June 3rd, 2013

CNN FILMS: ‘GIRL RISING’ DEBUTS SUNDAY, JUNE 16 AT 9 PM ET ON CNN AND CNN INTERNATIONAL

Film narrated by Cate Blanchett, Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Salma Hayek, Freida Pinto, Kerry Washington, Selena Gomez, Alicia Keys, Priyanka Chopra, and Liam Neeson

CNN Films’ “Girl Rising,” the groundbreaking film directed by Academy Award nominee Richard Robbins, will debut on CNN and CNN International on Sunday, June 16 at 9 pm ET.

The film is the centerpiece of 10×10 – a global action campaign to educate girls around the world – and documents the extraordinary stories of girls from across the globe fighting to overcome impossible odds to realize their dreams.  “Girl Rising,” which was called “beautifully shot, incredibly moving” by Glamour Magazine and “illuminating and ultimately hopeful” by the Los Angeles Times, opened in theaters nationally in March.  In the film, each girl’s story is told by celebrated writers from their country and narrated by Cate Blanchett, Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Salma Hayek, Freida Pinto, Kerry Washington, Selena Gomez and Liam Neeson.

The film focuses on the power of education to change the lives of girls around the world.  Girls face barriers in education that boys do not, but educating girls can break cycles of poverty in just one generation.  “Girl Rising” highlights statistics that offer insight on those barriers, and illustrates the lasting impact of education on girls, families, communities and nations.

Leading up to the premiere, CNN Digital is offering special coverage of the film along with stories on the power of education at www.CNN.com/girlrising.  In this special section, users can access op-eds, photos, original reporting and behind-the-scenes articles about the film online and via their mobile device.  Beginning on June 16th, www.CNN.com/girlrising will stream additional chapters from the film with the story of two young girls from Cambodia and India narrated by Alicia Keys and Priyanka Chopra.

On the day of the premiere, users will find a “viewer’s guide” on each of the girls in the film, as well as a live blog encouraging conversation.  CNN Digital will publish open letters from influential women on the importance of education to empower girls around the world.  CNN iReport, the network’s global participatory community, will invite readers to write their own lettersCNN.com/girlrising will also highlight ways for the audience to take action and help girls’ education in their own communities and around the world.

About CNN Films

CNN Films brings documentaries beyond the small screen by developing strategic partnerships to leverage distribution opportunities at film festivals and in theaters.  Amy Entelis, senior vice president of talent and content development for CNN Worldwide, and Vinnie Malhotra, senior vice president of development and acquisitions for CNN Worldwide, oversee the acquisition strategy of documentaries for CNN Films.  Malhotra manages the day-to-day operation of CNN Films, and works directly with filmmakers to develop original projects.

CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company, is the most trusted source for news and information. Its reach extends to nine cable and satellite television networks; one private place-based network; two radio networks; wireless devices around the world; CNN Digital, a top network for online news, mobile news and social media; CNN Newsource, the world’s most extensively-syndicated news service; and strategic international partnerships within both television and the digital media.

Contact:

Neel Khairzada                     neel.khairzada@turner.com