Heart of the Congo: Does International Aid Help?

HEART OF THE CONGO: Does International Aid Help?
A documentary film screening & reception to benefit Action Against Hunger (http://www.aah-usa.org)

With Special Guests:
Samba Ngo -- Congolese Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist (http://www.samba-ngo.com)
Adam Hochschild -- Author of King Leopold’s Ghost
Anne-Sophie Fournier -- Executive Director, Action Against Hunger
Tom Weidlinger – Producer/Director of Heart of the Congo (http://www.heartofthecongo.com)

Where:
Herbst Theater at the War Memorial Performing Arts Center, Veteran’s Bldg.
401 Van Ness Avenue (at McAllister), San Francisco.
Note: This venue is wheelchair accessible.

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SCREENING (8:00 pm): Attend the San Francisco premiere of Tom Weidlinger’s new documentary, "Heart of the Congo," which chronicles how a handful of aid workers try to help Congolese refugees who have lost everything at the end of a war. Amid violence from roving militia, systemic corruption and a legacy of colonial dependence, international and Congolese aid workers struggle to nurture villagers’ collective will to build a self-sufficient future. "Heart of the Congo" is a story of courage, hope, perseverance, and how humanitarian aid can save lives and make a lasting difference.

DESSERT RECEPTION (9:00 pm): After the film, enjoy dessert and a lively reception in the Herbst’s Green Ballroom. Participate in a conversation about the documentary and its subject matter with filmmaker Tom Weidlinger, Action Against Hunger’s Anne-Sophie Fournier, Author Adam Hochschild and others.

CELEBRATION (10:00 pm): The evening concludes with the fiery Congolese dance music of Samba Ngo, a singer/songwriter/guitarist with over 20 albums and countless fans in the United States, France and Congo. Event proceeds benefit Action Against Hunger, an international aid organization that combats hunger/malnutrition, physical suffering and other distress endangering people’s lives in the emergency situations of war, conflict and natural disaster. Action Against Hunger’s short-term crisis relief is reinforced by longer-term programs that enable people to regain their autonomy and live independent of external aid.

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Tickets:
Tickets for the film and reception are $35. For the film only, $10.
To purchase tickets in advance, go to http://www.cityboxoffice.com or http://www.tickets.com, or call 415-392-4400.
Tickets will also be available at the door, though advance purchase is recommended.

Get Involved:
Want to help spread the word about the event? Interested in volunteering? There are a variety of ways you can pitch in. Please contact Tom Weidlinger at tomweidlinger@sbcglobal.net or 510-558-8013.

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For more information, please visit http://www.heartofthecongo.com.