The United Nations Association-USA East Bay Chapter, in partnership with California Independent Film Festival, Lamorinda Film and Entertainment Foundation, Landmark Theatres, and Orinda Theatre presents the Sundance Award Winning Documentary Film, SERGIO. The programs commemorate UN World Humanitarian Day.
Saturday, August 27, Albany Twin Theatre, Albany, CA, 9:30 am. Q&A and luncheon to follow.
Tickets may be purchased at the door or online at www.unausaeastbay.org. Price is $5 for students and seniors, $10 for general admission. Please see attached flyer for more information.
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SERGIO revolves around the life and last hours of United Nations Diplomat Sergio Vieira de Mello – one of 22 killed by a terrorist attack on UN Headquarters at the Canal Hotel in Baghdad on August 19, 2003. Sergio Vieira de Mello had worked for the UN for 34 years and was known as the official to be handed some of the most difficult tasks – Cambodia, East Timor, Sarajevo, Bosnia and many more.
The blast did not kill Vieira de Mello immediately. Two firemen make a heroic effort to save him. The movie cuts back and forth between that effort and de Mello’s 34 year career with the UN. This leads to the tremendous dramatic impact of the movie that has drawn rave acclaim for the director Greg Barker and the award for Best Editing at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. Barker commented in an interview, “He (Sergio) was able to get things done in the world while keeping his ideals intact and also inhabit what I call the shades of gray between right and wrong; good and evil. He dealt with the bad guys and the good guys and the ambiguous guys, and still kept his soul intact. And keep in mind he was always working for the benefit of ordinary people who often find themselves in very traumatic and destitute situations. To me it was just an inspiring story.”
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David Corn recently wrote in Mother Jones, “ There's now a generation of foreign policy and international advocates who, upon encountering a tough challenge, ask themselves, What would Sergio do?...Sergio is both a gripping and important movie—important because it will extend the legacy of Vieira de Mello. That's a legacy the world needs.”
Sergio Vieira de Mello’s dedication to conquering the humanitarian challenges faced in so many countries was recognized in 2008 with a resolution from the United Nations General Assembly creating World Humanitarian Day to be commemorated on August 19. The day honors those, who have lost their lives in humanitarian service and those, who continue to bring assistance and relief to millions. It also seeks to draw attention to humanitarian needs worldwide and to explain what humanitarian aid work entails.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Gerald Weber, Vice President
United Nations Association-USA East Bay Chapter
Email: Sergio_vdm@sbcglobal.net
Tel: 510-559-8703