Acclaimed Filmmaker Steve James Comes to Webster University

Mr. James is an Inaugural 2012 Global Leader in Residence

ST. LOUIS, March 23, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Webster University and the Office of Corporate Partnerships are pleased to welcome award-winning filmmaker Steve James, as an inaugural 2012 Global Leader in Residence on April 26-28, 2012 in the School of Communications.

Films by Mr. James have played in festivals around the world, including Sundance, The International Documentary Film Festival in Amsterdam (IDFA) and Full Frame, and have been released theatrically throughout the world. He has received an Academy Award®, a Peabody Award and a Directors Guild of America Award. He is a producer with Chicago-based Kartemquin Films, a documentary group that has been making films since 1966.

Mr. James is widely known for his legendary 1995 film Hoop Dreams, which was recently selected for the Library of Congress National Film Registry.  He will be presenting this film along with three others and hosting special events at Webster University:

All films and events are free and open to the public.  The President's Opening Reception, Meet & Greet Steve James Reception, and Filmmaking Workshop require reservations: http://www.webster.edu/partners/executives.shtml.

Reservations for the films: www.kdhx.org/mediaarts.

"Steve James is one of the most courageous and talented documentary filmmakers I've ever known," states Debra Carpenter, Dean of the School of Communications. "It is such a unique opportunity for our students, faculty and community to be able to interact with him. Steve's work always focuses on a better world and how we all can help through our individual actions and commitment."

The newly announced Global Leaders in Residence program presents distinguished individuals who are considered thought leaders in their fields from across a wide spectrum of disciplines.  While in residence, each Global Leader will interact with students to assist in real world learning by connecting theory to practice.  They will share their unique perspectives based upon their experiences, in forums that are free and open to all students, faculty and the general public.

This Global Leader in Residence event is co-sponsored by Webster University School of Communications, The Webster Film Series, KDHX Radio, The Missouri Arts Council and The Regional Arts Commission.

Webster University's mission of ensuring high quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence is an ideal environment for these distinguished leaders to connect students to deep, real-world knowledge of significance. 

For more information about programs during Mr. James' residency and the 2012 Global Leaders in Residence program, visit: www.webster.edu/globalleadersinresidence.

About Webster University:

With its home campus in St. Louis, Webster University (www.webster.edu) is the only Tier 1, private, non-profit U.S.-based University providing a network of international residential campuses.  Founded in 1915, Webster University's campus network today

includes metropolitan, military and corporate locations around the world, as well as traditional campuses in Asia, Europe and North America. The University is committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence.                                                                   

About the Office of Corporate Partnerships:

The Office of Corporate Partnerships (www.webster.edu/partners) or 314-246-6957 at Webster University initiates and develops collaborations with businesses and industries, an essential activity for the University in times that demand collective talent, skill and capacity across institutional boundaries. The Office also engages corporate partners in the University's communities to provide solutions to issues of mutual interest.

SOURCE Webster University -- Saint Louis Campus