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Thursday, December 07, 2006

 

Bristol Bay Productions, Samuel Goldwyn Films and Roadside Attractions Launch "The Amazing Change" Inspired by New Film Amazing Grace

Massive social justice campaign to end modern day slavery and improve the world in other ways goes live with web portal that provides educational materials and direct opportunities to participate

BOSTON, MA (December 4, 2006)-In conjunction with the release of Michael Apted’s Amazing Grace, Bristol Bay Productions, Samuel Goldwyn Films and Roadside Attractions have launched "The Amazing Change" an integrated social justice campaign to abolish modern day slavery and improve society. The campaign is aimed at raising awareness about modern day problems - including slavery; motivating people to get involved, and engaging a massive number of new activists in a lifelong journey to invest back in the world using their time, influence and resources. The campaign uses the story of William Wilberforce and his friends who worked together 200 years ago to abolish the slave trade in the UK as inspiration for modern day activists. All activities will be centered on the campaign's web portal, http://www.theamazingchange.com. Highlights of the campaign include:

* Educational information on the leaders of the abolitionist movement featuring William Wilberforce, John Newton, Equiano and members of the Clapham Sect as well as information about modern day abolitionists
* Information about the history of slavery around the world, with special focus on the slave trade in the UK and the colonies
* Facts and background on the plight of modern-day slaves
* Opportunities for engagement for activists to get involved in abolishing slavery. This will funnel people to our Amazing Change Partners who are fighting slavery and Amazing Change Champions who are providing help and hope around other problems.
* Downloadable educational material related to the film Amazing Grace and slavery
* An online opportunity to sign a petition to abolish modern-day slavery
* Links to reliable research on the topic of historic and modern-day slavery, abolition and the players involved
* A new "Amazing Change Champion" each week
* A fund managed by Geneva Global to bring hope to victims of modern day slavery

Activists also will be encouraged to become a part of an online peer-to-peer community where members can dialogue with each other as they reach out to help the world. This online culture will celebrate the efforts of members who are working to end slavery and oppression, will include space for posting user created content (blogs, photos, poems, artwork, video clips) and contain discussion areas inspired by the film.

The Amazing Change is also cultivating corporate partners who are committed to social responsibility and investing in causes around the world.

"Some experts say there are more slaves in the world today than there were during the entire Trans Atlantic slave trade. Our hope is that the film Amazing Grace will inspire modern day activists to end this crime and also use their resources to help others," said campaign director Penny Hunter. "Already almost 30,000 people have signed the petition to abolish slavery and are getting on board to help improve life in their communities and around the world."

The Amazing Change Partner organizations working on abolition are Free the Slaves, ChildVoice International, Rugmark and International Justice Mission.

Directed by Michael Apted, Amazing Grace stars Ioan Gruffudd, Romola Garai, Rufus Sewell, Benedict Cumberbatch, Youssou N'Dour, Ciaran Hinds, Michael Gambon, and Albert Finney. Gruffudd (Black Hawk Down) takes the powerful lead as William Wilberforce, the man who championed the abolition of slavery in the British Empire. His life was also an astounding spiritual and moral quest, and he is an inspiration to millions to this day. Elected to Parliament at age 29, Wilberforce led a diverse coalition of believers in a decades-long struggle to end the lucrative but dehumanizing slave trade. Wilberforce was aided by slave trader-turned abolitionist Rev. John Newton (Finney) and by his spirited wife and political compatriot Barbara Spooner (Garai). Amazing Grace tells a story of how one man can change the world.

Amazing Grace is written by Academy Award(r) nominee Steven Knight. The film is executive produced by Jeanney Kim and produced by Terrence Malick, Edward Pressman, Patricia Heaton, David Hunt, and Ken Wales. Amazing Grace is a presentation of Bristol Bay Productions in association with Ingenious Film Partners.

Amazing Grace will be released in the United States by Samuel Goldwyn Films and Roasdie Attractions on February 23, 2007.

About Bristol Bay Productions

Bristol Bay Productions, a subsidiary of AFG, develops, finances and produces feature films in all genres -- dramas, comedies, thrillers and action adventure -- that tell uplifting stories appropriate for audiences of all ages. Bristol Bay's films come from a number of sources: popular books that have engaged millions, as well as drawing upon the lives of influential people, timeless heroes, themes and events that inspire us all. Because of their broad appeal, Bristol Bay's films are rated G, PG and PG-13. Previous releases include RAY, winner of 2 Academy Awards(r), including Best Actor for Jamie Foxx and SAHARA, starring Matthew McConaughey.

About Samuel Goldwyn Films

Samuel Goldwyn Films is a major, independently owned and operated motion-picture company. The company develops, produces, and distributes innovative feature films and documentaries, working with world renowned and emerging writers and filmmakers. Goldwyn is consistently committed to filmed entertainment offering original voices in uniquely told stories.

Upcoming theatrical releases include the Sundance favorite SLEEPING DOGS LIE, directed by Bob Goldthwait, FACING THE GIANTS, and CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD Recent releases include the audience favorite, BOYTON BEACH CLUB, the Academy Award nominated THE SQUID AND THE WHALE, Eytan Fox's WALK ON WATER, which has become the highest grossing Israeli film in the United States, as well as the Oscar nominated SUPER SIZE ME, directed by Morgan Spurlock with Roadside Attractions.

The company earned 11 Academy Award nominations for MASTER AND COMMANDER, 5 Independent Spirit Awards for RAISING VICTOR VARGAS and numerous other festival prizes.

About Roadside Attractions

Roadside Attractions is an independent film distribution company committed to championing films that entertain audiences of all kinds. The company works with filmmakers to devise innovative marketing strategies that encourage audiences to see films that are not typical studio fare. Previous theatrical releases include the hilarious comedy film SARAH SILVERMAN: JESUS IS MAGIC, the Oscar nominated SUPER SIZE ME, the controversial THE ROAD TO GUANTANAMO. Currently in release is audience favorite BOYNTON BEACH CLUB and upcoming releases include Bobcat Goldthwait's SLEEPING DOGS LIE with Samuel Goldwyn Films and COME EARLY MORNING starring Ashley Judd.

Media Contacts

Ryan Chingcuangco
Bristol Bay Productions
310-887-1044

Matt Cowal
Samuel Goldwyn Films/Roadside Attractions
212-367-9435

Tara Shaffer
Grace Hill Media (faith media inquiries)818-762-0000

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About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others. The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.

Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.

Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777

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