Join Greater Philadelphia Film Office (GPFO) and Media in Neighborhoods Group (MING Media) for a visual exploration and discussion of the incredible creative journey of filmmaker and social justice activist, El Sawyer.
Come learn about El Sawyer's journey from incarceration to how his production company MING Media got the attention of Oprah Winfrey and President Barack Obama, and El's mission to inspire a better future for ALL through film
During this event we will discuss creating films for impact to imagine a better future for all, El's origins into filmmaking, his filmmaking process, the founding of MING Media, their documentary film Pull of Gravity (which President Obama screened at the White House during his administration and it also screened internationally), and subsequent projects. Discussion followed by an audience Q&A.
El Sawyer is a filmmaker and social justice advocate based in Philadelphia. Drawing on his own experience with incarceration, Sawyer speaks internationally on the challenges of reentry, recidivism, and neglected communities. He co-founded Media In Neighborhoods Group (MING) in 2014, a film company that specializes in the multimedia documentation of criminal justice issues and marginalized communities. MING also created and operates the SHOOTERS program, a digital media training program for the formerly incarcerated.
Discussion and Q&A moderated by Amira Smith, Director of Marketing + Multicultural Affairs for Greater Philadelphia Film Office.
PFC Parking Info: The Philadelphia Film Center (PFC) offers discounted parking to attendees/patrons: PFC patrons can park for just $15 at the garage under Liberty Place, entrances on both 16th and 17th Streets, between Market and Chestnut Streets. In order to receive this discount, you must park in the Liberty Place garage, and pick up a “chaser card” at the PFC box office when you arrive at the theater to attend the event. When used in combination with the parking facility’s own ticket, this chaser card will reduce the price of your parking to $15, for a period up to 12 hours. Please ask at the box office for detailed instructions on how to use the “chaser card.”