PRESS RELEASE
Freshwater Haven, a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the dramatic social change that is required to stop the physical, sexual and emotional abuse of women, announced today it’s production, Tapestries of Hope, will be shown at an exclusive screening on Sunday, October 18, 2009 in New York City. This special event will be followed by screenings at the United States Department of State and in the Capitol Visitors Center Theater 10/20/09.
Tapestries of Hope (www.tapestriesofhope.com) is an astounding story told through the eyes of filmmaker Michealene Cristini Risley. The film captures her sojourn to Africa as she investigated the longstanding myths surrounding the power of virgin blood, including its ability to cure HIV/AIDS.
Documenting the work of Zimbabwean child and human rights activist Betty Makoni and her organization, Girl Child Network, Tapestries follows the journey to healing taken by the girls who arrive at GCN daily. Caught in the crossfire of a country devastated by poverty, limited medicine, and the increasing use of girls as charms to heal illness, Tapestries allows us to witness the resiliency of these girls who refuse to be defined by their abuse.
“As an activist and filmmaker, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share Tapestries of Hope with a New York audience,” said filmmaker Michealene Cristini Risley. “It is my hope that that increased awareness brought about by this documentary will lead to a dramatic shift in the way society and many governments deal with issues surrounding sexual violence and HIV/AIDS."
This year, Tapestries of Hope has been awarded BEST DOCUMENTARY at the 2009 Louisville International Festival of Film, received an AWARD OF MERIT from the Accolade Film Awards and an Aloha Accolade at the 2009 Honolulu International Film Festival.
Freshwater Haven will be the beneficiary of the film screening at Tribeca Cinemas in downtown Manhattan. The event, hosted by Kevin Powell, Rachel Roy and Saranne Rothberg will begin at 6:00 pm and feature a special musical performance by The Bonde.
To attend the screening, please RSVP to Michelle Titus, Executive Director of Freshwater Haven, by October 15th. michelle@freshwaterhaven.org Admission to the event is free however donations are encouraged.
About Freshwater Haven
Freshwater Haven is a non-profit organization founded to address the dramatic social change that is required to stop physical, sexual and emotional abuse of women and children. Freshwater Haven is dedicated to:
- Bringing about awareness of abuse throughout the world by presenting society with a mirror of truth;
- Promoting healing by reaching victims and giving them a voice;
- Prompting cultural and social outlets for change while encouraging governmental action via advocacy.
Fresh Water Haven sponsors and supports domestic and international groups or facilities serving those affected by abuse. More information is available at www.freshwaterhaven.org and www.tapestriesofhope.com.