There is good stuff happening in Philly’s film community. We are lucky to have great filmmakers and advocates in this city. Here is one in particular that we think you should know: El Sawyer.
Sawyer co-founded Media in Neighborhoods Group (MING) with local filmmaker/advocate, Jon Kaufman. Together with the Greater Philadelphia Film Office, they will be presenting Filmmaker & Social Activist El Sawyer: His Creative Journey.
If you haven’t heard of him already, this internationally renowned filmmaker is best known for his film, Pull of Gravity. Sawyer, formerly incarcerated, is on a mission to educate his audience about the struggle of reentry into society from prison. Screened at Obama’s White House, Pull of Gravity continued to mold the narrative around the much overdue conversation needed for true prison reform. Motivated by his own struggle, he shows how a lack of understanding and empathy toward neglected communities creates an environment of injustice.
From 6:30 PM – 8 PM, on Tuesday, February 12, 2019, at the Philadelphia Film Center (formerly known as The Prince Theatre), Sawyer will be discussing the barriers former inmates face when attempting to integrate back into society. He will also be sharing how his journey into filmmaking allowed him to develop SHOOTERS, a digital media skills program making a difference for formerly imprisoned people. The mentorship and technical training help create professional opportunities that can literally save someone’s life.
So please, we encourage you to attend. Follow this link for tickets. The event will be moderated by Amira Smith, Director, Marketing and Multicultural Affairs, of the Greater Philadelphia Film Office.