An immigrant Dominican housekeeper in a Providence hotel wins a seat on the City Council and takes her advocacy for low-income workers from the margins of public consciousness to the center of city politics.
That’s the story documented in the film “Councilwoman,” the next offering in Keuka College’s Diversity Film Series.
The film follows Carmen Castillo as she juggles private challenges, public office, and political headwinds against her fight for a $15 hourly wage.
With its focus on entrenched power in American democracy, the documentary makes for essential viewing for anyone interested in workers’ rights, civic engagement, politics, public service, and the balance of power in local government.
“Councilwoman” will be shown at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4, in Room 109 of Hegeman Hall. There will be pizza and snacks, and a virtual Q&A immediately following the screening with the documentary’s director, Margo Guernsey.
The College’s Diversity Film Series, launched in 2022 by alumna Dr. BettyLou Koffel ’74 and her husband, Philip Moyer, provides programming aimed at promoting engagement around issues of diversity and equity on campus.
