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PRESS RELEASE: February 2015

On Monday, March 30, 2015 at the Magic Lantern Theatre, Hermanas Spokane (501c3) —a local non-profit organization– will host two screenings of two films to honor the 35th anniversary of the assassination of the beloved Salvadoran priest and activist, Oscar Arnulfo Romero. Archbishop Romero (1917-1980) is revered for his dedication to the dignity and human rights of the dispossessed in El Salvador, for which he paid the ultimate price. On March 24, 1980, while offering Mass in a church San Salvador, Archbishop Romero was killed by a sniper’s bullet. Today, the fallen defender of his people is remembered as “San Romero de América,” (Saint Romero of the Americas), a man who bravely spoke out for those who had no voice.

Film schedule:
• Romero (at 4pm and 6:30pm)
A biopic based on the life of Oscar Romero, starring award-winning actor Raúl Julia [in English, 102 min.] (Directed by John Duigan, facilitated by Paulist Productions)
• Monseñor: the Last Journey of Oscar Romero (at 4:15pm & 6:45pm)
A documentary featuring live footage of Archbishop Romero and the people he served [in Spanish with English subtitles, 97 min.] (Directed by Ana Carrigan & Juliet Weber, facilitated by the Kellogg Institute, University of Notre Dame)

About Hermanas Spokane: www.hermanasspokane.org
Phyllis Andersen founded Hermanas Spokane 13 years ago to support the rural community of Huisisilapa (Huisi, or “we-see”) in El Salvador. Huisi is home to 850 people, many of whom were repatriated from nearby Honduras to their homeland following a bloody civil war (1979–1992) in El Salvador.

While a student at the Doctoral Program in Leadership Studies at Gonzaga University, Andersen gathered the life stories of the women leaders in the village. Upon returning to Spokane, Phyllis invited a circle of local women to be activists in solidarity with the families of Huisi. Hermanas Spokane receives important support from family and friends, many of whom have volunteered their hands-on assistance, as well as supplies, and funds for Huisi organizations, schools and students. Notably, several rural students have graduated from Huisisilapa high school to study at the university level, a major accomplishment for otherwise marginalized, rural students.

In the summers, Spokane high school students volunteer to run Camp Salvador in Huisi, a program for kids and their families. Hermanas Spokane is also spearheading a fundraising campaign to help build a sustainable library that will meet Huisi’s most pressing literacy and educational goals.

Logistics:
• Two screenings of two films featuring Oscar Romero, on Monday, March 30, 2015
• Magic Lantern Theatre: 25 W Main Avenue, Spokane 99201; street and lot parking available nearby.
• Donation for tickets: $10 per film (general public), $8 per film (students with valid ID);
• Arrive early! Seating is limited (large theatre, 102 seats; small theatre, 33 seats)
• Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase
• Silent auction of select services, original art, and authentic Central American crafts
• Films are appropriate for general public and students alike! Brief Q&A to follow films.
• All proceeds will go directly to help build a sustainable library in El Salvador www.hermanasspokane.org/new-library

Be a part of this effort to honor Archbishop Romero, and support El Salvador!

For further information, email: hermanasspokane.org@gmail.com

Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HermanasSpokane.org

Donations: http://www.youcaring.com/nonprofits/ex-refugee-community-in-el-salvador-needs-a-library/280459