Professor Jeremy Kagan at the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts meets with the delegation to discuss documentaries as a tool to inspire action.

Film school professors, film festival directors and film critics from 13 countries came together for a three-week project to expose them to the diversity of filmmaking in the United States. Collectively they were interested in exploring the role of film in social and political change and building connections with industry professionals that will help strengthen their work in their home countries. Many of them have a strong interest in topics such as human rights, women's issues and race/ethnicity/class divide. With a diverse group of countries represented they were able to share their experiences as creative film leaders with each other as well as with Los Angeles industry leaders.

We would like to thank the L.A. Film School, Jeremy Kagan at the USC School of Cinematic Arts, Muslims on Screen and Television (MOST), the Sundance Institute, and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for sharing their field of expertise with this delegation.

As a social component to their program, the group also had the opportunity to meet Angelinos for dinner and conversation. We would like to thank IVCLA Citizen Diplomats Wendy Arnold, Ginger & John Barnard, Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Beigel, Juanita Hamilton, Michael Harrison and James & Sandra Kohn for extending their warm hospitality to these international visitors.