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SALA News:

The Oppenheimer Festival 2024 is proud to announce the inclusion of the powerful and evocative documentary, “First We Bombed New Mexico”, as a featured highlight of this year’s festival. This documentary sheds light on the untold story of the Trinity test, the world’s first nuclear bomb detonation in New Mexico, and its devastating impact on the local Hispanic and Native American communities.

About the Documentary:

“First We Bombed New Mexico” delves into the harrowing narrative of the Trinity test, conducted one month before the bombing of Hiroshima. It exposes the government’s betrayal and the tragic consequences faced by thousands of New Mexicans who were exposed to catastrophic levels of radioactive fallout. These individuals, mostly Hispanic and Native American, were never warned, acknowledged, or helped, resulting in generations suffering from cancers and other severe health issues.

The film also highlights the inspiring efforts of New Mexico Hispanic cancer survivor, Tina Cordova. Cordova has catalyzed a grassroots movement seeking compensation and justice for families affected by the multigenerational cancers tied to the Trinity test.

Event Schedule:

Premiere Event: Aug. 17, 2024

• 5 p.m. Red Carpet & Dinner with producer Lois Lipman and Tina Cordova
• 6 p.m. Screening followed by a Q&A session

Additional Showings:

• Aug. 18 at 5:30 p.m.
• Aug. 22, 23, 24 at 6 p.m.
• Aug. 25 at 5:30 p.m.
• Aug. 29, 30, 31 at 6 p.m.

The festival will provide an opportunity for audiences to engage with the narrative and hear directly from those who have lived through its aftermath. We are also planning Zoom sessions with Downwinders, the crew, and other participants after the other screenings to further engage with the audience.

Ticket Information:

• Tickets will be available to the public starting Aug. 1, 2024. Attendees are encouraged to become members for early access and exclusive benefits, including discounted tickets and special event invitations.

Join Us:

• We invite everyone to join us at the SALA Los Alamos Event Center for this unforgettable event. The Oppenheimer Festival 2024 is dedicated to exploring the multifaceted legacy of J. Robert Oppenheimer and the Manhattan Project through film premieres, classic screenings, lectures, and guided tours of iconic sites.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit Oppenheimer Festival 2024.