With PBS Frontline producers Martin Smith & Marcela Gaviria; moderated by Ultan Guilfoyle
The SUNY Sullivan Foundation is proud to present “Excerpts & Conversation” with award-winning journalists Martin Smith and Marcela Gaviria in an in-person presentation of the critically acclaimed PBS Frontline documentary, “China, the U.S. & the Rise of Xi Jinping.” In a unique format moderated by Ultan Guilfoyle, the audience will gain firsthand perspectives on the making of this powerful film, the ascent of China’s influential leader, Xi Jinping, his impact on China, and relations with the U.S. and the world. The event will take place on Thursday, June 26, at 6 p.m. in SUNY Sullivan’s Seelig Theatre.
Tickets for the screening and question and answer session are $75; there will be a coffee reception following the screening. There will also be a pre-screening meet and greet cocktail reception with the filmmakers starting at 4:30 p.m., for which tickets are $150. Tickets can be purchased online at sunysullivan.edu/excerpts-conversation/.
All proceeds from this event will benefit the SUNY Sullivan Foundation, which plays a critical role in sustaining SUNY Sullivan as an accessible and affordable institution of higher education in Sullivan County.
“This is an incredible opportunity for our community to engage with vital global issues through the lens of award-winning investigative journalism,” said SUNY Sullivan Foundation Chairman Jose Herrera. “The evening with Martin Smith and Marcela Gaviria promises to be a truly illuminating experience.”
Smith and Gaviria are veteran PBS FRONTLINE journalists and producing partners with RAINmedia, an independent documentary production company based in Livingston Manor, N.Y. Their impactful films, many produced and reported for PBS FRONTLINE, have covered the most significant news events of our time. Since founding RAINmedia, Smith and Gaviria have produced and reported over 50 hours for PBS FRONTLINE. RAINmedia’s films have won every major award in broadcast journalism, including multiple Emmys, duPont-Columbia Gold Batons, George Polk Awards, Peabody Awards, Overseas Press Club Awards, and Writers Guild Awards. RAINmedia is committed to powerful storytelling, exceptional production values, and intelligent reporting.
Guilfoyle, former director of film and video production at the Guggenheim Museum, co-curated the blockbuster “The Art of the Motorcycle” exhibition. A filmmaker who began his career at the BBC, his award-winning films have been shown on major networks in the U.S. and UK. He also writes about design and architecture.
“Excerpts & Conversation” marks the exciting launch of SUNY Sullivan’s Cultural Connections series. The series will serve as an ongoing platform for a wide array of cultural experiences at SUNY Sullivan, including performances, readings, talks, music, screenings, and more.
“We’re thrilled to launch Cultural Connections with Martin Smith and Marcela Gaviria’s documentary,” said SUNY Sullivan President Dr. David Potash. “It is a timely and fascinating look at China and the U.S. I can’t think of a better way to start an exciting series of events that are grounded in connectivity and our community.”
Sponsorships are available for this event. For more details about tickets, the event, sponsorships, or for any other details, please visit sunysullivan.edu/excerpts-conversation or contact the SUNY Sullivan Foundation at 845-434-5750 x3188 or via email at foundation@sunysullivan.edu.
About SUNY Sullivan: SUNY Sullivan is the leader of innovative higher education and a catalyst for workforce development throughout the Sullivan Catskills and beyond. Its diverse community cultivates personal growth and professional advancement, preparing students for success in a sustainable and interconnected world. A forward-looking, top-tier community college in New York, SUNY Sullivan offers over 40 degree programs, certificates, and microcredentials for learners at all levels of their educational goals. Its team values critical inquiry and creativity while supporting its students in a culture of inclusion and respect.
About the SUNY Sullivan Foundation: The SUNY Sullivan Foundation seeks and secures private funds to supplement the College’s traditional revenue sources. Through ongoing efforts, it provides scholarship assistance, funding for equipment, enrichment programs, and the ability to enhance and strengthen selected academic areas and programs that prepare students for life after formal education. The Foundation was formed under the provisions of Section 216 of the Education Law and Section 404, subdivision (d) of the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law. The Foundation is governed by an independent Board of Directors.