July 15th- The NAACP holds their 106th National Convention in Philadelphia, PA. It was an honor to have a special screening of Rosenwald for convention attendees, only hours after President Obama spoke at the convention. Board member and rabbi David Saperstein, former NAACP chair Julian Bond, and Aviva Kempner appeared on a panel after the screening. Many members of the audience were reminiscing about attending the Rosenwald Schools. Convention attendees might have recognized a familiar face in the film, as an interview with former NAACP head, Ben Jealous, is shown. The film also contains interviews with many prominent African American figures and activists.
Pictured (left to right): Rabi David Saperstein, Julian Bond, and Aviva Kempner
Pictured (left to right): Julian Bond, Pam Horowitz, Aviva Kempner, Maxim ThornePictured (left to right): Julian Bond, Aviva Kempner, Eli Evans (interviewee), Dr. Hasia Diner (interviewee), speaking after the screening of the film.
Aviva Kempner and her crew took to the streets on July 4 to raise awareness about her upcoming film, Rosenwald. Marching with Councilwoman Mary Cheh in the Palisades Parade, the team handed out fliers and lollipops to the many spectators who line the streets annually to view the parade. Thankfully it didn’t “rain on our parade” as it had been expected to. Rosenwald opens in theatres August 14 so be sure to check your local listings and march on in to the theatre nearest you!
During the week of June 17-20 Aviva Kempner travelled to Durham, NC for the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 2015 Rosenwald Schools Conference. This annual gathering is a chance for everybody directly or indirectly involved with Rosenwald Schools and Rosenwald’s legacy to come together to discuss the current state of the schools and celebrate the long lasting positive effects of his philanthropy. Many schools today are abandoned and neglected, and in 2002 the schools were placed on the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list. People from all walks of life, including artists, teachers, and historians attended the events. Aviva was able to discuss her documentary in front of a large crowd. During her screening on June 19th, she offered them a glimpse into her film and her extensive research about Rosenwald and his extraordinary life. She hopes that when people see the film, they will be inspired to donate to the restoration of the schools. Rosenwald hits theaters in August. Don’t miss it!
Pictured (left to right): Stephanie Deutsch (interviewee/consultant), Peter Ascoli (consultant, Julius Rosenwald’s grandson), David Porter, Aviva Kempner (director), Rick Powell (art historian, interviewee), Elizabeth Varet (interviewee, Julius Rosenwald’s granddaughter)
On May 13th, Rosenwald was screened at Boston for the JEWISHFILM.2015 film festival to an enthusiastic audience. The sponsors of this event, the National Center for Jewish Film, are now our official distributors for the theatrical release of Rosenwald! The NCJF has served as distributor for all of the Ciesla Foundation’s productions and it is a pleasure to be working with them again.
Pictured: Peter Ascoli (grandson of Julius Rosenwald) and Professor Marian Sears Hunter
Recent Comments