Philadelphia, Pa. - Philadelphia City Rowing and members of the 2012 Olympic Rowing Team will celebrate the national premier of the locally produced rowing film BACKWARDS at a fundraiser to be held on September 21, 2012 at 7:00 PM, at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute. All proceeds from the premier/fundraiser will benefit Philadelphia City Rowing, a non-profit youth development program that partners with the rowing community, School District of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation to provide Philadelphia Public School students with the opportunity to participate in the sport of rowing.
The star and producer of BACKWARDS, Haverford native Sarah Megan Thomas, will be joined by 2012 Olympic rowers Margot Shumway, Sara Hendershot, Megan Kalmoe and Adrienne Martelli, as well as Philadelphia City Rowing student-athletes for a pre-film discussion. Following the screening of the film, donors can attend a free cocktail party at Verdad Restaurant and Tequilla Bar in Bryn Mawr.
"At its heart, BACKWARDS is a film about young people pursuing their dreams and the importance of the coaches and mentors supporting them throughout their journey," said PCR Board President Tony Schneider. "That speaks to the value of Philadelphia City Rowing, which provides mentoring, enrichment, and academic support in conjunction with a highly structured athletic program to help aspiring kids in Philadelphia achieve their dreams of pursuing an avenue to higher education."
Tickets for the premier event are $50.00 for adults age 30 and over, and $30.00 for those under the age of 30, and can be purchased at: www.regattacentral.com (under Clubs /Philadelphia City Rowing) or by emailing [email protected]. Tickets must be purchased prior to the September 21 premier. Additional sponsorship opportunities are also available.
Filmed primarily on and around Boathouse Row in Philadelphia, BACKWARDS stars Thomas as a competitive rower who fails to achieve her dream of competing on the U.S. Olympic team. She takes a coaching job at a Philadelphia high school, where her boss, played by James Van Der Beek of Dawson's Creek fame, happens to be her ex-boyfriend. The movie is an inspiring story that explores how someone can move forward in the face of a devastating setback. The movie, which opens nationwide on September 28, features Philadelphia City Rowing students throughout the many rowing scenes.
About Philadelphia City Rowing
Philadelphia City Rowing (PCR) is a non-profit organization that empowers local public and charter school students through the sport of rowing. It strives to provide an atmosphere that encourages excellence, teamwork, accountability and sportsmanship - entirely free of cost to participants. By partnering with Philadelphia's rowing community, the School District of Philadelphia, and the City of Philadelphia, PCR provides the youth of this city with the long overdue opportunity to participate in one of Philadelphia's greatest sporting traditions. More information is available at: http://www.philadelphiacityrowing.org/
About Bryn Mawr Film Institute
Bryn Mawr Film Institute is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to restoring the historic Bryn Mawr Theater and transforming it into the region's preeminent film entertainment and education center. Founded in 2002 by Main Line academic, business, and civic leaders, Bryn Mawr Film Institute presents a daily program of first-run and repertory art and independent films and provides a comprehensive film studies curriculum, including courses, workshops, discussions, guest lecturers, visual literacy programs, and student screening opportunities. To learn about upcoming events or find news about the theater's restoration project, visit www.BrynMawrFilm.org, or write [email protected].