Feb 4, 2010
DOCUMENTARY FILM STEALING THE LIGHT GETS WORLD PREMIERE IN ALBUQUERQUE
Project PeacePal, a New Mexico based international peace through education pen pal organization, is honored to present "Stealing the Light", a documentary about the destruction of a peaceful school in war-torn Afghanistan by filmmaker Aimie Burns. The film premiers April 9th at the Kimo Theater.
What began with a dozen children in a family’s guest house in Shin Kalay (Green Village) in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan grew into a school compound with 24 classrooms, a library, a computer lab nearing completion, and a student body of more than 1,200 boys and girls. In October of 2008, gunmen reduced the entire compound to rubble. They stole every book, chalkboard, and desk. They tore down the school beam by beam, brick by brick until nothing was left.
The world premiere of this mesmerizing film is part of Caravan to Peace, which also includes a benefit concert and silent auction to raise awareness of and funds for Green Village Schools and Project PeacePal. “Our peace education and pen pal program paired Albuquerque kids with their peers at Green Village Schools. When we heard what happened to our new friends in Afghanistan, we had to help,” said Project PeacePal founder and director Sarah Wilkinson.
Project PeacePal mobilized quickly to host the premiere of Stealing the Light, creating an event to raise funds and awareness for both the film and the charities involved. World-famous musician Rahim Alhaj offered to do a benefit concert, and local businesses are stepping forward to sponsor the event and donate items for a silent auction.
“The film captures the amazing resilience of the school’s founder, Dr. Mohammad Khan Kharoti, and his students. Even in the midst of despair and destruction, they are so eager to rebuild their school and rebuild their lives,” said Wilkinson.
Educators who use the Project PeacePal curriculum in their classrooms, music lovers who follow Rahim Alhaj’s career, fellow film makers who support the arts in our community, and everyday families who want to help build a more peaceful world will all come together April 9th at the Kimo Theater for to Caravan to Peace.
Sponsorship opportunities run from $200 to $1,200. Advantages include tickets, signage, and web-links to name a few. Businesses can also support the event by donating products, services, or experiences for the silent auction. “The silent auction is a great way to get noticed by the community,” said Wilkinson.
For more information about the event and to purchase tickets, please visit www.peacepal.org or phone 505-255-2042