HOMEGOINGS Screening, Concert and Talkback Set for The Ware Center, 9/23

HOMEGOINGS is a 58-minute film that takes an up-close look at the rarely seen world of undertaking in the black community, where funeral rites draw on a rich palette of tradition, history, music and celebration. The award-winning film was produced and directed by Christine Turner, who will be on hand opening night to talk about the film and its impact on her. Also performing a mini-concert that night will be the film's composer, musicIan Daniel Roumain.

HOMEGOINGS looks through the eyes of funeral director Isaiah Owens, a man dedicated to bringing the beauty and grace of African-American funerals to life. Filmed at Owens Funeral Home in New York City's historic Harlem neighborhood, the documentary combines cinéma vérité with intimate interviews and archival photographs as it paints a portrait of the dearly departed, their grieving families and a man who sends their loved ones "home."

Turner has produced and/or directed nine other films, including Don't Divorce Me! Kids' Rules for parents on Divorce; Our America with Lisa Ling; Crave; A Family Is a Family Is a Family: A Rosie O'Donnell Celebration; and Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple.

Daniel Roumain's acclaimed work as a composer and performer has spanned more than two decades and has been commissioned by venerable artists and institutions worldwide. Proving that he's "about as omnivorous as a contemporary artist gets" (New York Times), Roumain is perhaps the only composer whose collaborations span the worlds of Philip Glass, Cassandra Wilson, Bill T. Jones, Savion Glover and Lady Gaga. Sponsored in part by Frederick Douglass Black Cultural Celebration and MU Department of Music.

The film kicks off the Ware Center's Fall Film Series. At least fourteen other foreign and independent films and documentaries are also scheduled through December. All are award-winners and were chosen by a panel of 46 local film enthusiasts. For a brochure listing all the films with descriptions, contact Brian Doherty at 717-871-2308 orbrian.doherty@millersville.edu.

Tickets for "Homegoings" and the mini-concert and post-show talkback with Director Turner are $10 general, MU students free. Tickets for most of the films of the series are $7 and $5 for students and seniors. Tickets may be reserved by calling the Ticket Office at 717-872-3811; online, at artsmu.com; Or in person at the Ware Center Box Office, 42 North Prince Street, Lancaster, PA or the SMC Building on the MU Campus. Ticket Offices are open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM- 4:00 PM, and one hour prior to the performance.