Hersey Teacher's Documentary Goes Global

     Bruce Janu, a social science teacher at John Hersey High School, is an acclaimed filmmaker and storyteller.  In 2007, Janu told the story of Dr. Jerry Ehrlich, a hero who has risked his life attending to children in some of the world's most poverty-stricken and violent places in his full-length documentary, Facing Sudan.

     From the crime-plagued neighborhoods of Philadelphia, to the streets of Haiti, to war torn Sri Lanka and Darfur, Dr. Erlich has seen it all.  Knowing there was more to Erlich's story, a couple of years later, Janu made a short film titled Crayons and Paper, focusing solely on Erlich's work in Darfur and Sri Lanka.  That film is now streaming the world over as part of the "Culture Unplugged:  Humanity Explored" film festival.

     "I'm excited," said Janu, "that Dr. Jerry's story has the potential to reach a much wider audience."

     The film features Erlich's work with children in these dangerous places.  As a unique part of his therapy with kids, he always brings crayons and paper on missions.  Through art, "Dr. Jerry" has the kids tell their experience.  The result is often heart-breaking images of violence and war.

     Janu made the film not just to raise awareness about human rights issues, but also to demonstrate that anyone can make a difference in the lives of others.  He has even made lesson plans available for use in classrooms.

     "Dr. Jerry's story is an example of what anyone can do, through compassion and empathy, to make this world a better place," said Janu. 

     Crayons and Paper can be viewed online at: http://www.cultureunplugged.com/documentary/watch-online/play/10515/Cray...

     More information about the film can be found at: http://www.bellbookcamera.com.