June 20, 2004
National Media Coverage Follows Pinch Me Films Community Outreach Event
(Berkeley, CA) –After months of planning, organizing and mobilizing, Pinch Me Films hosted their first community education and outreach program titled “Breaking the Silence of Sex”, timed to coincide with the May 5th National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, which featured “Silence Ain’t Sexy” – Part I of a teen sexuality documentary series. Their efforts were rewarded with recognition from Mayor Tom Bates of Berkeley, network media coverage, thanks from the National Campaign and most importantly, praise from parents and teens who participated in the high-energy, information loaded evening.
Results of the grass roots effort exceeded the non-profit group’s expectations. Over one hundred people attended the Berkeley event, which was covered by a CBS affiliate from Los Angeles. Producer Lily Lee of KCAL interviewed attendees, Pinch Me Films producers, and teens who appeared in the Pinch Me Films documentary series “The Silence of Sex”. Reporter Pat Harvey incorporated the story in her “Young Love” series that aired May 19th and 20th on KCAL9’s 10 pm newscasts. View story
Encouragement for More
Following the film screening on May 5th, a panel of experts was on hand to
answer questions from attendees. One panel member, adolescent psychologist
and mother Maureen Katz, expressed her enthusiasm following the event, “This
is exactly what’s needed! Open, honest dialogue and a forum for parents
and teens alike to ask questions. You should definitely do more of these.”
“We have always wanted to initiate and organize events like this across the country,” stated Nils Moe, Pinch Me Films Co-Founder. “We do plan on putting together more community outreach events wherever we can, but we need more sponsors and volunteers.”
Another attendee wrote later, “I wanted to congratulate you on the film screening. Fabulous film. It was great to see sex/sexuality presented in a clear way that young people can relate to, that wasn’t filled with guilt or ‘If you have sex you will die’ message. Kudos to you and Pinch Me Films.” Cindy Tsai, mother.
Diane Sawyer Gets Interested
“The media coverage really helps raise awareness of a very important topic”,
said Julia Robertson, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Pinch Me Films. “This
is exactly why we founded our organization – to reach the public through
entertaining educational media and create social change. A producer from the
Diane Sawyer show saw the Los Angeles news story and called us for an interview.
They really loved the video and are interested in future workshops and community
events we organize. So it’s having a snowball effect.”
A day after the Diane Sawyer show contacted them, Pinch Me Films received word that two of their documentaries had been accepted by the New York International Independent Film and Video 2004. “Congratulations! We are delighted that your films “Detention” (a Pinch Me Films SAVE project) and “Silence Ain’t Sexy” have been officially selected for exhibition in the New York International Independent Film & Video festival 2004. We will be organizing a fantastic event featuring films and videos from around the world, including Canada, Spain, France, China, Germany, Brazil, Ireland, England and of course all over the U.S.” wrote Renata Lorenc, Marketing & Admissions Director.
The Opening Gala celebration will be in Los Angeles at the Wyndam Belage Ballroom, West Hollywood on September 30, 2004. Representatives from Miramax, William Morris, MGM Fox Searchlight, Sony Pictures, LionsGate, New Line, Paramount, MTV & Greenestreet Films are expected to attend. Pinch Me Films is hoping to organize a Los Angeles community outreach event to coincide with this screening. Parties interested in sponsoring this or another Breaking the Silence of Sex event can contact Julia Robertson or Nils Moe.
Pinch Me Films | Press