Academy's Docs Series Examines Fiscal Responsibility & Farmworkers' Rights 5/19

"Viva la Causa" and "I.O.U.S.A." will screen as the next installment in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' 28th annual "Contemporary Documentaries" series on Wednesday, May 19, at 7 p.m. at the Linwood Dunn Theater in Hollywood. Admission to all screenings in the series is free.

"Viva la Causa," directed Alonso F. Mayo and Bill Brummel and produced by Brummel, recounts the story of a small group of poor, powerless and mistreated California farm workers, led by Cesar Chavez, who risk everything when they launch a strike and national boycott against the multimillion-dollar California grape industry. Mayo and Brummel will be present to take questions from the audience following the screening.

"I.O.U.S.A." follows former U.S. Comptroller General David Walker on his "Fiscal Wake-Up Tour" and dissects the United States of America's skyrocketing national debt as well as the steps necessary to correct the problem. The film was directed by Patrick Creadon and produced by Christine O'Malley and Sarah Gibson. Creadon and O'Malley will be present to take questions from the audience following the screening.

The 28th annual "Contemporary Documentaries" series continues through June 9, showcasing feature-length and short documentaries drawn from the 2008 Academy Award® nominations, including the winners, as well as other important and innovative films considered by the Academy that year.

All films will screen at the Linwood Dunn Theater at the Academy's Pickford Center for Motion Picture Study on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. All seating is unreserved. The filmmakers will be present at screenings whenever possible.

The Linwood Dunn Theater is located at 1313 Vine Street in Hollywood. Free parking is available through the entrance on Homewood Avenue (one block north of Fountain Avenue). For additional information, visit www.oscars.org or call (310) 247-3600.