ITVS International Launches "Global Perspectives Project"

On Monday evening, October 1st, the Independent Television Service (ITVS ) will mark the public launch of its bold, new international initiative with an event hosted at the National Geographic Society headquarters. The evening will include keynote remarks by U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE), Ambassador Zhou Wenzhong of the People's Republic of China and Patricia S. Harrison, president and CEO of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, along with a screening of the ITVS International film " PLEASE VOTE FOR ME ." Following the film, a panel discussion moderated by Ray Suarez, Senior Correspondent for PBS's "NewsHour with Jim Lehrer," will consider the role of media in international public diplomacy and feature several well-known foreign affairs experts, including Congresswoman Diane Watson (D-CA) of the House International Relations Committee, and Dr. Stephen Hess of the Brookings Institution.

WHO: U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE), Congresswoman Diane Watson (D-CA), Ambassador Zhou Wenzhong (PRC), Patricia S. Harrison (CPB), Sally Fifer (ITVS), Stephen Hess (Brookings Institution)

WHAT: Special preview screening of acclaimed documentary "PLEASE VOTE FOR ME," followed by post-screening panel discussion moderated by Ray Suarez of PBS's "NewsHour with Jim Lehrer," and keynote remarks by distinguished speakers

WHERE: National Geographic Society Headquarters, Grosvenor Auditorium, 1600 M Street, NW, Washington, DC (free on-site parking provided)

WHEN: Monday, October 1, 2007 at 7:30 PM

Media coverage is invited. Reservations are required. Please RSVP to secure a space.

WHY: Celebrating the launch of a global initiative establishing a two-way pipeline of documentary films creating a new way for citizens of the world to engage in direct public diplomacy. ITVS International has funded 54 programs representing 41 different countries. Beginning in October 2007 and continuing throughout 2008, nearly 40 programs will premiere to audiences across the United States on a variety of major media outlets. ITVS expects to broadcast an additional 50 programs by international producers through 2010. In addition, the unique series, "True Stories: Life in the USA," features American independent films for broadcast in up to 35-40 countries by 2010, if continued public funding is secured. More information about ITVS International and Global Perspectives Project is available online at www.itvs.org/international . For a full press release, please visit www.itvs.org/pressroom on Oct. 1.

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Contact: Randall Cole Senior Publicity Manager ITVS Email Contact 415-356-8383, ext. 254 415-425-3050 (mobile) Dennis Palmieri Director of Communications ITVS Email Contact 415-356-8383, ext. 256 415-902-1831 (mobile)