| For Immediate Release SONGS OF FREEDOM, PRESENTED BY WXXI, WINS (Rochester, New York) April 4, 2011 – Songs of Freedom, produced by independent producers Dave Marshall and Chris Christopher and presented to the public television system by WXXI, won a New York Emmy® Award in the Children's Programming category and in the Director: Post Production category last night at the 54th Annual New York Emmy® Awards gala. The gala took place at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square. Songs of Freedom tells the story of a young slave girl, Imani, during the pre-civil war in the South. She finds the strength to break free and goes on a harrowing journey to freedom in the North. The educational program is designed for fourth graders, and includes a book, film, curriculum and website. To learn more, log on to: www.songsoffreedom.net. "It took the efforts of many people to make Songs of Freedom, and everyone -- our cast, our crew, our sponsors -- have our deepest thanks," said Producer/Director Dave Marshall in accepting the award. "We are especially grateful to WXXI, the PBS affiliate in Rochester, NY, and our friends Norm Silverstein, Elissa Orlando and Todd McCammon," added Managing Producer Chris Christopher. "As independent producers we are proud to have WXXI as our broadcast home." WXXI also received Emmy award nominations for two of its productions. Its film, Restoring a Masterpiece: The Renovation of the Eastman Theatre, produced in partnership with the Eastman School of Music, was nominated in the Documentary category. Restoring a Masterpiece was made possible by support from The Pike Company, PAETEC, Louise Epstein, Keith & Betsy Wilson, and members of WXXI. New York Wine & Table, produced in partnership with the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, which features New York State food, wine, and agriculture, was nominated in the Magazine Program category. The New York Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, founded in 1955, is the preeminent membership organization serving all media professionals by offering career enhancing events and networking opportunities. NY NATAS fosters creativity and inspires artistic and technical excellence through the renowned Emmy® Award, the most prestigious honor and most coveted peer-recognition symbol of distinction in television. NY NATAS continues to evolve playing a vital role in recognizing outstanding content in the changing industry. As distribution platforms have expanded to include broadband and portable devices NY NATAS now honors television the art form regardless of the delivery platform. For more information, please visit www.nyemmys.org. ### |