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 Sudjadnan Parnohadiningrat of the Republic of Indonesia 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 Sudjadnan Parnohadiningrat of the Republic of Indonesia,
        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
        itvs.org/pressroom on Oct. 1.

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)