IFC, NAMIC, and the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) will join together in New York City on Monday evening, September 15th, to help open 2003's Diversity Week with a welcoming reception and special premiere screening of Casa de Los Babys. Casa de Los Babys, is directed by the acclaimed independent film director John Sayles (Eight Men Out, Lone Star, Sunshine State) and is being produced and distributed by IFC Entertainment. The film opens theatrically in New York and Los Angeles the following Friday and will also be shown at the Venice Film Festival and the Toronto Film Festival.
Immediately following the screening, a panel discussion, moderated by Kathleen Dore, President of Rainbow Media's Entertainment Services, will take place exploring the central themes of the film and the importance of diversity within the entertainment industry. The panel will include stars from the film and cable industry executives.
The night of events will be open to those attending Diversity Week, with tickets offered on a first come, first serve basis.
Casa de Los Babys stars Mary Steenburgen, Daryl Hannah, Marcia Gay Harden, Lili Taylor and Maggie Gyllenhaalas five North American women, all from different backgrounds, who have come to a South American resort city hoping to adopt babies from a local orphanage. The film follows the different anxieties and expectations each character has to the idea of motherhood, while richly contrasting the social, cultural, and economic landscape of South America. Rita Moreno also stars in the film in her first Spanish-speaking role.
"We are so pleased to be working closely with NAMIC and NCTA in taking an active role in this year's Diversity Week," stated Kathleen Dore, President of Rainbow Media's Entertainment Services. "As a cable network and film company that has long stressed the importance of diversity in its entertainment projects, IFC is very proud of the themes, subject matter, and passion of Casa de Los Babys. Though the film officially opens theatrically at the end of Diversity Week, we felt a special screening and star-studded panel discussion would be of great value to those attending the weeklong events."
"This film is an appropriate opening of the Annual NAMIC Conference because it reflects the values the organization stands for — accurate portrayals of people of color, crafted by talented people of color and green-lighted because of a recognition of the strength of diverse audiences," said Jenny Alonzo, president of NAMIC. "We encourage companies and individuals to attend the entire NAMIC Conference so that they can acquire diversity strategies for improving the way they do business on all levels."
"This event, featuring diversity-themed entertainment, should help set the tone for events throughout Diversity Week and focus us on the chance to share best practices, celebrate accomplishments, and reaffirm our commitment to keeping diversity an important business priority," said Rob Stoddard, Senior Vice President, Communications & Public Affairs, NCTA. "We appreciate the opportunity to participate with our partners at NAMIC and IFC."
EVENT INFORMATION:
Diversity Week Event – Monday, September 15th
Hosted by IFC, NAMIC, NCTA
Welcoming Reception, Special Premiere Screening of Casa de Los Babys, and Panel Discussion on the Importance of Diversity
| 6:00 – 7:30 pm | Welcome Reception at Sessa, 208 West 23rd Street bet 7 & 8th New York, New York (212) 627-0044 |
| 8:00 – 9:30 pm | Special Premiere Screening of Casa de Los Babys, Clearview Chelsea West Cinemas, 333 West 23rd Street bet 8th and 9th New York, New York (1/2 block from the Sessa) |
**Immediately Following the Film**
Panel Discussion on the Importance of Diversity within the Media
Moderated by Kathleen Dore, President of Rainbow Media's Entertainment
Services
Panel Participants to include stars of Casa de Los Babys and Cable Industry Executives