Paramount Continues Successful "Selma for
Students" Initiative Launched During the Film's Theatrical Run
HOLLYWOOD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
In celebration of the home entertainment debut of director Ava
DuVernay's inspirational and Academy Award-winning epic "SELMA,"
Paramount Home Media Distribution announced today that every high school
in the U.S., both public and private, will receive a copy of the DVD
free of charge. In addition, teachers can receive free companion study
guides to help further illuminate the remarkable historical events
depicted in the film.
Continuing the successful "Selma for Students" initiative launched during the film's theatrical run, director Ava DuVernay announced on Thursday, April 23, 2015 at the United Nations in New York that every high school in the U.S. will receive a free copy of the award-winning film Selma on DVD and teachers can receive a free companion study guide to help teach students about the efforts behind the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Selma is now on Digital HD and will be available on Blu-ray™ and DVD May 5. (Photo by Diane Bondareff/Invision for Paramount Home Media Distribution/AP Images)
"Our ‘SELMA' filmmaking journey has had many highlights, but to me, the
response from students and educators has been the most magnificent part
of the experience. To think that this triumphant story of dignity and
justice will be available to every high school in this country is a
realization of many dreams and many hopes," said director Ava DuVernay.
"I applaud Paramount on this extraordinary effort, and salute the
teachers who will provide classes and context on the work of Dr. King
and his comrades to the young minds of our nation."
"The response from students and teachers to our ‘Selma for Students'
initiative was overwhelmingly positive and we are delighted to be
extending the campaign," said Megan Colligan, president, Worldwide
Distribution and Marketing, Paramount Pictures. "During the film's
theatrical run more than 300,000 young people were able to see the film
for free. By providing DVDs to all of the high schools in the country,
we hope to reach all 18 million high school students with the film's
powerful and inspiring story. With many of these students preparing to
vote for the first time in next year's elections, it is especially
fitting that they witness the bravery and fortitude of those who fought
to establish the Voting Rights Act of 1965."
Teachers who would like to receive a copy of the "SELMA" companion study
guide can visit http://bazaned.com.
"SELMA" won the Academy Award® and the Golden Globe Award for Best
Original Song for "Glory" by Common & John Legend. The film was
nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Picture and Golden Globe Awards
for Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Director.
From Paramount Pictures, Pathé, and Harpo Films, "SELMA," a Plan B,
Cloud Eight Films, and Harpo Films production in association with
Ingenious Media, tells the incredible story of how Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr. led the epic march from Selma to Montgomery to secure equal
voting rights in an event that forever altered history.
The film is produced by Christian Colson, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner,
and Oprah Winfrey. The film is executive produced by Brad Pitt, Cameron
McCracken, Diarmuid McKeown, Nik Bower, Ava DuVernay, Paul Garnes and
Nan Morales. The film is written by Paul Webb. "SELMA" is directed by
Ava DuVernay.
"SELMA" is available now on Digital HD and will be available on Blu-ray™
and DVD May 5th.
For more information visit: www.Selma4Students.com
#Selma4Students
About Paramount Home Media Distribution
Paramount Home Media Distribution (PHMD) is part of Paramount Pictures
Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed
entertainment. PPC is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a leading
content company with prominent and respected film, television and
digital entertainment brands. The PHMD division oversees PPC's home
entertainment, digital and television distribution activities worldwide.
The division is responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of
home entertainment content on behalf of Paramount Pictures, Paramount
Animation, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, MTV, Nickelodeon,
Comedy Central and CBS and applicable licensing and servicing of certain
DreamWorks Animation titles. PHMD additionally manages global licensing
of studio content and distribution across worldwide digital and
television distribution platforms including online, mobile and portable
devices and emerging technologies.
"ACADEMY AWARD®" is the registered trademark and service mark of the
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20150424005454/en/
Paramount Home Media Distribution
Brenda Ciccone, (323) 956-8091
brenda_ciccone@paramount.com
Source: Paramount Home Media Distribution
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