Film focuses on global poverty

Augusta will be one of 450 cities across the nation today playing host to a one-night film event that highlights global poverty.

A Powerful Noise, a documentary about women empowerment, will premiere at 8 p.m. at the Regal Augusta Exchange 20 movie theater, said Michelle Portillo, spokeswoman for Fathom, the entertainment company bringing the film to movie theaters. The showing will help celebrate International Women's Day, which is Sunday.

The documentary, directed by Atlanta filmmaker Tom Capello, focuses on three women in Bosnia, Mali and Vietnam, Mrs. Portillo said.

"The film highlights their lives and shows how they're empowering women in their communities," she said. "It's a global look at the problems and solutions facing women."

The three subjects help educate women, reduce unemployment and raise awareness about HIV and AIDS in their communities, Mr. Cappello said.

Tickets have already sold out in Washington, D.C.; Denver; and San Francisco. A portion of the ticket sales will be donated to the Cooperative for Assistance in Relief Everywhere, Mr. Cappello said. CARE provides programs on economic opportunity, maternal health and HIV and AIDS awareness in close to 70 countries. CARE also helped fund the film, Mr. Cappello said.

After the film is shown, a panel discussion featuring former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, actress Natalie Portman, New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof, model Christy Turlington Burns and CARE CEO Helene Gayle will be simulcast live at the movie theater.

Mr. Cappello said he hopes that people who view the 80-minute film will be inspired to help fight global poverty.

"I gained a tremendous appreciation for the courage and perseverance of these women," he said. "These women want peace. They want their children to be educated. After watching this, I hope viewers want to galvanize this movement."

Reach Stephanie Toone at (706) 823-3215 or stephanie.toone@augustachronicle.com.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: A Powerful Noise, a documentary on world poverty

WHEN: 8 p.m. today only

WHERE: Regal Augusta Exchange 20

LEARN MORE: apowerfulnoise.org