Published as submitted via Press Release from the Howland Public Library in order to get the word out to you faster...

Beacon, Cold Spring and Garrison libraries have teamed up for Reel Life Film Club, a new film series for middle school students. Reel Life Film Club is an opportunity for middle school students to view award-winning documentary films and talk about them with filmmakers.

The next screening will be in Beacon on Friday, December 1, at 6 pm at the Howland Public Library. The club will be viewing the documentary To Be Heard (2010). Shot over four years, To Be Heard is the story of three teens from the South Bronx whose struggle to change their lives begins with writing poetry. As writing and reciting become vehicles for their expressions of love, friendship, frustration, and hope, these three young people emerge as accomplished, self-aware artists, who use their creativity to alter their circumstances. The film was produced and directed by Roland Legiardi-Laura, Edwin Martinez, Deborah Shaffer and Amy Sultan.
 

Amy Sultan, one of the directors of the film and co-founder of the Power Writers program featured in the documentary, will be on hand for a discussion after the film. In 2011, the film won multiple awards including the audience award at DOC NYC, the Seattle International Film Festival and the Sarasota Film Festival. 
 
Pizza will be served at the events and registration is encouraged. To register to attend the December 1 screening of To Be Heard, email community@beaconlibrary.org. 

The Howland Public Library is located at 313 Main St., Beacon, NY. To find out more about programs for tweens and teens at the library, go to www.beaconlibrary.org.