TEDxWaterloo is kicking things off this year with TEDxWaterloo Adventures: Cinema Series. Over the next year we will be screening a variety of films in the community that will engage, inspire and create discussion among guests. Along with the film, we will look to invite directors, actors and other individuals involved with the production to host discussion groups. 

Our first film is "Prom Night in Mississippi". A documentary about a High School in Charleston, Mississippi having their first-ever integrated prom - in 2008. Until then, blacks and whites had had separate proms even though their classrooms have been integrated for decades. Canadian filmmaker Paul Saltzman follows students, teachers and parents in the lead-up to the big day. This seemingly inconsequential rite of passage suddenly becomes profound as the weight of history falls on teenage shoulders.

We were honoured to have Paul Saltzman speak at TEDxWaterloo 2010 (video available here) and are delighted to welcome him back to Waterloo region for this special screening!

TEDxWaterloo has partnered with the Laurier Centre for Community Service-Learning and the Diversity Equity Office for this event and we will be screening this film at The Turret at Wilfrid Laurier University.

After the film we invite you to stay and enjoy some snacks and engage in discussion with the filmmaker, Paul Saltzman and other guests. There will be a cash bar available.

This independent TEDx event is operated under license from TED.