Separation on State Street
December 01, 2007, 8:00pm–10:00pm
The Micro Cinema, 470 Market S.W., Grand Rapids, MI, View Map
Description
“Sneak Preview” Screening of “The Separation on State Street”
It started back at the turn of the new millennium, in January 2000 Anonka and her daughter, Tammra, opened “Anonka’s Witch Museum” on State Street in Caro, Michigan.
The rural village of about 4,000 in Michigan’s Thumb had never seen anything like it -- a curiosity shop that sold crystals, herbs, books and other tools of the magical trade in their heavily conservative, Christian town.
“Anonka’s” stood out because it sold those nick-nacks with a message -- delivered to those with enough courage to “Brave the Dungeon” -- a memorial and commentary on the witch hunts of the Middle Ages and how to make sense of, and learn from, them in the 21st Century.
After almost two years in business, the controversy started when four law students asked Anonka a question -- “Why is there a nativity scene on the courthouse lawn?”
When Anonka decided to find out the answer she felt pressured by the local government’s hostile reaction to her question. When she started to protest for the display’s removal many of her neighbors decided to protest for her removal.
“The Separation on State Street” follows Anonka and her family down a long, rough legal road where their fight for Constitutional rights, understanding and dialogue scrapes hard against the larger community that does not share her beliefs.
About “State Street”:
Shooting on this feature length documentary started in the fall of 2002. Since then producer/director Rob St. Mary has followed the case through the courts, the media and the community. He has found many Caro residents willing to share their thoughts and insights about the nativity scene controversy.
Additional Details
The Separation on State Street was directed by CFI Michigan member, Rob St. Mary. Learn more at http://www.knowsaint.com/
Cost: $5.00
Contact: Rob St. Mary, , 989-274-0517
