Canadian premiere of critically acclaimed film, Girl Rising, in Toronto

TORONTO, June 6, 2013 /CNW/ - Next week, Canadians will get their first full-length look at Richard E. Robbins' critically-acclaimed film, Girl Rising, at the film's Canadian premiere in Toronto.  The sold-out crowd will also get the chance to talk with an expert panel.

The film, which first premiered in early 2013 at Sundance Film Festival, artfully depicts the stories of nine extraordinary young girls from nine different countries, all born into harsh and, in some cases, desperate circumstances, while exploring the vital role education can play in changing each narrative.  

Each of the stories are co-written by and acted out by the actual girls they're based upon, and the film is narrated by Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Kerry Washington, Selena Gomez, Alicia Keys, Cate Blanchett, Priyanka Chopra, Freida Pinto, Chloe Moretz and Liam Neeson.

The film will be hosted by World Vision on the UN World Day against Child Labour, and during the launch week of World Vision's newest initiative to combat child slavery, No Child for Sale. One of the many advantages of education is that it helps prevent child labour. 

Who: Film buffs and education advocates attending the first Canadian screening of Girl Rising
What: First screening of Girl Rising in Canada
When: June 12, 7 p.m.  (limited media passes available)
Where: SilverCity Yorkdale Cinema, Toronto
Why: To highlight the importance of educating girls and ways Canadians can make this possible
Interviews available: Panel members Justin Reeves, Girl Rising;  Teriano Lesancha, education advocate; Michael Messenger, World Vision
Online: girlrising.com, Worldvision.ca

World Vision is a leading Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by our Christian values, we are dedicated to working with the world's most vulnerable people. We serve all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

Video with caption: "Video: From Academy Award-nominated director Richard E. Robbins, award-winning Documentary Group, Vulcan Productions and Intel Corporation comes Girl Rising - an innovative new feature film about the power of education to change a girl -- and the world. ". Video available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJsvklXhYaE

Image with caption: "Ruksana is one of the nine girls whose stories are told in the film, Girl Rising. (CNW Group/World Vision Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130606_C5906_PHOTO_EN_27653.jpg

SOURCE: World Vision Canada

For further information:

For interviews contact:
Genevieve Barber, 416.671.0086; [email protected]
Kim Rupnarain, 416.846.3953; [email protected]