READING FILM FESTIVAL : GRIP Film Screening
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Myrna Fuchs - myrnashfuchs@gmail.com
The Crossing: Stories of Migration through Film and Art
GRIP Scholarship Fundraiser & Film Screening at Reading Film Festival
Reading, PA — October 9, 2025 — The Greater Reading Immigration Project (GRIP) is partnering with
The Reading Film Festival. The event is part of GRIP’s education mission to raise awareness about
immigration issues in Berks County through books, art, films and a community panel. A Gallery and Film
Screenings of “Mountains” and “Border of Dreams” will be on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the IMAX
Reading Theatre (30 N 2nd St, Reading, PA 19601). Doors open at 4:30 PM for an Art & Book Gallery
featuring original artwork by Theron Cook and Michael Miller, and a special book presentation and
signing by author Jennifer Adames. In the Gallery there will also be other books and art by and about
Immigrants on sale for a donation.
Each year, GRIP rallies the community to support immigrant students who are ineligible for federal or
state financial aid. In 2025, 20 GRIP Dreamer Scholars—including 5 new and 15 returning students—will
receive scholarships ranging from $1000 to $2,000, administered by the Berks County Community
Foundation, based on academic achievement.
“For too long, brilliant students in our community have been excluded from the financial aid
system,
” said Myrna Fuchs.
“These scholarships open doors for young people to achieve
their dreams and, in turn, uplift Berks County as teachers, engineers, healthcare
professionals, and more.
”
Since its founding, GRIP has empowered immigrant students through educational support, storytelling,
and community advocacy. Past GRIP Dreamer Scholars have gone on to become accountants, social
workers, counselors, engineers, teachers, and healthcare professionals—strengthening both the local
workforce and the broader community.
About GRIP
The Greater Reading Immigration Project (GRIP) is a community-based initiative dedicated to supporting
immigrant students and families through education, advocacy, and cultural programming. By providing
scholarships and lifting immigrant voices, GRIP works to ensure that every young person—regardless of
status—has the opportunity to pursue higher education and contribute to the vitality of Berks County.