‘Rising Heat: Latino Labor in Extreme United States’ screens tonight at 7 p.m.
The intense heat of Reno and Las Vegas isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a battleground in “Rising Heat: Latino Labor in Extreme United States,” a documentary directed by , science communication specialist for the at the Reynolds School of Journalism, ÍƼöÐÓ°ÉÔ´´.
Selected to participate in the , the film sheds light on the intersection of climate change and labor rights, focusing on two Latino immigrant brothers, Lalo and Fernando, who work construction under the unforgiving sun.
Today, Sept. 26, “Rising Heat” will screen at the Cordillera International Film Festival (CIFF), where it has been selected for competition. You can watch the film for free from today, at 7 p.m.,
De la Cruz Pavas, an alumnus of the Reynolds School of Journalism, created the film as part of her final project for her master’s degree in Media Innovation.
The documentary not only highlights the personal stories of the brothers but also sheds light on a larger legislative battle in Nevada. At the heart of the film is Bill 427, a piece of legislation introduced during the Nevada legislative session, aimed at protecting outdoor workers from extreme heat conditions. Despite the increasing number of dangerously hot days, the bill faced significant pushback.
Through Lalo and Fernando’s experiences, “Rising Heat” reveals the human cost of climate change and the slow pace of policy reform. The brothers, like many outdoor laborers, continue to work under scorching conditions, finding ways to survive despite the lack of legal protections.
ÍƼöÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ the Hitchcock Project for Visualizing Science
The is an initiative to prepare students, professionals and scientists to present science in visual, creative forms. Through curriculum, workshops, and experiential learning opportunities, students learn to communicate science effectively and combat misinformation while building and enhancing their skills for science storytelling.
The Hitchcock Project is housed in the Reynolds School of Journalism at the ÍƼöÐÓ°ÉÔ´´. Stories are published in collaboration with and the program is open to additional community partnerships. The project was established through a gift from biochemist and philanthropist Mick Hitchcock, Ph.D., in 2018.
