A
Letter from Liam Neeson
The experience of playing Oscar Schindler in Steven Spielberg's film
"Schindler's List" deepened my perception not only of the Holocaust, but of the
importance of understanding the issues of intolerance and hatred. Being in the
public eye has afforded me many opportunities to become involved with various
organizations dedicated to teaching tolerance.
Journeys
in Film
is a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching cross-cultural
understanding, social studies, media and visual literacy and geography to
middle school students through the use of quality foreign film.
Journeys
chooses films that speak to adolescent students and impart a relevant message.
Through the shared experience of film viewing, an increased awareness and
appreciation of different cultures can be achieved, and from this new
understanding and familiarity, compassion among school-aged children for their
peers in other cultures may be born. That, I believe, is a worthy objective.
Through
this educational initiative, we are encouraging a new generation of
documentary, independent, and world cinema lovers. As most of us can remember,
we identified with certain films we saw as children. Film had a definite effect
during our formative years. Most teenagers today will have similar experiences.
Journeys can help make those experiences better and the effects more positive
by providing quality films and dedicated educational material.
If we
are committed to the dream of world peace, we must first educate our children
and teach them understanding and compassion for other people, races, and
cultures. I can't help but consider how wonderful it would be, if through our
efforts at Journeys, we help change attitudes about people who are
different from us.
I want
to help make teaching through films an institution in our children's education.
Please share my vision of a more harmonious world where understanding and
dialogue are key to a healthy and peaceful present and future. I encourage you
to participate in the Journeys program either as a student, educator,
film studio, or through financial support.
Sincerely,
National
Spokesperson
Journeys
in Film
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