Lorton Arts Foundation Launches Workhouse Film Institute

Program Features a Free Screening of IRON JAWED ANGELS Celebrating Women’s History Month and FAMILY FILM FUN DAY Showcasing the Institute’s Programming

LORTON, Va., Feb. 25 /PRNewswire/ — The Lorton Arts Foundation announced today the launch of the Workhouse Film Institute and its first screening and educational programming. The Institute will screen the critically acclaimed HBO film, IRON JAWED ANGELS, starring Hilary Swank and Angelica Huston, that documents the struggles of the women suffragists who fought for the passage of the nineteenth amendment, many of whom were imprisoned at Lorton for picketing outside the White House in the early 20th century. The film will screen at Workhouse Arts Center on March 21, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. in commemoration of Women’s History Month, preceded by a welcome reception and a full day of children’s workshops, which will highlight a series of new film classes offered at the Workhouse.

“This new film program is yet another way that the Workhouse is celebrating artists and serving our community. We are thrilled to screen a movie that features Lorton’s historic role in the Suffragists movement and engage our community in a rich and artistic celebration of the power of women during Women’s History Month,” said Sharon Mason, Executive Director of the Lorton Arts Foundation. “Our Family Film Fun Day featuring a wide array of classes and activities, showcases our offerings to the budding filmmakers in the community.”

Lorton will continue to screen films as part of their film program in the coming months, including the academy-award shortlisted documentary PRAY THE DEVIL BACK TO HELL, which chronicles the struggles of a group of Liberian women who joined together to end their country’s civil war, A POWERFUL NOISE, a series of vignettes portraying women who have overcome gender-based obstacles around the world to bring about change in their respective societies, and LIONESS, which showcases the extraordinary stories of female combat veterans. More details on these future screenings and special guests will be announced.

For Family Film Fun Day, children and teens may participate in two free workshops introducing the future of the Workhouse Film Institute’s programs, classes and events. Parents are welcome to participate, or use the time to explore the rest of the Arts Center while their kids create masterpieces.

ANIMATE THAT! Young animators are given a treasure chest of tools, and working cooperatively will create a computer-assisted stop-motion animated short film. This is a high-energy workshop, introducing animation at the speed of laughter! The creativity will be fast and furious as animators create characters and bring them to life!

MOVIE MADNESS! Like movies? Think you know a lot about them? Contestants compete in a fun game show, featuring questions about films, directors, music and more! Take a wild ride through Hollywood with those crazy hosts Cecil B and Norma D, as you cruise through movie trivia in a highly interactive and spirited game!

Workhouse Film Institute Full Schedule of Events:

    11:00am-12:45 pm   ANIMATE THAT!  This is an ongoing project, and young
                       animators can come/go at leisure without disrupting the
                       projects. (Gallery W-16)

    11:45am-12:15pm    MOVIE MADNESS!  A spirited trivia game using the big
                       screen in Gallery W-16.

    12:15pm-12:45pm    STUDENT FILM SHOWCASE An exhibition of former students'
                       short films from Fall and Winter quarter classes on the
                       big screen in Gallery W-16.

    12:45pm-1:00pm     Instant premiere of the ANIMATE THAT! projects from the
                       morning workshops on the big screen in Gallery W-16.

    1:00pm             Wrap the morning events with an unveiling of the new
                       digital media lab for Workhouse Film Institute student
                       filmmakers and animators. (Studio W-11)

    6:00pm-7:00pm      Welcome reception for the IRON JAWED ANGELS Screening
                       (Gallery W-16)

    7:00pm-9:00pm      IRON JAWED ANGELS (Gallery W-16)

Events are free, but guests must RSVP to attend the reception and screening. Tickets may be reserved at www.workhousearts.org. Reserved tickets may be collected at will call (Gallery W-16) between 6:00pm-6:45pm. Unclaimed tickets will be given to stand-by patrons after 6:45pm. Seating is limited, so be sure to reserve early and arrive early.

The Workhouse Arts Center, a program of the Lorton Arts Foundation, aims to enrich the lives of all within its reach by creating a vibrant cultural community that fosters a diverse offering of arts, education, social, and entertainment experiences. Set on 55 acres of land in the former D.C. Workhouse and Reformatory, the Workhouse provides a home for more than 100 of the region’s finest professional and emerging artists, classes and arts education programs for people of all ages and artistic abilities, cooperative studies, performance and theatre venues, dedicated gallery and exhibition space, and event facilities. For more information, visit www.WorkhouseArts.org.

SOURCE Lorton Arts Foundation