IndieGoGo fundraising success story, “Tapestries of Hope” (raised over $23,000 via IndieGoGo) premieres tonight, September 28, 2010, in more than 100 theaters nationwide. The screenings, organized by Facebook, Family Violence Prevention Fund, Something to Talk About, The WIP, and Women Thrive Worldwide seeks to “raise awareness for the International Violence Against Women Act (I-VAWA) and encourage audience members to contact their representatives in Congress and urge them to support the legislation. ‘Tapestries of Hope’ is a ground-breaking documentary exposing the horrors of the rape and sexual abuse of thousands of young girls in Zimbabwe by men who believe it will cure HIV/AIDS.” Find a theater near you and help out a great cause!
From the official press release:
On September 28, 2010 Something to Talk About will lead a coalition of international organizations – including Facebook and Women Thrive Worldwide – in screening Michealene Cristini Risley’s documentary “Tapestries of Hope” simultaneously in more than 100 theaters. Through Screenvision, the leading innovator in cinema advertising, Tapestries of Hope will be distributed across Screenvision’s cinema network.
The nationwide event will raise awareness for the International Violence Against Women Act (I-VAWA) and encourage audience members to contact their representatives in Congress and urge them to support the legislation. Tapestries of Hope is a ground-breaking documentary exposing the horrors of the rape and sexual abuse of thousands of young girls in Zimbabwe by men who believe it will cure HIV/AIDS. The film follows renowned child rights activist Betty Makoni, 2009 CNN Hero and founder of the Girl Child Network in Zimbabwe, whose mission is to shelter, educate and empower these female victims.
“It’s a privilege to share Betty Makoni’s story with audiences across the country,” said director Risley. “I hope my film shows that one person can make a difference in improving women’s lives, even in a place where women face challenges that are unimaginable to many. By telling this story, perhaps others will be inspired to make a difference in their own way.”
Each screening will feature an introduction by a coalition organization asking audience members to support I-VAWA by contacting their representatives and urging them to cosponsor the bill. I-VAWA – a bipartisan bill introduced by Senator John Kerry – is the first comprehensive legislation aimed at ending violence against women and girls worldwide.
“This film moved me deeply and inspired me to find a way to bring it to as many people as possible.” said Meyer Shwarzstein, President of Brainstorm Media. “The nationwide screening of ‘Tapestries of Hope’ is a ground-breaking effort, and we’re proud to be joined by the many partners who have come onboard to make it possible.”
The coalition of organizations includes: Facebook, Family Violence Prevention Fund, Something to Talk About, The WIP, and Women Thrive Worldwide.
“Betty Makoni is an awe-inspiring woman and Screenvision is honored to bring such a powerful documentary to our exhibitor partners across the country,” said Darryl Schaffer, Executive Vice President, Exhibitor Relations for Screenvision. “Screenvision is committed to bringing must-see, quality independent programming to theatres and Tapestries of Hope is an excellent example of this.”
