Paramount Pictures to Provide All Public and Private High Schools with a Copy of "Selma"

Every High School in the U.S. to Receive Academy Award®-Winning “SELMA” on DVD

Paramount Continues Successful “Selma for Students” Initiative Launched During the Film’s Theatrical Run

HOLLYWOOD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In celebration of the home entertainment debut of director Ava DuVernay’s inspirational and Academy Award-winning epic “SELMA,” Paramount Home Media Distribution announced today that every high school in the U.S., both public and private, will receive a copy of the DVD free of charge. In addition, teachers can receive free companion study guides to help further illuminate the remarkable historical events depicted in the film.

    “The response from students and teachers to our ‘Selma for Students’ initiative was overwhelmingly positive and we are delighted to be extending the campaign”

“Our ‘SELMA’ filmmaking journey has had many highlights, but to me, the response from students and educators has been the most magnificent part of the experience. To think that this triumphant story of dignity and justice will be available to every high school in this country is a realization of many dreams and many hopes,” said director Ava DuVernay. “I applaud Paramount on this extraordinary effort, and salute the teachers who will provide classes and context on the work of Dr. King and his comrades to the young minds of our nation.”

“The response from students and teachers to our ‘Selma for Students’ initiative was overwhelmingly positive and we are delighted to be extending the campaign,” said Megan Colligan, president, Worldwide Distribution and Marketing, Paramount Pictures. “During the film’s theatrical run more than 300,000 young people were able to see the film for free. By providing DVDs to all of the high schools in the country, we hope to reach all 18 million high school students with the film’s powerful and inspiring story. With many of these students preparing to vote for the first time in next year’s elections, it is especially fitting that they witness the bravery and fortitude of those who fought to establish the Voting Rights Act of 1965.”

Teachers who would like to receive a copy of the “SELMA” companion study guide can visit http://bazaned.com.

“SELMA” won the Academy Award® and the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song for “Glory” by Common & John Legend. The film was nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Picture and Golden Globe Awards for Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Director.

From Paramount Pictures, Pathé, and Harpo Films, “SELMA,” a Plan B, Cloud Eight Films, and Harpo Films production in association with Ingenious Media, tells the incredible story of how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led the epic march from Selma to Montgomery to secure equal voting rights in an event that forever altered history.

The film is produced by Christian Colson, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, and Oprah Winfrey. The film is executive produced by Brad Pitt, Cameron McCracken, Diarmuid McKeown, Nik Bower, Ava DuVernay, Paul Garnes and Nan Morales. The film is written by Paul Webb. “SELMA” is directed by Ava DuVernay.

“SELMA” is available now on Digital HD and will be available on Blu-ray™ and DVD May 5th, 2015.

For more information visit: www.Selma4Students.com

#Selma4Students


About Paramount Home Media Distribution
Paramount Home Media Distribution (PHMD) is part of Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment. PPC is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. The PHMD division oversees PPC’s home entertainment, digital and television distribution activities worldwide. The division is responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of home entertainment content on behalf of Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central and CBS and applicable licensing and servicing of certain DreamWorks Animation titles. PHMD additionally manages global licensing of studio content and distribution across worldwide digital and television distribution platforms including online, mobile and portable devices and emerging technologies.

“ACADEMY AWARD®” is the registered trademark and service mark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

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