Thursday, March 12, 2015

Selma Screened at the U. S. Ambassador's Residence in Paris

Last Thursday, Ava DuVernay’s biopic Selma was screened at the U. S. Ambassador's residence in Paris.


It was an avant-première, as the film was released in France on Wednesday, March 11.

The crowd that assembled was lively and diverse. The house was full.

Guests at the Ambassador's residence...
© Discover Paris!

...awaiting the screening of Selma
© Discover Paris!

Among the invitees were notables such as sculptor, poet, and novelist, Barbara Chase-Riboud;

Barbara Chase-Riboud (left) in conversation
© Discover Paris!

choreographer and dance instructor Rick Odums and theater director and playwright Samuel Légitimus,

Rick Odums and Samuel Légitimus
© Discover Paris!

and Esther Kamatari, writer, fashion model, and exiled Burundian princess.

H. R. H. Esther Kamatari (center) takes a selfie with friends
© Discover Paris!

Crystal Nix-Hines, the U. S. Ambassador to U. N. E. S. C. O., and her husband, David Hines, also attended the event.

David Hines and Ambassador Crystal Nix-Hines
© Discover Paris!

Prior to the beginning of the film, Ambassador Jane Hartley addressed us warmly and informed us that the film had been screened at the residence for high school students the night before. She expressed regret that Congressman John Lewis, who was to have been a surprise guest for the evening, was unable to attend due to his presence in Selma, Alabama for the 50th anniversary of "Bloody Sunday," the Selma-to-Montgomery march, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Jane D. Hartley, U. S. Ambassador to France and Monaco
© Discover Paris!

Congressman Lewis recorded a video for the occasion, which was shown just before the screening.

Video of Congressman John Lewis
© Discover Paris!

Congressman Lewis' video and the film were shown in English with French subtitles.

It was my personal pleasure to attend two events in as many months at the residence that featured topics pertinent to African-American history.

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2 comments:

denada said...

The American Embassy whiteballed me years ago from events such as this.
Cheers,

Barney

Robbia said...

Yes, cheers and cheers! God is good!