"The Public Film" Discussion

Description

Join the Jesup Memorial Library for programming around the screening of the film “The Public” at Reel Pizza. The film tells the story of a group of homeless people in Cincinnati who stage a sit in at the library to seek shelter from a bitter cold snap. What begins as an act of civil disobedience becomes a standoff with police and a rush-to-judgment media constantly speculating about what is really happening. The film looks at challenging issues, homelessness and mental illness and sets the drama inside one of the last bastions of democracy: a public library. Emilio Estevez directed this movie and stars in it along with actors Jeffrey Wright, Christian Slater, Jena Malone, Alec Baldwin, Gabrielle Union and Michael Kenneth Williams. The film is based on an actual event that happened in Salt Lake City.
 
Reel Pizza will be playing the film on May 21, 23 and 23rd at 5:30 and 8:15 p.m. A representative from the Jesup will be at each screening to introduce the film. After seeing the film, join the library, the Bar Harbor Police Department and the YWCA MDI for a discussion about homelessness on Mount Desert Island on Friday, May 24 at 3 p.m.
 
There will also be collection spots around town where people can donate toiletries from May 20 to May 21. Toiletries, including travel-size shampoo, conditioner, lotion, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes and more, can be donated at the library, Reel Pizza and the YWCA MDI.
 
For more information on the film visit reelpizza.com and for more information on the discussion contact the Jesup at 207-288-4245 or athomas@jesuplibrary.org.