Rotunda

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT
Cindy Burstein, Independent Television Service (ITVS)
Regional Outreach Coordinator
267-259-2049, cindy_burstein@itvs.org

For downloadable images, visit: http://www.itvs.org/pressroom/photos/photos_list.php?showID=7794
For the program companion website, visit http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/cripsandbloods/

ITVS and WHYY, in partnership with the Philadelphia Anti-Drug Anti-Violence Network, Scribe Video Center and United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania

Present A Community Cinema Premiere

STACY PERALTA’S, CRIPS AND BLOODS: MADE IN AMERICA
Panel afterwards includes Deputy Mayor of Public Safety, Mothers in Charge, and former drug gang prosecutor addressing violence reduction in Philadelphia.

(Philadelphia, PA)— In the southern portion of the richest city in the richest state in America, a civil war has been raging for more than 40 years. This war has taken more than 15,000 lives, and it passes its legacy from father to son. CRIPS AND BLOODS: Made in America searches for answers by providing a historical and sociological context for the rise of the devastating gang violence.

Combining unprecedented access to active gangs with political and social commentary and gripping archival footage, CRIPS AND BLOODS is a compassionate examination of the men and women for whom the promise of the American dream has crumbled away. Hard-hitting, yet ultimately hopeful, the film not only documents the emergence of the Bloods and the Crips and their growth beyond the borders of South Central, but also offers insight as to how this ongoing tragedy might be resolved. Director Stacy Peralta interviews current and former gang members, family members and experts to examine the conditions that have lead to the devastating gang violence.

CRIPS AND BLOODS provides a context for reflecting on the history of gangs in Philadelphia as well as the proliferation of gun violence in more recent years. Representatives in city and state government, and grassroots organizations working for change, share their perspectives and strategies for violence reduction on the streets of Philadelphia.

WHAT:
Community Cinema Premiere of CRIPS AND BLOODS: Made in America.
FREE and Open to the Public. Panel after film to address the streets of Philadelphia and violence reduction strategies: City of Philadelphia Deputy Mayor of Public Safety, Everett Gillison; Darryl Coates, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Anti-Drug Anti-Violence Network;
Dorothy Speight-Johnson, Executive Director of Mothers In Charge; Jack Stollsteimer, PA Safe Schools Advocate and and former federal prosecutor of drug gangs in Philadelphia. Moderated by Cliff Akiyama, Lecturer in the Division of Family and Community Health–University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing

WHO:
ITVS, WHYY and The Rotunda in partnership with the Philadelphia Anti-Drug Anti-Violence Network, Scribe Video Center and United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania

WHEN:
Wednesday, April 22nd at 6:30PM (Doors Open, 6:00PM). Reservations are Required to Guarantee a Seat. For More Information and to Reserve Seats: http://www.whyy.org/memberexperience/ or call 215-351-0511

CRIPS AND BLOODS: Made in America is the featured film for April 2009 in the ITVS COMMUNITY CINEMA line-up. Presented in partnership with local public television stations and leading community organizations, Community Cinema holds monthly preview screenings in select markets across the country, showcasing selections from the new season of Independent Lens and making a real contribution on a range of current social issues by connecting communities with organizations, information and the opportunity to get involved.

CRIPS AND BLOODS: Made in America is directed by Stacy Peralta and written by Peralta and Sam George. The film is produced by Baron Davis, Cash Warren, Dan Halsted and Jesse Dylan. Executive producers are Steve Luczo and Quincy D. Jones III. Co-Producers are Shaun Murphy, Gus Roxburgh and Cash Warren.

CRIPS AND BLOODS: Made in America will premiere on the PBS series Independent Lens, hosted by Terrence Howard, on Tuesday, May 12, 2009, at 10 PM (check local listings).

To learn more, visit the CRIPS AND BLOODS: Made in America interactive companion website http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/cripsandbloods/, which features detailed information on the film, including an interview with the filmmakers and links and resources pertaining to the film’s subject matter. The site also features a Talkback section for viewers to share their ideas and opinions, preview clips of the film, and more.