For Immediate Release

 

Hardy Jimbes, Save Africa Concerts Foundation
Email: Info@sacaids.org; Tel: 212 971 1322

New York, January 2009: Save Africa Concerts Foundation with Femmes Africa Solidarite is excited to present the premiere of “Lost Maiden” in conjunction with Best Icon Productions.  “Lost Maiden” is a must watch film on “Female Genital Mutilation.”  Filled with thrilling and captivating effects and Starring, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Ngozi Ezeonu  Binbo Akintola, Kalu Ikeagwu and Chisom Oz-Lee, the movie will showcase at the United Nations Church Center,  located at 777 United Nations Plaza, 2nd fl. (corner of 1st Avenue and 44th Street)  New York City  on July 10, 2009.
Door opens at 5:00 pm.  The program starts at 6:00 pm. Admission is Free. RSVP to Info@sacaids.org.  Speakers include Michelle Lopez, Spokesperson for Save Africa Concerts Foundation; Adama Duof, UN Representative; Femmes Africa Solidarite Dr. Dorothy Ogundu, President/Founder of AngelDocs , Amadou Diagne Gilead Science.

Special Guests include: Ini Edo, Kalu Ikeagwu, Chigozie N Atuanya, Emmanuel Ehumadu, Chris Iheanacho Moses  Inwang and Actress Wanda Ferreiras.

The viewing of “Lost Maiden” and its subsequent discussion is intended to present to the public at large the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), and its impact on those subjected to it.  Although a centuries old custom and practice, significant to many cultures, Female Genital Mutilation, remains one of the most harmful traditions practiced in many parts of the world. Research conducted prior to the shooting of this film revealed that some communities throughout Africa continue to stigmatize and ostracize uncircumcised women.

Despite the social stigma and emotional consequence associated with this custom, we will focus primarily on the physical effects of the practice. Hemorrhaging, bacterial infection, physical disfigurement, urine retention and possible HIV as the result, cannot be over emphasized as the aftermath. Long term effects can include infertility, childbirth complications and newborn deaths. 

The debilitating effects this practice has on the health of women and children prompts the urgency of bringing this issue to light.  In "Lost Maiden"  a young doctor  embarks on a dangerous mission to abolish the deeply rooted tradition of “female circumcision” in the village of Itonga.  This film will serve as a medium to publicize this dangerous practice and educate viewers about the adverse health consequences of FGM.

                                                            

The objectives of this film include:

• Helping to dissuade families from carrying out FGM
• Providing patients and their parents with information about the physical and psychological ramifications of FGM
• Creating a lasting impact on viewer's minds, thereby enhancing their ability to affect change
  

FGM is a fundamental violation of the human rights of girls and women in general.

How do we achieve this education of the public?  By simply going to the store to pick up a copy. Your contributions will support the SAC project in Africa.

For more information on Lost Maiden, email info@sacaids.org  or call (212) 971-1322.
With a focus on Poverty Health education and prevention, Save Africa Concerts Foundation “Ngo” in special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations  has combined its forces with the Femmes Africa Solidarite of the United Nations to premier ”Lost Maiden,” a film about female genital mutilation.  
International speakers and entertainment will be utilized as a tool to educate at risk communities about FGM HIV/AIDS and other Health Issues.  Chisom Oz-Lee, a spokes person for Save Africa Concerts Foundation and the producer of “Lost Maiden,” is calling on the support of the general public to abolish female genital mutilation.  Portions of the proceeds from “Lost Maiden” will be donated to the SACAIDS Project in Africa. 
SAC is a 501 (C) (3) non-profit and Non governmental organization. 

WHAT:                  Lost Maiden (a film about female genital mutilation)
WHERE:               United Nations Church Center, 777 United Nations Plaza, 2 (the Corner of 1st Ave. and 44th St.) New York City.
WHEN:                  Friday, July 10th 2009 at 4:00 p.m.

CONTACT INFO:  Hardy Jimbes, Save Africa Concerts Foundation
Email: info@sacaids.org or call (212) 971-1322.