Independent Lens

Welcome to Shelbyville

Set in the heart of America's Bible Belt, this film focuses on a small Southern town as they grapple with rapid demographic change and issues of immigrant integration. The film captures the complexity of the African American, Latino, white, and Somali subjects as their lives intertwine against the backdrop of a crumbling economy and the election of a new president.

Shelbyville: No Pride in Prejudice

2m 33s

Prejudice and paranoia surrounding the population of Somali immigrants in Shelbyville was inflamed by media coverage. Don't miss Welcome to Shelbyville on Independent Lens.

Previews + Extras

  • Shelbyville is Not Mayberry Anymore: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Shelbyville is Not Mayberry Anymore

    S12 E24 - 26s

    On the eve of the 2008 election, the town of Shelbyville, Tennessee finds itself embroiled in a struggle to come to terms with a new wave of immigrants and grappling with what it means to be American. Don't miss Welcome to Shelbyville on Independent Lens.

  • Welcome to Shelbyville: Through Discrimination, Common Groun: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Welcome to Shelbyville: Through Discrimination, Common Groun

    S12 E24 - 2m 46s

    A Latino resident of Shelbyville describes his own family's struggle to find acceptance, seeing more similarities than differences to the recent Somali immigrants' experience. Don't miss Welcome to Shelbyville on Independent Lens.

  • Welcome to Shelbyville: Say Amen, Shelbyville!: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Welcome to Shelbyville: Say Amen, Shelbyville!

    S12 E24 - 2m 34s

    A diverse group of Shelbyville citizens share blessings and a meal together, while frankly discussing the differences in their customs. Don't miss Welcome to Shelbyville on Independent Lens.

  • Welcome to Shelbyville: Desperately Seeking Southern Hospita: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Welcome to Shelbyville: Desperately Seeking Southern Hospita

    S12 E24 - 3m 4s

    Although students in a local ESL class work to gain understanding and acceptance, change comes hard to some citizens of Shelbyville, Tennessee who seem divided in their reaction to Somali immigrants moving into their community. Don't miss Welcome to Shelbyville on Independent Lens.

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