Produced and directed by Emmy award-winning filmmakers Joe and Harry Gantz, “American Winter” follows the stories of families struggling in the aftermath of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. A screening and panel discussion is planned Feb. 23 at Blue Mountain Community College in Pendleton.

An award-winning documentary that follows the personal stories of eight Oregon families struggling in the aftermath of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression will be screened in Pendleton.

“American Winter,” which examines the precarious state of the middle class, was filmed over the course of a winter in Portland. It presents an intimate snapshot of the state of our economy as it is playing out in many American families.

The free screening is Monday, Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. in the Bob Clapp Theatre in Pioneer Hall at Blue Mountain Community College, 2411 N.W. Carden Ave., Pendleton. Afterwards, a panel will discuss issues raised by the film, including poverty, homelessness and steps to grow and strengthen the middle class.

Chuck Sheketoff, executive director of the Oregon Center for Public Policy, provides commentary in the film and will serve on the panel following the Pendleton screening. Other panelists include Donna Kinnaman, chief executive officer of CAPECO; Pete Wells, member of the First Presbyterian Church and a volunteer at Helping Hand; and Tina Martinez, BMCC sociology instructor.

Wells said even though it appears the region is coming out of the recession, the aftermath still impacts people.

“There are still an awful lot of people living paycheck to paycheck in a fragile economy,” he said.

Through his volunteer work at Helping Hand and knowledge of the Pendleton Warming Station, Wells is aware of the issues impacting local residents.

“I know homelessness and food insecurity are significant problems in Pendleton,” he said.

“American Winter,” Sheketoff said, provides a vivid portrait of how, in the wealthiest nation in the world, the economy is failing many families.

Wells said the movie is relevant for all age groups, including people who are directly impacted by economic insecurity as well as retired folks who may have more time to address the issues brought up in the documentary.

“The film is a call to action to reduce poverty and strengthen the middle class,” Sheketoff said.

Emmy Award-winning directors Joe and Harry Gantz said the film puts a face on people who have lost their jobs and can’t find work, or who are working full-time, yet don’t make enough to pull their families out of poverty. The film has garnered multiple awards, including Best Documentary Feature in the 2013 Portland International Film Festival.

For more information about the upcoming screening, call Diana Hammon at 541-278-5762. For more about the film, visit www.americanwinterfilm.com.

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Contact Community Editor Tammy Malgesini at tmalgesini@eastoregonian.com or 541-564-4539