"Life is for the Living," a documentary film with an introduction by University of Michigan alumnus and CBS newsman Mike Wallace, created by UM student Michael Rubyan, will premiere at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 12 at the Michigan Theatre in Ann Arbor.
The free showing will be immediately followed by a question and answer period with the filmmaker, noted UM stem cell biologist Sean Morrison, UM Associate Vice-president and Deputy General Counsel Edward Goldman, and former United States Rep. Dr. Joe Schwarz.
Rubyan, a pre-med junior majoring in film, created the film as an opportunity to highlight the importance of moving forward on promising medical research that can save lives.
"Stem cell research is one of the most misunderstood biological endeavors in our medical landscape today," Rubyan said. "'Life is for the Living' explains the science, the politics, and the hope that stem cell research offers to ease suffering and offer hope to millions of families."
The stories of five American families living with the painful realities of juvenile diabetes, Parkinson's, and spinal cord injury are set against the national debate over embryonic stem cell research. As the debate continues in Washington and across the country, three generations reveal their challenges, their frustration with the president's policy, and the hope that more funding for embryonic stem cell research will lead to new treatments and cures to relieve their suffering and save their lives.
"Life is for the Living" also explores the science behind stem cell research and the political debate taking place across the nation. The film includes interviews with the nation's leading scientific researchers -- including Morrison, Director of the UM Center for Stem Cell Research, political leaders including U.S. Sen. Carl Levin and former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno, and patient advocates.
The film showing is co-sponsored by The University of Michigan Activities Center and The Center for Stem Cell Biology. Donations will be accepted for the nationwide distribution of the film.
View the trailer and learn more at www.lifeisfortheliving.org.
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