Eastern to Host Cultura ljile Workshop

Written by Emily Bonoyer

Willimantic, CT -- Film producers Xavier Garcia and Foley Ibidapo, owners of Affiliate Media, will present a workshop, "Cultura ljile," from 5-8 p.m. on Oct 6. in the Student Center Theatre and Café at Eastern Connecticut State University. The public is invited. Admission is free.  

The interactive film-driven workshop is based on a documentary called "Cultura Ijile." The film follows several former and current residents of Stoneham, MA, of different ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds, and examines the idea that regardless of origins and roots, all human beings encounter experiences that bond them together. Garcia and Ibidapo facilitate and promote reflection and conversation from vignettes of film with the viewing audience.

Garcia was born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, in 1983. He moved to Stoneham, MA, in 1989 and attended Stoneham High School, where he began developing his video/film talents at Media One, Stoneham TV and Avid Cinema. Garcia graduated cum laude from Colby College in 2005, earning a dual degree in Spanish/Latin-American Literature with a concentration in creative writing and theater and dance.

Ibidapo, who has been producing and directing films, documentaries and music videos since the age of 14, returned to the Greater Boston area after working with Allied Public Relations and Marketing in Atlanta, GA. He teamed up with Garcia to form Affiliate Media. Foley holds a Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in public relations and education from Morehouse College.  

Affiliate Media has produced numerous multimedia projects using innovative marketing and media strategies including a video for Mobile ESPN; online video presentations for Allure Events; numerous fashion shows in Boston and New York; and documentaries and music videos for hip-hop artists.