Memorial Union holds free screening of "War Child" The North Dakota Museum of Art is presenting a screening of Emmanuel Jal's "War Child" at noon Wednesday, Dec. 2, in the Memorial Union Lecture Bowl. The screening is free and open to the public. This presentation is part of the North Dakota Museum of Art symposium on Human Rights. "War Child," which won the Tribeca Film Festival Cadillac Audience award, continues to gain accolades at prestigious film festivals worldwide. War Child presents Jal's story in the context of Sudan's tormented modern history of civil war, following Jal from child soldier to rap star. Jal is also the founder of Gua Africa, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and ensuring sustainable development of local communities in Sub Saharan Africa. In addition to his ongoing international tour, Jal's first book, "War Child: A Child Soldier's Story," was released in February 2009 from St. Martin’s Press. This highly anticipated autobiography has been called "Quietly stirring," according to The New York Times. “Left home at the age of seven. One year later I’m carryin’ an AK-47.” For hip-hop artist Emmanuel Jal, a former child soldier in Sudan’s brutal civil war, these lyrics are hardly empty posturing. They are the bitter reality of a young man who was “forced to sin” but determined to “never give up and never give in.” Today, wounded but still hopeful, he fights a new battle: bringing peace to his beloved Sudan and building schools in Africa. This time, his weapon is a microphone. See why audiences from New York to Berlin to London rave about the award-winning film "War Child" and have embraced the hip-hop artist with a terrifying past and a gentle soul. Interspersing original interviews, live concerts, and rare footage of Jal as a seven-year-old boy, War Child will make viewers cry, laugh, dance, and celebrate the power of hope. This event is co-sponsored by Amnesty International, UND and the Multicultural Awareness Committee, a Division of Student Government. Arrangements for the appearance of Emmanuel Jal made through Greater Talent Network Inc., New York, N.Y. A complete schedule of events and other information can be found online at www.ndmoa.com. The North Dakota Museum of Art is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 1 to 5 p.m. weekends. Admission is a $5 suggested donation, and change from children. The Museum is located at 261 Centennial Drive stop 7305, Grand forks N.D., 58202. Please call 777-4195 for further information. -- North Dakota Museum of Art