'Making A Difference' Makes the Grade for 58th Annual Christopher Award-Winning Feature Films, TV/Cable Programs, Books

'Making A Difference' Makes the Grade for 58th Annual Christopher Award-Winning Feature Films, TV/Cable Programs, Books

NEW YORK, March 9 /PRNewswire/ -- "Making a difference" resonates throughout 23 feature films, TV/cable programs and books for children and adults to be honored at the 58th annual Christopher Awards gala at the McGraw- Hill Building in New York on March 15.

Some 114 writers, illustrators, directors, producers and executive producers of the winning works will be honored. First presented in 1949, the Christopher Awards salute media that remind audiences and readers, of all ages and faiths and of no particular faith, of their worth, individuality and power to positively impact and shape our world.

"The Christopher Awards recognize stories about those who surmount challenges with persistence and an unshakable belief," said Dennis W. Heaney, president and CEO of The Christophers. "All exemplify The Christopher credo 'It's better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.'" This ancient Chinese proverb guides its publishing, TV, radio and Awards programs.

All seven Christopher Award-winning Feature Films spotlight resolute women of various ages and nationalities. AKEELAH AND THE BEE focuses on one inner city girl's quest for validation and direction, while CHARLOTTE'S WEB brings to life the popular children's tale about the value of friendship and self- esteem.

Real-life heroines are spotlighted in MISS POTTER, dramatizing challenges faced by the spirited author/illustrator/conservationist, and in SOPHIE SCHOLL: THE FINAL DAYS, documenting the courage and conscience of the anti- Nazi activist. THE NATIVITY STORY imagines the personal and social consequences of Mary's pregnancy, while WATER sheds light on a Hindu tradition requiring widows to live out their lives as social outcasts. And as it chronicles the heroic efforts to save trapped police officers on 9/11, WORLD TRADE CENTER also underscores the importance of their wives' perseverance.

The five TV & Cable Christopher Award winners showcase the efforts of selfless individuals determined to make a difference. Skilled medical professionals minister to the broken bodies of American military casualties on the Iraqi battlefield and a tragically deformed African orphan in HBO's BAGHDAD ER and ABC NEWS 20/20: A SIMPLE TWIST OF FATE, respectively.

A teacher takes creative steps to engage inner city students in TNT's THE RON CLARK STORY, while another risks his life to deter kids from a life of crime in CINEMAX REEL LIFE: FAVELA RISING. Humane efforts to relocate victims of flagrant abuse are documented in PBS/WNET's NATURE-CHIMPANZEES: AN UNNATURAL HISTORY.

Of the 912 books published in 2006 that were submitted for consideration, the six winning, nonfiction Books for Adults include two that describe incredible journeys in the face of adversity. 'Barefootin': Life Lessons from the Road to Freedom,' by Unita Blackwell with JoAnne Prichard Morris, recalls how the author managed to rise from picking cotton to becoming Mississippi's first black female mayor. 'Enrique's Journey' by Sonia Nazario retraces a Honduran teenager's grueling journey to America to reunite with his mother.

Three books reexamine the role of faith in their authors' lives. 'The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief' by Francis S. Collins traces the author's intellectual efforts to confirm his atheism, only to find God and reconcile the war between religion and science. 'Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust,' by Immaculee Ilibagiza with Steve Erwin, relates the harrowing story of the author's survival through faith despite extreme deprivation and personal loss. 'My Life with the Saints,' by James Martin, SJ, recalls the author's journey from corporate life to priesthood.

In 'The Lemon Tree: An Arab, a Jew, and the Heart of the Middle East,' author Sandy Tolan describes how a Palestinian man and an Israeli woman maintain a friendship for more than 40 years despite holding on to their ethnic allegiances.

Five Books for Young People will be honored for specially-designated age groups. The Pre-school winner, 'Hero Cat' by Eileen Spinelli, illustrated by Jo Ellen McAllister Stammen, imparts a universal example of heroism and motherhood. 'How We Are Smart' by W. Nikola-Lisa, illustrated by Sean Qualls (Ages 6-8), profiles 12 high achievers whose gifts and intelligence are defined in broader terms than simply "doing well in school." 'The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane' by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline (Ages 8-10), reveals that a rich, fulfilling life is attainable by simply opening one's heart to others. Listen! by Stephanie S. Tolan (Ages 10-12), tells how two lost souls form a bond that mends a broken heart and family; and 'Bread and Roses, Too' by Katherine Paterson (Young Adult), reveals the prejudice faced by immigrants as they strive to create a better life for their families.

To be eligible for a Christopher Award, works must exhibit exceptional artistic and technical proficiency, a significant degree of public visibility and, above all, they must "affirm the highest values of the human spirit." Potential winners are nominated and reviewed throughout the year by panels of media professionals; members of The Christophers' staff with expertise in film, TV and publishing; and by professionally supervised children's reading groups.

Father James Keller, a Maryknoll priest who believed that every individual has the power and responsibility to change the world for the better, founded The Christophers in 1945.

Source: The Christophers

CONTACT: David Reich, Reich Communications, +1-212-573-6000, for The
Christophers

NOTE TO EDITORS: More info, downloadable photos at www.christophers.org/awardsmm.html

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