellence, but magnanimity beyond capitalistic and other exploitative structures — the courage to share rather than think only about ways to be selfish.

“We should learn from them. We should listen better. We are surrounded by world events of horror and grief, and their artistry reminds us that there is nothing more valuable than solidarity and the courage to love against all odds. Rubén’s artwork is that: the manifestation of tenderness, and the courage that comes with acts of compassion.”

“El Ojo Comienza en la Mano” was a winner and finalist in more than seven international awards.

Sharim, with the Department of Global Arts, Media, and Writing, has won many awards for his films, which are inspired by people who refuse to surrender to the many obstacles, indignities, and circumstances with which they struggle in their daily lives. Sharim explores ways to cultivate equality and solidarity.

The free viewing will start at 6:30 p.m. Friday in the McVey Loft of the Carnegie. Light refreshments will be served.