Sundance Film Forward Travels to Miami October 0-

Park City, UT Sundance Institute and the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities announced today that Sundance Film Forward will host free screenings of acclaimed independent films and moderated discussions and workshops with talented filmmakers October 20-23. The events will take place in a range of venues from the program's host, the Bill Cosford Cinema at University of Miami, to small community centers, including branches of the Miami-Dade Public Library System.

Sundance Film Forward is a touring program of film screenings and discussions to excite and cultivate new audiences for independent film, with a special focus on 18- to 24-year-olds. It uses the power of cinema to promote broader cultural understanding, inspire curiosity and enhance awareness of shared stories and values across generations, religions, ethnicities and borders. The program has visited Taiwan, India and 10 American cities in the last year. Sundance Film Forward is an initiative of Sundance Institute and the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Both We Are the Giant and 1979 Revolution focus on uprisings in the Middle East, one past and three current, with each shedding light on the real world consequences of these fights for freedom. Little Accidents is set thousands of miles away in a rural American coal town, and its unraveling of events creates life-altering consequences on a smaller stage. Although very different stories, the conversation between these projects is an opportunity for multifaceted discussions with the audience on the consequences of violence, justice, class struggle and other themes.

Meredith Lavitt, Director of Sundance Film Forward, said, The Sundance Film Forward slate of films explores universal themes that we hope will inspire audiences to look at their community and our world in a new way. We look forward to adding a multi-disciplinary project into the mix in Miami, that enhances the program and combined promotes the power of storytelling in a more dynamic way.

Maura Max, Acting Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, said, Film Forward is an example of a collaboration the Institute of Museum and Library Services seeks to nurture, as it provides opportunities for participating libraries to reach beyond their usual patrons and engage new audiences within their communities. Film is a universal medium that invites people to reflect on current issues, themes and ideas. It provides an opportunity for people to express their opinions, particularly youth, who can talk about what the film meant to them, how it opened their world view and how it relates to their lives personally.

For more information on Sundance Film Forward events in Miami and the films visit: sundance.org/FilmForward.

Sundance Institute

Founded in 1981 by Robert Redford, Sundance Institute is a nonprofit organization that provides and preserves the space for artists in film, theatre, and new media to create and thrive. The Institutes signature Labs, granting, and mentorship programs, dedicated to developing new work, take place throughout the year in the U.S. and internationally. The Sundance Film Festival and other public programs connect audiences to artists in igniting new ideas, discovering original voices, and building a community dedicated to independent storytelling. Sundance Institute has supported such projects as Beasts of the Southern Wild, Fruitvale Station, Sin Nombre, The Invisible War, The Square, Dirty Wars, Spring Awakening, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder and Fun Home. Join Sundance Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Sundance Film Forward Federal Partners

The President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH) bridges the interests of American federal agencies and the private sector, supports special projects that increase participation and excellence in the arts and humanities, and helps incorporate these disciplines into White House objectives. First Lady Michelle Obama is the Honorary Chairman of the PCAH.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nations 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. The mission of IMLS is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. The agency's grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit imls.gov and follow @US_IMLS on Twitter and on Facebook.

The National Endowment for the Arts was established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government. To date, the NEA has awarded more than $4 billion to support artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation for the benefit of individuals and communities. The NEA extends its work through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector. To join the discussion on how art works, visit the NEA at arts.gov, follow us on Twitter @NEAarts or like us on Facebook.

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), an independent federal agency, provides support for documentary films, digital media and other educational programs in the humanities through competitive grant programs. The NEH is the nation's leading supporter of research, education, preservation and public programs in the humanities. Additional information about the National Endowment for the Humanities and its grant programs is available at neh.gov.

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