For Immediate Release
Marissa Norris, Communications Coordinator
216.916.6318 | marissa.norris@ideastream.org
MEDIA ALERT:
ideastream Hosts Screening of New Bill Moyers Documentary, RIKERS: An American Jail
May 16, 2017 (Cleveland) – ideastream will hold a live screening of RIKERS: An American Jail, the new documentary from award-winning journalist Bill Moyers, on Tuesday, May 23 at 6 p.m. This one-hour program is the first film to focus exclusively on former detainees who were held at Rikers Island. ideastream welcomes Johnny Perez, one of the former detainees in the film, as a guest panelist during the post-screening discussion and Q&A. The film will air on WVIZ/PBS on Wednesday, May 24 at 11 p.m.
What: A preview screening of RIKERS: An American Jail, in its entirety
When: Tuesday, May 23 from 6-8 p.m.
Where: The Westfield Insurance Studio Theatre, Idea Center, 1375 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115
Tickets: Admission is complimentary, but registration is required at: rikers.eventbrite.com.
Panelists include:
- Johnny Perez, one of the former detainees featured in the film; currently a safe re-entry advocate at the Urban Justice Center in New York City
- David Singleton, Executive Director, Ohio Justice and Policy Center
- Shakyra Diaz, Midwest Regional Director, Alliance for Safety and Justice
The panel discussion will be moderated by Mike Shafarenko, manager of civic engagement, web and social media at ideastream.
For more information on the featured documentary, visit rikersfilm.org.
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About ideastream
The mission of ideastream is to strengthen our communities. ideastream pursues this mission as a multiple media public service organization by providing distinctive, thought-provoking programs and services that enlighten, inspire, educate and entertain.
About the Documentary
From Bill Moyers, this documentary provides a chilling window into the human toll of mass incarceration in America. Searing testimonials from men and women formerly detained at Rikers Island describe the deep-seated culture of systemic violence and corruption that has plagued the notorious NYC jail adding a powerful authentic voice to reports of violence and abuse at the jail. Of the 7,500 people incarcerated at Rikers on any given day, almost 80% have not yet been found guilty or innocent of the charges against them.