| Dear Friends, I'm writing to share some great news regarding our mission to create positive social impact with our film Seats at the Table. This is the portrait of UVA Professor Andrew Kaufman's wonderful Books Behind Bars class which brings together university students with residents of a juvenile correctional center through the study of Russian literature. After viewing the film on local PBS station VPM, the Charlottesville Commonwealth's Attorney reached out to Professor Kaufman to bring the class to both the Charlottesville mens' and womens' prisons, which will commence next fall. Here is what Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney Areshini Pather wrote once she viewed the film:
"I watched the documentary last night and I am still at a loss for words. It was heartbreaking and inspiring all at the same time. I was so impressed with all the students (UVA and DJJ) and their insights. It was very sad to listen to the Beaumont students and realize that at some point something took them off track and on a path that landed them in jail. We have to change our society. I am even more committed to bringing this program to our community in Charlottesville. The peer discussions and the openness of the dialogue was really moving and uncontrived. So well done for a great program and a great documentary." | 