Spring 2009 Reel Journalism Series

The Newseum, in partnership with American University's School of Communication, announced today the next two films in its popular series, Reel Journalism With Nick Clooney. The spring program will feature "The War Room" and "A Mighty Heart," which were chosen to highlight films that encourage discussion of the critical role and responsibilities of a free press in a democratic society.

The series begins May 18 with "The War Room," a behind-the-scenes documentary of the 1992 Clinton presidential campaign. George Stephanopoulos, a former Clinton aide and now host of "This Week," will join Clooney to discuss the love-hate relationship between candidates and the press. As the Clinton campaign's senior political adviser and later White House communications director, Stephanopoulos will draw from his first-hand experiences and talk about life inside a political campaign.

On June 1, "A Mighty Heart," based on Mariane Pearl's 2003 memoir, will tell the story of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl, who was kidnapped and murdered in Pakistan while investigating links between al-Qaida and the Pakistani intelligence service. Pearl's widow, Mariane, and Steve Stecklow, the last journalist to share a byline with the slain journalist, will sit down with Clooney to reflect on Pearl's life, death and the dangers journalists face in a post-9/11 world.

The announcement of the May and June films comes as Reel Journalism is set to screen the classic "Citizen Kane," the third film in the sold-out winter program. Veteran journalist Clooney, author of the book "The Movies That Changed Us: Reflections on the Screen," will continue his role as moderator and host of the spring films. Clooney, appointed Distinguished Journalist in Residence at American University's School of Communication, is teaching a course based on his book. The appointment is part of a long-term partnership between the school and the Newseum.

Film Schedule:

May 18, 2009, 7 p.m. - "The War Room" (1993); with special guest George Stephanopoulos

June 1, 2009, 7 p.m. - "A Mighty Heart" (2007); with special guests Mariane Pearl and Steve Stecklow

Tickets to Reel Journalism include all-day admission to the Newseum on the day of each film. Films are screened in the Newseum's state-of-the-art Walter and Leonore Annenberg Theater. Doors to the theater will open 30-minutes prior to the start of the 7 p.m. program. Tickets for each film are on sale now for $25 each, and are available at the Newseum's admission desk or online at www.newseum.org.