Families have the opportunity to attend a lively and engaging family event at the Real Life Church on May 3 at 7 p.m. “Embracing Diversity” is a film and live performance multicultural family event spotlighting diversity in the Santa Clarita Valley with an emphasis on Latino culture. The event is a presentation of Think Ten Media Group/Generation Arts, Power Woman Business Center, Our Valleys Bilingual Advertisement, AK Printing, and the SCV Latino Chamber of Commerce. Proceeds benefit Generation Arts programs, through which youth in the Santa Clarita Valley learn digital arts. Proceeds allow Generation Arts to offer more free or low cost programs to students who need them.

The event includes a screening of the multi award-winning independent film “Smuggled,” a film made by local filmmaker and SCV Film Festival Co-Founder Ramon Hamilton, who will be present for Q&A about the film, as well as a lively performance by the City of Santa Clarita Ballet Folklorico Dancers, the screening of a short film project made by local youth through Generation Arts at Newhall Elementary School, and presentations by prominent Latino/as in the community who will share their stories as featured in the book, “Profiles in Latino Courage” by Bill Miranda.

“Smuggled,” shot entirely in the Santa Clarita Valley, tells the story of a 9-year-old boy and his mother as the pair are smuggled into the U.S. in a hidden compartment beneath a tour bus. The Writer/Director of the film, Ramon Hamilton, is also the Co-Founder of Think Ten Media Group/Generation Arts as well as the Santa Clarita Valley Film Festival. He will be present for Q&A following the screening of the film, as well the two lead actors from the film. Additionally, DVD copies will be available for sale – and can be signed by the director and actors. ABC News/Univision recently stated: “Filmmaker Ramon Hamilton is on a mission to change how Americans think about immigration.”

Another highlight of the evening includes a live performance by the Ballet Folklorico Dancers. The Ballet Folklorico is a program of the City of Santa Clarita Newhall Community Center and was formed in 1994.  The award-winning group has performed at local venues, events, holiday celebrations, street fairs and the like.  Ballet Folklorico is Mexican Folk Dancing.  This cultural dance originated in Mexico and is a blend of Spanish and Mexican cultures.  Dancers perform in native Mexican costumes to music that represents the various regions of Mexico.   Ballet Folklorico classes are taught at the Newhall Community Center throughout the year.

Finally, Bill Miranda, Santa Clarita Valley Latino Chamber of Commerce CEO and author of Profiles in Latino Courage: How Everyday Latinos Achieve Success will also be at the event with individuals featured in the book speaking about their experiences and copies available for purchase and signature. The book draws from the experience Miranda had growing up as a son of immigrants with very little money and profiles 7 other everyday heroes who share their inspirational stories of hardships, challenges and, ultimately, success.

For tickets for this premiere SCV event, visit http://embracingdiversityfundraiser.eventbrite.com.