Media Advisory for May 5 at 12:30 - 1:15 pm Middle School Students Experience Atlanta Olympic History at Field Trip Screening of Feature Doc “The Games in Black & Whit

WHAT: Media are invited as two local filmmakers and the historic Plaza Theatre are partnering to present a free student field trip screening of the Atlanta Olympic feature doc “The Games in Black & White” sharing the untold stories of Andrew Young and Billy Payne’s unlikely partnership to bid for, win and organize the 1996 Olympics.  

Approximately 200 eighth grade social studies students from Summerour Middle School in Gwinnett County Public Schools—who have been learning about Atlanta and civil rights history— will tour the city’s longest-operating movie house before watching the film, whose producers will participate in a student Q&A about the film’s civil rights themes after the screening. 

Media can speak with school, theater and film representatives about the educational value of the field trips, which are taking place 5/5 through 5/7.

WHO: Interviews available with

·        Edie Riehm on behalf of Gwinnett Co. Public Schools

·        George Hirthler and Bob Judson, producers of “The Games in Black & White”

·        Christopher Escobar, owner/operator of The Plaza Atlanta 

WHEN: Tuesday, May 5 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.

WHERE: The Plaza Theatre, 1059 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta 30306

About “The Games in Black & White”

Centered around the inspirational, enduring friendship of Ambassador Andrew Young and 1996 Olympic CEO William Porter “Billy” Payne—characterized in the film as the most successful Black and White partnership in the American south in the civil rights era—“The Games in Black & White” presents the first comprehensive story of the Atlanta Olympic Games, from the bid through the Games to the legacy and the transformation of the city that followed. Atlanta Story Partners introduces the team that led the bid and organized “the largest peacetime event in history,” the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. Through contemporary interviews and archival footage, this documentary presents a compelling narrative that looks beyond the athletic highlights to the story of how two men harnessed the Games as engine of social justice at home and humanitarian outreach abroad. For more information visit AtlantaStoryPartners.com/Games

“The Games in Black & White” is nominated for four Southeast Emmy Awards including best documentary, writing, editing and graphics. 

Tara Atlanta will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Atlanta Olympics with a special screening of "The Games in Black & White" on July 18. 

Media Contact: Nicholas Wolaver via nicholas.wolaver@gmail.com or 678-358-7476

Notes: Handout images, video and interviews available by request post-event.