MEDIA CONTACT: Kate Perry katie.perry@rochester.edu
585.275.2671

November 2, 2007

Screening of the film Macumba, Trance, and Spirit Healing

TIME, DATE, AND PLACE: 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7, in room 314 of Morey Hall on the University of Rochester's River Campus

ADMISSION: Free and open to the public; parking available in Library Lot.

The Frederick Douglass Institute for African and African-American Studies is hosting a screening of Macumba, Trance, and Spirit Healing as part of the Africa Video and Film Series. The film, which is based on 12 years of study among North and South American cultures, shows the roots and beliefs of Afro-spirit religions. It was shot in Brazil, primarily in Rio de Janeiro.

Spiritism is based on the belief that human beings can communicate with the supernatural world through mediums who act as intermediaries. Some of the techniques of trance healing that are used by the medical profession to help individuals achieve personal and social equilibrium are shown in the film.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:www.rochester.edu/College/AAS/

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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