A Showcase of Social Action Films to be Held at American University

For Immediate Release: March 20, 2002

Contact: Maralee Csellar, 202-885-5952



WHAT: A Showcase of Social Action Media Social issue films designed to make a difference and the strategies that make them work.



WHEN: 2:10 p.m., Friday, March 22 Film Showing of "Ralph Bunche: An American Odyssey"


5 p.m., Friday, March 22 Reception -Meet the filmmakers


5:45 p.m., Film Showing of "Legacy"


3:30 p.m., Saturday, March 23, Filmmakers Forum: Films as Tools for Social Change



WHERE: American University, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Wechsler Theater, 3rd Floor Mary Graydon Center



TICKETS: No Tickets Required. Free and Open to the Public



"Ralph Bunche" is the award-winning biography of a path-breaking African-American diplomat, the U.N. mediator who won the Nobel Peace Prize.



"Legacy," an academy award nominee is the astonishing story of one Chicago African-American family's struggle out of despair and into dignity, chronicled over five years.



Patricia Aufderheide, director, AU's Center for Social Media, will moderate the Filmmakers forum. Panelists include Bill Greaves (filmmaker of 'Ralph Bunche'); Tod Lending (filmmaker of 'Legacy'); Toby McLeod (filmmaker of In the Light of Reverence); Alice Myatt, vice president, PBS; Matthew Testa (filmmaker of Buffalo War); and Joy Moore, media projects officer at Annie E. Casey Foundation.



The Center for Social Media, a division of the School of Communication at American University analyzes, and stimulates the best in social media, whether film, video, Web site, streamed media or other multiform media. Created in August 2001, the Center will host several speakers, films and discussions throughout its inaugural year.



All events at Wechsler Theater, 3rd floor, Mary Graydon Center, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW. Events are free and open to the public. For more information call 202- 885-2060, #6