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AMS PICTURES PRESS RELEASE
Released On:
Friday, August 22, 2008
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Tammy Nguyen Lee
AMS Pictures
214.646.9309
TNLee@amspg.com
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REMEMBERING THE REAL GREAT DEBATERS
AMS Pictures tells the true story that inspired the movie.
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, TX – AMS Pictures adds another gem to their already successful Black History Uncovered series with their riveting new documentary, The Real Great Debaters of Wiley College. Inspired by the critically acclaimed Hollywood film The Great Debaters, The Real Great Debaters of Wiley College unveils the true story of Wiley College’s 1935 debate team and their astonishing defeat of the reigning national champions.
In an election year when a series of debates could help determine whether the nation elects its first African American President, the film’s themes and content could not be more relevant. The Real Great Debaters of Wiley College will make its world premiere on September 11 at The Urbanworld Film Festival in New York City, one of the world’s largest competitive film festivals designed to redefine and enhance the roles of multicultural constituents in contemporary cinema. The film will be highlighted as a Spotlight Screening at 7:15 pm at the AMC 34th Street Theater in Manhattan.
The Real Great Debaters of Wiley College documents the inspiring journey of the 1935 debate team from Wiley College, a small black college deep in the rural Jim Crow South, to their groundbreaking upset of the all-white reigning national championship debate team at the University of Southern California. Under the tutelage of their dynamic coach, Professor Melvin B. Tolson, three students—Hobart Jarrett, Henry Heights, and James Farmer, Jr—overcome racial, political, and academic barriers to compete and win against the finest college debate teams in the country. Shattering racial stereotypes and overcoming adversity against great odds, these courageous young men emerge triumphant, commanding not only the respect of their peers… but of the nation.
But the true story of The Real Great Debaters does not begin and end with the historic debate at USC. Influenced by Tolson and inspired and empowered by their experiences, the debaters of Wiley College bring their talents to the causes of civil justice and social progress, becoming leaders in the Civil Rights Movement and leading remarkable and meaningful lives. The legacies of the great debaters resonate to this day and inspire Wiley’s new debate team as it seeks to reclaim its glory on the national stage. The Real Great Debaters will inspire any audience member who knows what it means to fight for the American dream.
AMS Pictures is privileged to exclusively partner with Wiley College on this documentary. “I watched The Great Debaters in a movie theater last December and immediately thought this would make a great documentary. I am very proud to be able to tell the true story behind this inspirational movie,” says Andy Streitfeld, Executive Producer and CEO of AMS Pictures. Dr. Haywood L. Strickland, President of Wiley College adds, "The story of the Real Great Debaters is a story of courage, intellect and the power of the spoken word. Wiley College is pleased to partner with AMS Productions as we bring this unique and inspiring American story full circle."
The documentary is a team producing effort. Director Brad Osborne says, "I'm a big fan of the movie, so it was really exciting for me to dig into the real story behind the Wiley College debate team, to get to know these extraordinary individuals and the positive legacy they left us." Producer Laura Neitzel adds, “Not only did Melvin Tolson inspire the debaters to believe in themselves, he inspired them to use their minds and voices to affect social change, and those voices inspired so many others.” Producer Monika Watkins agrees. “During production, I have been reminded of how important great teachers are to our society. Melvin Tolson’s teachings exposed his students to a world where they could make a difference, and against many odds, they did. This is a story about the power of education.”
For more details about the world premiere screening of The Real Great Debaters of Wiley College at Urbanworld Film Festival, visit www.urbanworld.org.
For additional information about The Real Great Debaters of Wiley College or the Black History Uncovered series, contact Tammy Nguyen Lee, via phone at 214-646-9309 or email at TNLee@amspg.com
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