Washington, D.C.-The global anti-poverty organization ONE is holding special events across the United States at premiers of the award-winning film Youssou Ndour: I Bring What I Love. The film chronicles the remarkable story of Youssou Ndour, Grammy-award winning artist and social activist who also serves as a member of ONE’s Policy Advisory Board.

The film, already open in New York City and Los Angeles, will open in more than 20 cities over the next several weeks. At all locations, audience members will also have a chance to sign up to ONE both before and after the film. At select locations, ONE will take part in a question and answer session with director Chai Vasarhelyi after the film. Tickets are available for purchase at local box offices. The premieres are open to the public. Locations and dates of the premiers are listed below.

ONE is a grassroots campaign and advocacy organization backed by more than two million people who are committed to the fight against extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa. ONE’s millions of members work in their local communities to raise awareness of global poverty and disease and help build the political will to address these challenges. Cofounded by Bono and other campaigners, ONE works closely with policy experts, African leaders, and anti-poverty activists, including the film’s star, Youssou Ndour. Ndour is the highest selling African artist of all time and has collaborated with countless musical superstars, including Bono.

An audience sensation at film festivals worldwide Youssou Ndour: I Bring What I Love takes you behind the scenes and into the world of Africa’s most famous musician. This never-before-told story follows N’Dour at a turning point in his life and career, as he releases his most personal and controversial album Egypt. But the singer’s hope for promoting a more tolerant face of Islam erupts in scandal and outrage in his native country, and many reject the album and denounce it as blasphemous. Part explosive documentary, part stirring drama, Youssou Ndour: I Bring What I Love is an unforgettable musical journey with an artist whose courage and conviction shook the music industry and ultimately awakened the world.

In addition to his work with ONE, Ndour has been committed to the fight against poverty and social injustice for decades. In 1985, he organized a concert for the release of Nelson Mandela. He was a featured performer in the 1988 worldwide Amnesty International Human Rights Now! Tour. He started Project Joko to open internet cafés in Africa and to connect Senegalese communities around the world. He also performed at three of the Live 8 concerts in July 2005.

The new film has won multiple awards worldwide including ‘Circle Audience Award,’ 2009 Film Fest DC 2009, ‘Impact of Music Award,’ Nashville Film Festival 2009, ‘Special Jury Prize’ 2008 Middle East International Film Festival, ‘Audience Award’ 2008 Bahamas International Film Festival, ‘Spirit of Freedom Award’ 2008 Bahamas International Film Festival, ‘Audience Award’ 2008 Sao Paulo International Film Festival.

The film is rated PG and the running time is 102 minutes.

ONE Events at Youssou Ndour: I Bring What I Love Premiers: Dates and Locations

July 31, 2009               Monterey, CA              Osio Cinema

July 31, 2009               San Francisco, CA      Regal Stonestown       *ONE Q&A w/ director Chai Vasarhelyi

July 31, 2009               Roslyn, NY                   Roslyn Cinemas

August 1, 2009:           Atlanta, GA                  Regal Tara Theater     *ONE Q&A w/ director Chai Vasarhelyi

August 7, 2009            Lake Park, FL              Mos’Art Theatre

August 14, 2009          San Luis Obispo, CA   Palm Theatre

August 21, 2009,         Dallas, TX                     Angelika Film

August 21, 2009          Chicago, IL                   Music Box                   *ONE Q&A w/ director Chai Vasarhelyi

September 4, 2009     San Diego, CA              Gaslamp 15 Theater

September 11, 2009   Honolulu, HI                 Kahala 8 Theater        *ONE Q&A w/ director Chai Vasarhelyi

September 25, 2009   Milwaukee, WI             Milwaukee Film Festival *ONE Q&A w/ director Chai Vasarhelyi

For more information on the film, including opening dates in additional cities please visit www.ibringwhatilove.com

Contact Information

For questions about ONE:      Steve Wilson, phone: 202.495.2772, e-mail: [email protected] 

For questions about the film: Frank Lomento, 42West, phone:  646.467.9056, email:  [email protected]