The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) Department of Communication Studies has launched a new program with Independent Television Service (ITVS) called Community Cinema. The program involves a free monthly screening series of award-winning documentaries that will appear as part of the PBS series, “Independent Lens.” The program is offered in more than 50 cities throughout the U.S., and screenings are followed by panel discussions that connect communities with relevant organizations, resources and opportunities to become involved in some of today’s key social issues.
During the spring 2009 semester, UMKC is hosting the following three screenings:
Noon, Friday, March 13 – “Arusi Persian Wedding” Set against the turbulent relationship between the United States and Iran, Iranian-American filmmaker Marjan Tehrani captures the struggle and excitement of Alex and Heather as they plan a Persian Islamic wedding in Iran. But when Alex’s Iranian-born parents and Heather’s conservative father meet for the first time, cultures clash and test the couple to their limits. The screening will take place in Room 104 of Royall Hall, 800 E. 52nd St. A question-and-answer session will follow the screening, which is co-sponsored by the UMKC Film & Media Arts Program and the UMKC Women’s Center.
Noon, Friday, April 10 – “Taking Root” “Taking Root” covers the inspiring story of Wangari Maathai, a Nobel Peace Prize winner whose advocacy of small local change has spurred major changes in Kenya’s politics and environment. The screening will take place in Room 104 of Royall Hall, 800 E. 52nd St. Angela Schreffler, coordinator of the Heartland Tree Alliance and Julie Urbanik, an assistant professor of geosciences from the UMKC Environmental Studies Program will lead a question-and-answer session after the screening, which is co-sponsored by the UMKC Film & Media Arts Program, UMKC Environmental Studies Program, Bridging the Gap: Heartland Tree Alliance and the UMKC Women’s Center.
Noon, Friday, May 1 – “Ask Not” As wars rage in the Middle East, the U.S. military is eager for more recruits – unless you happen to be openly gay. “Ask Not” explores the tangled political battles that led to the infamous “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy and reveals the personal stories of gay Americans who serve in combat under a veil of secrecy. A question-and-answer session will follow the screening, which will take place in Room 104 of Royall Hall, 800 E. 52nd St.
The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public university serving more than 14,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UMKC engages with the community and economy based on a four-part mission: life and health sciences; visual and performing arts; urban issues and education; and a vibrant learning and campus life experience.