In 2004, The Independent Television Service (ITVS) picked IK to create a web site to accompany “The New Americans” series. The site provides educational context for the documentary film, which explores how recent immigrants deal with the joys and frustrations of living in a new country. The site targets the general public with an interest in immigration and global culture, and students and teachers focusing on social studies, art, history and current events.
Several Flash videos and interactives provide a playful look at the different cultures examined in the film. Explore a home altar and learn about the symbolism of each element. Watch a slide show of some of the finest Latino-influenced murals by world-renowned artists found in the United States. Experience the henna body art tradition with a video demo; download a do-it-yourself henna recipe and body art designs. Listen to Nigerian music clips and discover the various forms of music from the west coast of Africa. Discover how Bollywood, the Indian film phenomenon, has influenced American cinema today. Try out unique recipes from each of the film’s subject’s cultures–Ogoni, Arabic, Dominican, Indian and Mexican. Download the recipes for easy reference in the kitchen. Find out which words in your everyday vocabulary contain Spanish, Hindi, Sanskrit and Bantu roots by exploring these cultures’ linguistic influences on American English. Take the “Immigration Myths & Realities Quiz” to test your knowledge of immigration and its effects on American society.
