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Every high school in America to receive free copy of ‘Selma’

HOLLYWOOD — The educational movement surrounding the Martin Luther King Jr. film “Selma” that was released earlier this year continues. Paramo...
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HOLLYWOOD — The educational movement surrounding the Martin Luther King Jr. film “Selma” that was released earlier this year continues.

Paramount announced that as part of its “Selma for Students” campaign it will donate a copy of the film’s DVD to every single high school in the United States–public and private. Teachers will also have the opportunity to download a free companion study guide to help educate students on the history surrounding the events in the movie. That can be found here.

“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 of worldwide distribution and marketing for 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.”

“Selma” follows the story of the three 54-mile marches from Selma, Alabama to Montgomery in 1965 as crowds demanded the right to vote. The marches, which all occurred in March, were led by Martin Luther King Jr., as well as James Bevel, Hosea Williams and John Lewis. Actor David Oyelowo depicted the famed civil rights leader in the film.

Due in part to the publicity surrounding the movement, the Voting Rights Act was signed into law later that summer.

The film was shown for free in several Connecticut movie theaters in January to any student with a report card or student ID.

“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.

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