NEWS RELEASE
Oakland Museum of California
www.museumca.org

10TH & OAK STREETS
OAKLAND, CA  94607

For additional information:
Elizabeth Whipple
510/238-4740, M-F, MEDIA ONLY
PUBLIC CALLS: 510/238-2200
ewhipple@museumca.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 5, 2006

ITVS Community Cinema presents Pre-Broadcast Screenings of
PBS Independent Lens Documentaries at the Oakland Museum of California
October 11, 2006 – May 9, 2007

The Oakland Museum of California hosts a seven-part series previewing documentary films from Independent Television Service (ITVS) prior to their national PBS broadcast on Independent Lens. The series begins with The World According to Sesame Street, on Tuesday, October 10, 2006, 6:30 p.m.

The free monthly film series is presented by ITVS Community Cinema, KQED, the Oakland Film Office, the City of Oakland, and the museum. The screenings continue through May 9, 2007, and include a post-film discussion and reception. (Complete schedule below.)

“We are delighted at the chance to partner with all these community players,” said Lori Fogarty, executive director of the Oakland Museum of California. “These films provide a forum on topical issues, in keeping with the museum’s mission.”

A panel discussion on the challenges inherent in teaching humane values in a world where AIDS, ethnic genocide, and poverty dominate the landscape will follow the screening. Speakers include Dana Curran, executive director of World Savvy; Lee Armstrong, co-owner/producer of Images in Motion; Betsy J. Blosser, Ph.D., professor of broadcast and electronic communications arts, San Francisco State University; Lisa Ruth Shulman, associate executive director of International Child Resource Institute.

Ami Zins of the Oakland Film Office was instrumental in bringing the films to Oakland. “The City of Oakland and the Oakland Film Office are excited that diverse audiences and community organizations will be able see these documentaries,” she said, “especially because each program includes a discussion on the local connection to the film’s theme.”

The October 10 program also includes a five-minute “hands-on” demonstration by TV puppeteer Lee Armstrong and a reception. Free parking is available in the museum garage, on Oak Street between 10th and 12th Streets. Visit www.museumca.org or call 510/238-2200 for more details. Visit www.itvs.org/outreach for film information.

2006-2007 ITVS Community Cinema Series Schedule: Wednesdays @ 6:30 p.m.

November 1, 2006. Democracy on Deadline: The Global Struggle for an Independent Press (90 mins.) shadows journalists and champions of free media who are fighting to keep their societies informed.

December 6, 2006. Shadya (60 mins.) is the story of a 17-year-old Muslim karate champion striving to succeed on her own terms in her community.

January 17, 2007. Hip Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes (60 mins.) is an in-depth look at the sexism, violence, and homophobia in rap music and hip-hop culture.

February 7, 2007. Race to Execution (60 mins.) researched and reveals the factors that influence who lives and who dies at the hands of the state.

March 7, 2007. Black Gold (60 mins.) is an eye-opening expose on the $80 billion coffee industry.

(No April film)

May 9, 2007. Knocking (60 mins.) chronicles two families, staunch Jehovah’s Witnesses, who defend their controversial and misunderstood Christian faith and note its contributions to society.