June 11, 2013 (WOODSTOCK, NY): The Woodstock Film Festival is pleased to announce the upcoming screening of the documentary Ralph Bunche: An American Odyssey, a film produced, directed and written by Emmy award-winning filmmaker William Greaves. Join us for this documentary, narrated by Sidney Poitier, on the life of Dr. Ralph Johnson Bunche: statesman, peace negotiator, leading intellectual and scholar. Greaves himself is partially paralyzed so his wife, Louise, and daughter, Maiya, will lead a discussion of his life and work directly following the screening.William Greaves began his career in film as early as the 1950s, building his reputation as a producer, director and writer of over two hundred documentary films. Greaves has earned an Emmy and four Emmy nominations, an induction to the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame, an Indy from the Association of Independent Video and Filmmakers, the first award for Lifelong Achievement in Film and for Contributions to Black Theater by the National Black Theater and Film Festival and over 70 international film festival awards. Not only successful in filmmaking, Greaves has been a long-time member of The Actors Studio in New York and has taught acting for both film and television. The upcoming screening will be held as a tribute to Greaves’ invaluable accomplishments and contributions to the world of independent film.The film Ralph Bunche: An American Odyssey documents the life and achievements of Dr. Ralph Johnson Bunche (1903-1971), United Nations statesman and first person of color to win the Nobel Peace Prize. An African-American who overcame racial prejudice and poverty to become Undersecretary General of the United Nations, Bunche’s life offers a unique window on many key issues and historical events that took place during the middle of the 20th century in the United States and the world. Bunche served as one of the leading advocates for the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights and is known for his legendary peace negotiation and intellect.Ralph Bunche: An American Odyssey represents the first time an in-depth documentary film has been produced on the life and legacy of this American legend. Greaves’ documentary has been named both “a captivating portrait” by Geoffrey Gilmore of the Sundance Film Festival and “monumental” by William Sloan of the Museum of Modern Art.

The screening will take place at Upstate Films, 132 Tinker St, Woodstock, NY 12498 on Saturday, June 29th at 1 p.m. Total run time is two hours and tickets can be purchased for $12 online by clicking HERE.