October 20, 2026
5:30PM reception, 6PM film and panel
Chatham University, Eddy Theater

An immigrant mother becomes an unexpected community leader during a groundbreaking campaign to end the Philadelphia police’s data-sharing with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Expanding Sanctuary tells a rarely seen story of resilience, tracing the Latinx immigrant community’s successful fight to protect families and change legislation against a backdrop of systemic injustice.

At the heart of the film is a personal journey of transformation. What begins as a woman’s quest to bring her mother to the United States for her wedding evolves into a profound awakening. As she works with the immigrant rights organization Juntos, she discovers her voice, power, and agency, channeling her initial hope for personal connection into a larger purpose. Her newfound role as an organizer not only redefines her life but strengthens her entire community’s fight for justice, illuminating the extraordinary potential of collective action and solidarity.

Post film conversation with the filmmaker:

Kristal Sotomayor: An award-winning first-generation Peruvian American nonbinary filmmaker committed to telling authentic, community-driven stories that amplify immigrant voices and challenge dominant narratives in media.

Monica Ruiz: Executive Director of Casa San Jose, a Pittsburgh based organization that supports immigrant families with resources, advocacy, and community.

More about the film here.

Register for your free tickets here.