Strength of 1 Woman Lifts Nation in NV Film Fest Headliner

Among the many films coming here for the Napa Valley Film Fesival Nov. 13-17  is "Sewing Hope," a story about one woman fighting back against oppression and abuse of women and children in Uganda.

The documentary, narrated by Forest Whitaker and directed by Derek Watson, has been chosen for a special "New Power Lunch: Women Making a Difference" event and screening.

The "Power Lunch," which includes an appearance and Q & A session with the subject of the movie, Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe, runs from noon to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16 at 500 First St., Napa. (former Copia building).

"Sewing Hope" will also have screenings at other times in the festival in Calistoga, Yountville and Napa. See the times and locations posted below.

"Sewing Hope" tells about Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe, who leads a vocational school in Gulu, Uganda. where she uses practical skills to restore dignity, independence and hope to formerly abducted women.

Her efforts are to combat the effects of 25 years of oppression from Joseph Kony and his Lord's Resistance Army, which terrorized Northern Uganda.

Children were stolen from their families and brainwashed to be soldiers. Girls were degraded to sex slaves for Kony's officers.

Even though the gunfire has ceased, Nyirumbe is fighting the battle to bring back hope to the nation.

"We are thrilled to finally be bringing this story to audiences around the world and for this story to be heard first at the Napa Valley Film Festival," said the director Derek Watson. "Sister Rosemary’s story is one that has personally changed my life as a filmmaker and as a person.

"I hope that her story inspires others to make a difference in the world and to help her on her journey to bring healing to the immensely beautiful but still hurting people of Uganda and South Sudan," he added.

"Sister Rosemary stands as a beacon of hope in the midst of horrific tragedy," Watson said.  "Her life represents the essence of love and courage in the face of evil."

The Washington Post recently published an article about the Uganda situation.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/kony-2013-us-quietly-intensifies-effort-to-help-african-troops-capture-infamous-warlord/2013/10/28/74db9720-3cb3-11e3-b6a9-da62c264f40e_story.html


 "Sewing Hope" Screenings:

THE NEW POWER LUNCH: CELEBRATING WOMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE
WHAT | Sister Rosemary will be honored and will participate in Q&A post-screening
WHEN | Saturday, Nov. 16 from noon to 2:30 p.m.
WHERE | 500 First St. (Former Copia Building), Napa

SCREENINGS AT NAPA VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL
Nov. 13 at 5:30 p.m.| Yountville Community Center, Yountville
Nov. 15 at 1 p.m. | Gliderport at Indian Springs, Calistoga
Nov. 16 at 10 a.m. | Cadillac Theater, Napa