United Way of San Luis Obispo County is pleased to announce the screening of the documentary film American Winter on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014 at the Palm Theatre, 817 Palm Street, in San Luis Obispo. The evening includes a light reception at 6 p.m., documentary screening at 7 p.m., and a Q&A with editor/producer Aaron Butler immediately following.
A $10 suggested donation is requested for admission to the event, and seating is limited. All proceeds benefit 2-1-1 SLO County, a 24/7 information and referral program provided by United Way of San Luis Obispo County. This screening is cosponsored by Community Foundation San Luis Obispo, Department of Social Services and United Way of San Luis Obispo County.
American Winter, which premiered on HBO in March 2013, is a documentary feature film that follows the personal stories of eight families struggling in the aftermath of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. Co-produced by Emmy Award-winning filmmakers Joe and Harry Gantz (Taxicab Confessions, The Defenders), this powerful film reveals the human impact of rising poverty and economic inequality in the US. Even as the economy slowly recovers, an alarming number of American families are still finding themselves caught in a daily struggle to meet their basic needs.
The families featured in American Winter were found by the producers after they called 2-1-1 for social service referrals. After participating in the film, four of the families testified at a Senate Subcommittee hearing titled: “State of the American Dream: Economic Policy and the Future of the Middle Class”. This was the first hearing held by Senator Merkley of Oregon, the Chair of the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Policy, who had previously attended the premiere of American Winter in Portland.
For more information about American Winter, to view the trailer or to purchase tickets, visit www.unitedwayslo.org.