May 10, 2000
JAMES REDFORD INSTITUTE'S EDUCATIONAL SHORT FILM, "FLOW" TO AIR ON CHANNEL ONE CONNECTION
On May 18th, FLOW, a unique short film encouraging teens and young adults to become potential organ donors, will premiere nationally on Channel One Connection, the largest provider of educational video programming to secondary schools in the United States. FLOW is the product of years of research and preparation by The James Redford Institute For Transplant Awareness (JRI) and is accompanied by educational support materials for use in a variety of classroom settings.
Produced by screenwriter and filmmaker James Redford, FLOW is a unique educational film and kit available to schools, places of worship, community organizations and individuals. FLOW introduces the subject of transplantation through the story of a young heart transplant recipient who meets the brother of his donor. This emotional story helps young people understand the life and death struggle experienced by those in need of transplants and the families faced with the decision to donate, as well as the joy experienced by both these groups at the potential results. The short drama emphasizes the importance of family discussion in this process. The FLOW educational kit includes lesson plans and suggestions for community service.
James Redford, founder of JRI, a liver transplant recipient and son of filmmaker/environmentalist Robert Redford, made the decision to produce FLOW following extensive discussions with those in the transplant/education world. "Young people are asked to decide whether or not to become donors when they get their first driverÕs license. I was surprised to learn that they make this decision with little or no preparation, and are not aware that the decision must be shared with their families."
Channel One Connection is a service of Channel One Network, the leading provider of television news and educational programs to AmericaÕs secondary schools.
The Ad Council engaged the participation of Channel One as a media partner to specifically deliver this important long-form message to the hard-to-reach youth audience.
The educational materials which accompany FLOW are available through the Coalition on Donation by calling 1-800-355-SHARE or through the JRI web site, www.jrifilms.org. The materials include lesson plans for a variety of classes including Health, Civics, DriverÕs Education and even English Composition as well as suggestions for community service opportunities related to this important topic.
Contact: Annie Aft
Tel:310-559-6325
Fax: 310-559-6370
director@jrifilms.org