MEDIA CONTACT: Frederick Douglass Institute (585) 275-7235 or Sharon Dickman 585.275.4128

September 29, 2006

A screening of Zeze Gamboa's 2005 Portuguese film, O Herói (The Hero)

TIME, DATE, AND PLACE: 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11, in room 314 of Morey Hall on the University of Rochester's River Campus

ADMISSION: Free and open to the public

Portuguese director Zeze Gamboa's first feature film, O Herói (The Hero), explores the tormented social, economic, and political situation of a country torn apart by 27 years of war. It traces the life of 35-year-old Vitorio, a soldier who goes back to his hometown after losing a leg in the Angolan civil war. Upon return, he finds himself homeless. Despite his lack of prospects, Vitorio is still hopeful for a better future until his prosthetic leg is stolen. Yet, Vitorio's arduous journey to rebuild his life brings him moments of warmth and kindness from complete strangers.

The African Video and Film Series is sponsored by the Frederick Douglass Institute for African and African-American Studies and is free and open to the public.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact the Frederick Douglass Institute at (585) 275-7235.

About the University of Rochester

The University of Rochester (www.rochester.edu) is one of the nation's leading private universities. Located in Rochester, N.Y., the University gives students exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary study and close collaboration with faculty through its unique cluster-based curriculum. Its College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering is complemented by the Eastman School of Music, Simon School of Business, Warner School of Education, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, and the Memorial Art Gallery.

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