Community Updates: Friday, August 26

First Annual Mexican Film Festival to Take Place at Wealthy Theatre in September

In September, Wealthy Theatre, the Mexican Heritage Association of West Michigan, and the Consulado de México en Detroit will be partnering to bring Mexican cinema to Grand Rapids. The inauguration of the first annual Mexican Film Festival will begin at 11:30am on September 9, 2022 at Wealthy Theatre. Chris Kotcher, Director of Wealthy Theatre, expressed how he and his team are feeling ahead of this event:

"We at Wealthy Theatre are always grateful to provide unique film programming to the community. Previously, this venue had a rich history of regularly screening films from outside the U.S., and we are thrilled to bring some back in this way. While some films may be found streaming online, the experience of watching a foreign film on the big screen, with an audience and great sound, takes us around the world in a more immersive way. Opening perspectives and connecting us with others we may not have otherwise. We're excited about this partnership to bring films from Mexican filmmakers to the big screen here in Grand Rapids."

After the initial opening, a total of eleven films (varying in genre, length, and rating) will be shown. Admission is free and open to the public. The schedule of showtimes is available below: 

Grand Rapids City Commission Holds "Commission Night Out" Event on Tuesday

On Tuesday, August 23, the Grand Rapids City Commission held the first of three "Commission Night Out" events at Sibley Elementary School in the first ward. 

The meeting began with a presentation outlining the results of the 2022 National Community Survey. During this presentation, Doug Matthews (the Assistant City Manager) explained how Grand Rapids compared to other parts of the country based on several different "livability factors." He was also able to break it down even further and describe how the first ward compared to the rest of the city. After that, residents were able to attend discussion sessions at tables dedicated to the different livability factors -- ranging from "quality of life" and "economic opportunity" to "infrastructure" and "public safety." Residents were also encouraged to provide feedback on these issues and make suggestions for how the city can invest in and improve them.

Once residents had a chance to attend these discussion sessions, Mayor Bliss opened the meeting up to public comment. Attendees expressed their thoughts on a number of different issues -- including adequate housing, traffic management, police budgeting, water infrastructure/quality, and access to transportation. Near the end of the meeting, the City Commission conducted some of their usual business and opened up a final public hearing section for proposed improvements to Crescent Street alley.

The footage from the meeting is available on the City of Grand Rapids' official YouTube channel:

Also in the News:

• This year's Art Prize will begin on Thursday, September 15 and run until Sunday, October 2. 

• Chief Eric Winstrom of the Grand Rapids Police Department held a press conference on Thursday, August 25 to discuss an officer-involved shooting that had occurred earlier that morning. Some of the footage of the incident has been released and the Michigan State Police are currently conducting an investigation. The man who was shot was taken to the hospital and is expected to survive.  

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