Penn State will hear from a documentary filmmaker who has experienced the hardships of rural Africa firsthand with tonight's free screening of "Milking the Rhino."
The film, which will be screened in Foster Auditorium, 101 Pattee Library, is free and will be followed by a visit and discussion with co-producer Jeannie Magill.
Debuted in 2008, "Milking the Rhino," which was filmed primarily in Kenya and Namibia, examines the lives of people in rural African communities, their relationships with the wild animals they live with and the conservation of animal resources.
"It's an excellent film," said Khanjan Mehta, a professor in the School of Engineering Design, Technology and Professional Programs. "You will feel like you are right there in the action."
Helen Sheehy, head of the Social Science Library at Penn State, said having Magill attend the screening offers a different experience for viewers.
"She has an intimate knowledge of the filming," Sheehy said. "I don't think there is anything that can replace talking to someone who has been to that area."
Duarte Morais, associate professor of recreation, park and tourism management, teaches Recreation, Park and Tourism Management 300Y (Global International Diversity). After hearing that the film was receiving attention on the awards circuit and at other universities, he thought bringing Magill and her film to Penn State would be a great experience.
He said many Penn State students don't realize what is happening in non-Western parts of the world and that those problems can eventually affect them here.
"We live in a wonderful bubble," he said. "We are protected, but we are not completely protected. If there is misery in some parts of the world, it does affect our lives here."
Morais and Mehta will follow tonight's screening with an "Innovative Solutions Showcase" Wednesday in Foster Auditorium. The showcase will feature projects created by Morais' and Mehta's students in response to the film, including three-minute videos showing possible sustainable solutions.
"I'm expecting to see very innovative, out-of-the-box solutions," he said.
