Center for Stem Cell Biology sponsors documentary film screening March 12 at Michigan Theatre
February 29, 2008 - Life is for the Living, a documentary film with an introduction by University of Michigan alumnus and CBS 60 Minutes' Mike Wallace, directed by University of Michigan student Michael Rubyan, will premiere Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at 7:30 PM at the Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor.
The free showing will be immediately followed by a question and answer period with the filmmaker, former United States Congressman Joe Schwarz, University of Michigan stem cell biologist Sean Morrison, and University of Michigan Associate Vice-president and Deputy General Counsel Edward Goldman.
Rubyan, a pre-med junior majoring in film, produced the documentary as an opportunity to highlight the importance of moving forward on promising and potentially life saving medical research.
"Life is for the Living was created to educate the public about the complex issues surrounding embryonic stem cell research" Rubyan said. "The film seeks to explain the issue from four different perspectives, the people, the politics, the science and the hope."
Life is for the Living presents the stories of six American families living with the painful realities of Juvenile Diabetes, Parkinson's, and Spinal Cord Injury set against the national debate over embryonic stem cell research. As the debate continues in Washington and across the country, three generations reveal their challenges, their frustration with the President's policy, and the hope that more funding for embryonic stem cell research will lead to new treatments and cures to relieve their suffering and save their lives.
The film also explores the science behind stem cell research and the political debate taking place across the country including interviews with over 15 different political leaders including Former United States Attorney General Janet Reno, Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, U.S. Senator Carl Levin, Dr. Sean Morrison, Director of the UM Center for Stem Cell Biology, and Dr. David T. Scadden, Co-Director Harvard Stem Cell Institute.
The film showing is co-sponsored by The University of Michigan University Activities Center and The UM Center for Stem Cell Biology. Donations will be accepted for the nationwide distribution of the film.
View the trailer and learn more at www.lifeisfortheliving.org.
