Amidst the debate about a possible Walmart coming to downtown Athens, People for a Better Athens held an open discussion and viewing of the Robert Greenwald’s “Walmart: The High Cost of Low Price.”

The event, held at Ciné, included the debut of a 10-minute film on Athenians’ views on a proposed downtown Walmart, creating a dialogue on possible solutions to thwart Selig Enterprises plans for a complex filled with smaller businesses and restaurants.

Ciné hosted "Walmart: TheHigh Cost of Low Price," tonight to raise awareness about the Walmart being built in Downtown Athens. File/The Red & Black

Much of the concern of the construction project focused on shutting out smaller businesses and damage to the close community formed in Athens.

“We want this to be an internet vial base,” said Dan Jordan, director and editor of the film, adding that exposure was significant in the filming process.

Jordan and Bryan Redding sought to give an alternative solution to what development can do for Athens. The film took six weeks to make and includes multiple perspectives from those in Athens, including business owners.

Jordan said one of the difficulties in making the film was getting people to speak.

“Regardless of your fear, they’re going to raze your business,” Jordan said.

In a contrast to Jordan and Redding’s film, “Walmart: The High Cost of Low Price” detailed more than a decade long of underhanded business operations from the corporate giant.

The film portrays the construction of a Walmart in small communities as the driving force of local business closings and the creation an increasing wage disparity and unhealthy working conditions nationally and abroad.

The end of Greenwald’s film showed community activists in different parts of the U.S. successfully preventing the construction of Walmart in their neighborhood – akin to what Athenians are trying to achieve.

Russell Edwards, local attorney and University law school graduate, said there are plans to invoke a 90-day hold on the application for demolition filed by Selig Enterprises and expressed concerned the developers aren’t being specific about their development plans.

“We need to think about how we’re all going to come together on this thing,” Edwards said. “Think about what you’re going to do the next day to show your neighbors there’s nothing wrong with being courageous.”

People for a Better Athens will show both films Sunday and hold a discussion Sunday at 3:15 at Ciné. Admission is free, but $5 donations are welcome. The film will be online Monday at www.directionaldimension.com for public viewing.