Dear Friend,

I'm writing to tell you about an award-winning documentary film called Divided We Fall and the movement it has inspired.  The film tells the story of hate violence in the aftermath of 9/11 and explores the question: who counts as American?  The story's power has inspired the Divided We Fall Campaign: a grassroots movement to screen the film in every state across the nation during this September 11th anniversary.  In a time when 9/11 will be used to serve the politics of an election season, this campaign will bring Americans together in deep community dialogue, remembrance, and healing.  We invite you to join the campaign: bring this film to your community this September.  

First, a bit more about the film.  The journey to make Divided We Fall began when 20-year old college student Valarie Kaur grabbed her camera after the hate murder of a turbaned Sikh man and drove across the country, documenting stories that weren't making the evening news.  She found hate violence, fear and unspeakable loss but also forgiveness and hope.  The film captures her inspiring journey and unfolds into a larger exploration of who "counts" as American in a world divided into 'us and them.' Divided We Fall has earned critical acclaim and awards on the film festival circuit, as well as special commendation from city and state officials across the nation.  The power of the story spread through word-of-mouth, and the demand propelled the film on national tour to 60 cities at nearly 100 campuses and communities across North America.  It has also been featured on CNN, NPR, and the BBC.  The time has come for a national release.

We invite you to join the Divided We Fall Campaign and host the film and discussion in your community on or near September 15th, the anniversary of the first post-9/11 hate murder of Sikh American Balbir Sodhi.  You will be joining schools, universities, museums, libraries, houses of worship, government officials, and community centers in deep dialogue about racism, religion, and renewal in America. We will send you the film, dialogue questions, and the contact of a local expert or community member to lead the discussion for a modest screening fee.  Each host will receive a copy of the film on DVD upon release.  The stories of our audiences will be shared on a map on our website.  The film and curriculum will be available on our website after the campaign ends.

Join the campaign.  Stand against hate.  Contact our tour director Jodi Elliott for details: jodi@dwf-film.com. Visit the film's website for trailers, news, and reviews: www.dwf-film.com.

Thank you so much for your consideration,

Volunteer
Divided We Fall
www.dwf-film.com