Banned Books Week Event: To Kill A Mockingbird Discussed By Emmy Award-Winning Filmmaker Mary McDonagh Murphy - Author Of 'Scout, Atticus & Boo: A Celebration Of Fifty Years Of To Kill A Mockingbird'

In observance of Banned Book Week (September 25 - October 2) as well as the 50th anniversary of this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Mary McDonagh Murphy, will show excerpts from her new documentary 'Hey, Boo: Harper Lee & To Kill a Mockingbird' and discuss the documentary and her book 'Scout, Atticus & Boo: A Celebration Of Fifty Years Of To Kill A Mockingbird.' She will also cover the controversies surrounding 'To Kill A Mockingbird,' and why it has been one of the most challenged books in America.Mary McDonagh Murphy's new documentary and book explore the novel's power, influence and popularity. With reflections from Anna Quindlen, Tom Brokaw, James McBride, James Patterson, Wally Lamb, Oprah Winfrey and more, they chronicle the many ways the novel has shaped lives and careers. Harper Lee has not given an interview since 1964, but Murphy's reporting, research and rare interviews with the author's sister and friends add new details and photos to the remarkable story of an astonishing phenomenon. A book signing will follow and books will be available for sale at the event.

Television and Film Star David Alan Grier Discusses His New Book 'Barack Like Me'

Television and film star David Alan Grier will discuss his new book 'Barack Like Me: The Chocolate Covered Truth.' In it, the acclaimed comedian and actor expounds upon what politics, culture, and race mean today, while recalling significant experiences from throughout his life. David Alan Grier is well known as being a principle cast member of the acclaimed television series "In Living Color," where he helped to create some of that show's most memorable characters.

Detroit Derby Girls Rock!

The Detroit Derby Girls, established in early 2005, is an all-female owned and operated flat track roller derby league. Over 60 skaters strong, the Detroit Derby Girls are part of the national rebirth of roller derby. Drew Barrymore's new film 'Whip It' (based on the novel Derby Girl by Shauna Cross) was filmed in Detroit, centers on life on the roller derby track and features several of the actual Detroit Derby Girls!

Movie-Making in Ann Arbor: The Producers, Director, Writer and Cinematographer of The New Michigan Based Film 'Trivial Pursuits' Discuss The New Burst Of Film-Making In Michigan

Michigan is quickly becoming the movie making capital of the Midwest, thanks to the Michigan Film Incentive. Get an inside look at what the movie-making business is all about and why Michigan is such a hot spot for the motion picture industry when the creators of the new film "Trivial Pursuits" talk about their experience shooting a major movie in Ann Arbor. These film-makers will discuss everything that's gone into the making of the movie: from casting and catering to lighting and locations- and will answer audience questions.

Film and Panel Discussion: In The Family: With Director Joanna Rudnick And UM Cancer Research Experts

When Chicago filmmaker Joanna Rudnick tested positive for the breast cancer gene at age 27, she knew the information could save her life. The question was what to do about it? At this event, Joanna Rudnick will introduce In the Family, the film that tells her intensely personal story. In this unblinking documentary, we learn that Joanna, whose family has a history of breast and ovarian cancer, took advantage of breakthroughs in genetic research to prepare herself for her own future. Intensely personal and timely, In The Family (which is not rated) is a groundbreaking investigation that attempts to answer the questions: How much do you sacrifice to survive? The film will be followed by a panel discussion with Joanna and a team of leading experts in medical cancer research.In addition to filmmaker Joanna Rudnick, the post-film panel will feature:- Daniel F. Hayes, M.D., Clinical Director of the Breast Oncology Program at the UM Comprehensive Cancer Center, whose research is internationally recognized in the identification of tumor markers, which help to properly evaluate patients with breast cancer- Lisa Newman, M.D., M.P.H., Director of the Breast Care Center of the UM Comprehensive Cancer Center, whose research focuses on ethnicity-related variation in breast cancer risk and the evaluation and treatment of high risk patients- Kara Millron, MS, a genetic counselor at the UM Comprehensive Cancer Center, whose research interests include mutations on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 breast cancer genes.This event is made possible through Partners In Research grants R03 NS065493 and R03 NS065491-0 from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke of the National Institutes of Health and is co-sponsored by the Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research, the UM Health Sciences Libraries, and the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center. This event is a collaboration with the award-winning documentary series P.O.V. (www.pbs.org/pov).For more information on genetic research and medical testing your may be interested in some of AADL's books and videos about these topics. Articles and current research can also be explored in our research databases MEDLINE and Health and Wellness Resource Center.

Musican/Storyteller Bill Jamerson Presents A Celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Michigan's Civilian Conservation Corps

The Civilian Conservation Corps was a federal works program created by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1933, during the Great Depression. Bill Jamerson of Escanaba has spent years researching the Corps. In addition to performing, Jamerson will discuss his research and show a short clip from his award-winning PBS film, "Camp Forgotten: The CCC's in Michigan." He will also read excerpts from his novel, "Big Shoulders," which has the Conservation Corps as its setting.

Pamela Lewis, One of the Nation's Leading Voice-Over Actresses: Talking Funny for Money!

Learn about the creative and lucrative end of the voice-over business and be entertained at the same time! As a leading voice-over artist, you've heard Pamela in everything from cartoons, Hershey's commercials and Nintendo games to prestigious films such as Cold Mountain, Primary Colors and The Manchurian Candidate. Pamela will also invite audience participation! This event includes a booksigning with copies of her CD workshop book available for purchase.Pamela lives in Ann Arbor, but works out of New York.

Stuntman 101: For Stage and Screen With Expert Christopher Barbeau

Stunt work starts with being able to fight safely and effectively. This course provides a basic introduction to safe techniques including punches, blocks, slaps, kicks and falls. With over 30 years of stage and film experience and over 350 production credits, workshop leader, Christopher Barbeau will lead this unique workshop. No previous experience is necessary - comfortable clothing and athletic shoes required.