New Documentary, The Line, Highlights Faces of America's Poor and Elevates Poverty as an Election Issue

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As part of a broader campaign to bring light to the new faces of poverty in the aftermath of the Great Recession, Bread for the World, in partnership with Sojourners, has produced a documentary film called The Line. The 40-minute film uncovers the emerging and entrenched faces of poverty in our country—such as a former banker and single father in the suburbs who now relies on a food pantry and an aging Louisiana fisherman whose shrimp business has been devastated by the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

"The Line serves as a powerful reminder that anyone can become a victim of poverty, even an affluent banker," said Rev. David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World. "By releasing this during the campaign period, we hope to focus attention on hunger and poverty as critical issues during this election."

The world premiere—to be held in Washington, DC, on Oct. 2, 2012—will be accompanied by more than a thousand simultaneous screenings across the country. A panel discussion featuring the director of The Line and hunger and poverty experts will immediately follow the Washington, DC, viewing.

"Anyone who watches this film should be convinced that we must create a circle of protection around programs that help poor Americans lift themselves out of poverty," added Beckmann. "It is clear that we cannot 'food bank' our way out of hunger. Churches and charities provide less than five percent of the needs of hungry and poor Americans; the rest comes from federal nutrition programs."

Recently, faith leaders from the Circle of Protection obtained exclusive videos featuring President Barack Obama's and Governor Mitt Romney's views on hunger and poverty. The Circle of Protection comprises more than 65 heads of denominations, relief and development agencies, and other Christian organizations.

The Line was produced and written by Emmy Awardee Linda Midgett. To find a screening or to learn more about the Washington, DC, premiere, visit TheLineMovie.com. The documentary is in English, with Spanish subtitles.                                                                                 

Bread for the World (www.bread.org) is a collective Christian voice urging our nation's decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad.

SOURCE Bread for the World

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