Shenandoah University will screen the documentary film “Cornerstone” at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 20, at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema – Winchester (181 Kernstown Commons Blvd, Winchester).
“Cornerstone” is the inspiring documentary film about the journey of Twesigye Jackson Kaguri, a humble immigrant living the American dream who leaves Columbia University to return home to Uganda to care for his brother who is dying of AIDS. When Kaguri discovers the disease has overwhelmed his home village, he makes a decision, which forever changes the course of his life and the people of the Enengo Valley in Western Uganda.
The film, by award-winning director Debi Lang, touches on Kaguri’s moving personal story, which inspired the creation of Nyaka AIDS Orphans Project – a comprehensive, community-based organization that utilizes a unique holistic approach to not only combat hunger, illness and poverty, but also to educate children, create financial independence, and empower girls and women.
Kaguri’s work with Nyaka AIDS Orphans Project has earned him the respect of humanitarians worldwide, including the United Nations. He received the 2015 Waislitz Global Citizen Award, was named a 2012 CNN Hero, is recognized in Time Magazine’s “Power of One” series, is a Ted Talks participant and has authored four books, including the widely popular “A School for My Village.”
Over the years, Kaguri has become a familiar face on Shenandoah University’s campus, serving as a guest speaker to a number of First-Year Seminar classes since 2009. Through various fundraisers and initiatives, Shenandoah students have supported Nyaka AIDS Orphans Project. Kaguri was awarded a honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from Shenandoah University in 2016.
The “Cornerstone” screening is presented in partnership with Alamo Drafthouse Cinema – Winchester and Film Club 3.0. Tickets are $5 each, and can be purchased via the Alamo’s website. All proceeds benefit Nyaka AIDS Orphans Project. A Q&A with Kaguri follows the 6:30 p.m. screening. The evening will also include a book signing, raffle and craft sale. For more information, contact Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs & Director of General Education Amy Sarch at 540/542-6534 or asarch@su.edu.
