Denver Groups Participate in National Chasing Freedom Campaign
Three Denver-based organizations are co-hosting a free public screening of the Court TV original movie Chasing Freedom followed by a panel discussion on April 24, 2004 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Inspired by true events, Chasing Freedom tells the story of Libby Brock (played by actress Juliette Lewis) and her client Meena. Libby is an ambitious corporate lawyer who is awakened to the world of bureaucracy and injustice when she reluctantly takes on the pro-bono case of a young Afghan woman seeking political asylum. The screening is part of the Chasing Freedom Campaign, a national awareness and activism effort organized by NCDD member Active Voice. Through screenings, panels and community events, the Chasing Freedom Campaign encourages individuals and groups to delve into, discuss and take action on issues related to political asylum and the plight of asylum seekers. Click below for the entire press release, sent to us by .
The Abrahamic Initiative at Saint John?’s Cathedral,
The Rocky Mountain Survivors Center, and
The Muslim Student Association at Auraria,
TO HOST PUBLIC SCREENING OF COURT TV ORIGINAL MOVIE, CHASING FREEDOM
Local Event Part of National Awareness Campaign Based on the Film
Denver, CO ?– March 29, 2004 - THE ABRAHAMIC INITIATIVE AT SAINT JOHN?’S CATHEDRAL, THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN SURVIVORS CENTER, and THE MUSLIM STUDENT ASSOCIATION AT AURARIA will host a free screening of Chasing Freedom, a Court TV original movie, on APRIL 25, 2004 from 4:00-7:00 P.M. at SAINT JOHN?’S CATHEDRAL IN DAGWELL HALL, located at 1350 WASHINGTON STREET. Chasing Freedom helps community members learn about and get involved with people who are fleeing persecution in other countries and seeking asylum in the United States.
Chasing Freedom stars Juliette Lewis as an ambitious corporate lawyer who takes on the pro bono political asylum case of a young Afghan woman whose life is in grave danger under the repressive Taliban regime. The movie appeared on Court TV in January and February and will air again on April 18, 2004 at 3 p.m. ET/PT.
This screening will be followed by a panel discussion featuring KAY STEVENSON, MARZIYA KAKA, SHAQAIK BIRASHK, AND WADI MUSAISEN. In addition, resources will be available to assist interested individuals in getting involved in supporting asylum seekers. Chasing Freedom offers a realistic portrayal of the process people go through who come to the U.S. because their lives are in danger in their home countries. As the U.S. struggles for national security, the film is an excellent tool for talking about our country?’s history as safe haven for those in need. I hope that many viewers will want to get involved in these issues, by offering pro bono legal services, for example.
The screening is part of the Chasing Freedom Campaign, a national awareness and activism effort organized by Active Voice, a non-profit organization. Through screenings, panels and community events, the Chasing Freedom Campaign encourages individuals and groups to delve into, discuss and take action on issues related to political asylum and the plight of asylum seekers. Since December 2003, nearly fifty screenings have taken place across the country, bringing new visibility, volunteers, and resources to organizations working on asylum and detention issues. The campaign is funded by the Ford Foundation and is being designed and implemented in collaboration with a wide range of national and local advocacy organizations such as Human Rights First, formerly known as the Lawyers Committee for Human Rights.
Inspired by true events, Chasing Freedom tells the story of Libby Brock and her client Meena. Libby is an ambitious corporate lawyer who is awakened to the world of bureaucracy and injustice when she reluctantly takes on the pro-bono case of a young Afghan woman seeking political asylum. Fearing for her life, Meena has escaped the oppressive Taliban regime in Afghanistan only to find herself caught in the web of the INS bureaucracy. The movie depicts Libby?’s fight to win Meena political asylum in the United States, with a sobering depiction of the nearly insurmountable obstacles that asylum-seekers face. Court TV worked closely with Human Rights First in the development of the screenplay for Chasing Freedom.
About THE ABRAHAMIC INITIATIVE AT SAINT JOHN?’S CATHEDRAL: To be provided?…
THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN SURVIVORS CENTER: The Rocky Mountain Survivors Center (RMSC) assists survivors of torture and war trauma, and their families, to create a new future. They achieve this by providing mental health counseling, and by providing access to health care, legal and social support services. RMSC also provides training, support groups and education to personnel from other organizations that assist refugees and immigrants.
THE MUSLIM STUDENT ASSOCIATION AT AURARIA. The Muslim Student Association (MSA) dedicates its efforts to creating a strong Muslim community on campus, helping Muslims increase their faith, gain knowledge about Islam, build Islamic character, and interact with other Muslims. MSA events are also aimed at promoting an understanding of Islam among all members of the Denver community, facilitating interfaith dialogue and providing community service. The Muslim Students Association is a flourishing organization that has grown into a very active religious, social, and cultural club.
About Active Voice:
Active Voice is a team of strategic communication specialists who put powerful, socially relevant film to work for personal and institutional change in communities, workplaces and campuses across America. Through partnerships, forums, guides, training, panels, workshops and small group facilitation, Active Voice taps the transforming power of film. Formerly known as the Television Race Initiative, which was generously funded by the Ford Foundation, Active Voice is a division of independent media innovator American Documentary Inc. Since its inception in 1998, Active Voice has worked with more than 20 documentaries whose issues range from affirmative action to the World War II internment of Japanese Americans to contemporary migration.
About Court TV:
Court TV ?– The Investigation Channel?™, is the leader in the investigation genre, providing a window on the American system of justice through distinctive programming that both informs and entertains. It is widely recognized for its commitment to socially relevant programming and public affairs. The network?’s last film, "The Interrogation of Michael Crowe," was awarded one of journalism's most coveted awards, the prestigious Peabody Award, and a documentary based on the same topic won the Columbia duPont Journalism award. Court TV telecasts trials by day and high-profile original programs like Forensic Files® and popular off-network series like NYPD Blue® in the evening. Court TV is 50% owned by TimeWarner and 50% owned by Liberty Media Corp. The network is seen in almost 80 million homes. (www.Courttv.com or AOL Keyword: Court TV)
