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April 5, 2006

Rosa Lee To Perform At MICA Runway 2006

From: MICA - Apr 5, 2006

Media Contact: T.S. Writing Services
media@micarunway2006.com
media@tswriting.com
(507) 334-2366 FAX

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ROSA LEE TO PERFORM AT MICA RUNWAY 2006
A Fashion Show, Talent and Film Showcase Celebrating the Arts, Diversity and Disability
 
April 5, 2006 [New York City] – DeafVision Filmworks announced today that performance artist Rosa Lee will highlight Millennium International Caribbean Africa (MICA) Runway 2006, performing “R,” a one-woman show.
“‘R’ is who we are, what we see, and how we feel through Deaf eyes,” said Rosa Lee. “It’s a multimedia journey comprised of storytelling, American Sign Language poetry, comedy, video, music and more. It’s tremendously exciting to be a part of an historical event hosted by Deaf artists. I can’t wait to be inspired.”

MICA Runway 2006, a community affair celebrating the arts, disability and recognizing diversity of all colors, shapes, sizes and backgrounds, will be held on Saturday, June 17, at New York City’s exclusive Crobar Nightclub. With a reception prior to the main event, MICA Runway 2006 will entail a fashion showcase of wardrobes by renowned designers and sponsoring boutiques. In addition to being a unique opportunity for talented fashion designers, the event will attract the participation of some of the most creative makeup artists, trend-setting hair stylists and stunning runway models in the industry.

“I think this exciting event is the perfect place for Rosa Lee to perform,” said event chair Ann Marie Bryan, also known as Jade. “She is such a respected, innovative artist who really demonstrates diversity in her shows and life. We’re very honored to have her participate.”

Funds raised from the event will help support the completion of two films produced by DeafVision Filmworks, Somalia and 9/11 Fear in Silence: The Forgotten Underdogs. Cash prizes will be awarded by DeafVision and JADE Films and Entertainment for the talent portion of the evening, which includes American Sign Language poetry, dance, drama and film screening showcase.

“This event is being sponsored by so many valuable groups, such as Sprint Nextel, Sorenson Communications, Footlocker, Shecky’s, Google, Elle, Final Draft, Write Brothers, Inc. Interactive Health, and (WE) Women’s Entertainment, to name a few. They’re helping make this historical event happen, and we’re grateful for that,” said Jade. “We really hope to give back to the community as a result of this event.”

Added to this year’s list of awards is an award in remembrance of Sarah Marie Pack, who was a dedicated publicist and editor contributing many years of service to DeafVision Filmworks/Jade Films. The Sarah Marie Pack Writing Award will be given to a student writer who is deaf or hard of hearing, selected by a panel of MICA judges. Monetary donations are also being accepted to contribute directly to this award.
“What I’d like to see accomplished at the MICA Runway 2006 event is that we see a significant improvement or change within the deaf, hard of hearing and hearing communities to learn to support each other,” added Jade. “I’d also like to see the building of a bridge where entrepreneurship, network and leadership are developed, since these are crucial factors of success. We need not be too segregated when people, especially those who are artists, turn to each other for support.”

Tickets and further information are available at www.micarunway2006.com.

About MICA
MICA RUNWAY is the leading arts and entertainment high-grade venture in New York City exclusively dedicated to showcasing works by emerging filmmakers, up-and-coming fashion designers, striving talents, literary and visual artists who are disabled, deaf, hard of hearing or deaf-blind. MICA RUNWAY strives to provide access to the film, fashion, art and visual art worlds for disabled individuals who may be intimidated, oppressed or ignored by the gatekeepers of the elite art, fashion and entertainment industries. 

About DeafVision Filmworks, Inc. & JADE Films and Entertainment, LLC
DeafVision Filmworks, founded in 1991, caters to filmmakers of color to develop stories that are overlooked, ignored, or suppressed by the media gatekeepers. DeafVision Filmworks is a New York-based non-profit corporation founded by African American Ann Marie “Jade” Bryan, who believes in the importance of educating the general public about the cultural experiences of Deaf and Hard of Hearing population. JADE Films and Entertainment, LLC, where the passion of words are turned into action, is an independent film and entertainment production company that strives to raise consciousness about African Americans and Latinos who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, whether culturally Deaf or with varied degrees of hearing loss who do not identify with deaf culture.

About Rosa Lee
Rosa Lee is a performance artist and instructor who has been involved with a variety of theatre arts projects over the past twelve years.  "R" is her second one-woman show.
Her first one-woman show, "The Unseen", was performed in front of thousands of hearing and Deaf onlookers all over the country to rave reviews.  Rosa Lee incorporates all aspects of her artistic talents and her experiences as a Deaf woman from a Deaf family into her shows, which include music, video, and performance art. For more information, please visit http://rosalee.moonfruit.com.

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