News & Video

SCI FI’S VISIONS FOR TOMORROW PARTNERS WITH
THINKQUESTNYC FOR BATTLESTAR GALACTICA RETROSPECTIVE AT THE UNITED NATIONS

Whoopi Goldberg, Mary McDonnell, Edward James Olmos, U.N. Representatives, and More Than 100 New York City High School Students

Discuss Social and Political Issues Raised by SCI FI Channel Series

NEW YORK, NY - March 17, 2009 - Tonight, SCI FI and The United Nations will present a retrospective panel discussion examining the social and political issues raised by the critically acclaimed and award-winning series Battlestar Galactica. As part of SCI FI’s Visions For Tomorrow, a pro-social initiative to positively impact the future, more than 100 New York City high school students have been invited to join the conversation through a partnership with educational non-profit ThinkQuestNYC, a non-profit organization that creatively brings together learning and technology for students and educators. The schools that attend this event will be eligible to participate in a special project for the NBC Universal Digital Media Competition. Students will be asked to create a digital media project based on the themes discussed at the United Nations.

“It’s a great honor for SCI FI to partner with the United Nations to examine these important world issues,” said SCI FI President Dave Howe. “This event affirms Battlestar Galactica’s topical relevance in reflecting our lives today. We are immensely proud of the work done by the producers, writers, cast and crew, and I can’t think of a more auspicious way to recognize their achievements as the finale approaches this week, than to be invited to this international stage by such distinguished hosts.”

Moderated by Oscar-winning actress and host of The View Whoopi Goldberg, the panel will discuss human rights, children and armed conflict, terrorism, and reconciliation and dialogue among civilizations and faiths. The panel will feature the cast and executive producers of Battlestar Galactica including Edward James Olmos, Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated actor; Mary McDonnell, Emmy and Oscar-nominated actress and SCI FI Visions For Tomorrow board member; Ronald D. Moore, Emmy-winning executive producer and writer; David Eick, Emmy-winning executive producer and writer; as well as U.N. members Radhika Coomaraswamy, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict; Craig Mokhiber, Deputy Director, New York Office, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights; Robert Orr, Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Planning, Executive Office of the Secretary; and Famatta Rose Osode, Minister and Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Liberia to the United Nations.

Through its newly established Creative Community Outreach Initiative, the United Nations Department of Public Information will co-host the event with SCI FI. The Department of Public Information’s Creative Community Outreach Initiative (CCOI) aims to partner with the international film and television industries in order to raise awareness of critical global issues. Building on collaborations such as The Interpreter, Che, and an episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, CCOI provides film, new media, television, and documentary producers around the world with access to information about the work of the United Nations and its priority issues, offers logistical advice and assistance, and participates in dynamic special events with creative community partners.

Battlestar Galactica is the gripping saga of humanity’s last remnants and their struggle to find a new home while fleeing from their deadly Cylon enemies. Galactica’s issues-driven topicality, and command performances have garnered it numerous awards, including several Emmy Awards and the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award. The show was recognized by the American Film Institute (AFI) as one of the most outstanding programmes of the year two years running. The series is from Universal Media Studios, and the ensemble cast is led by Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell, Katee Sackhoff, Jamie Bamber, James Callis, Tricia Helfer and Grace Park.

SCI FI’s Visions For Tomorrow is a multi-platform, pro-social campaign using the power of science fiction to inspire individuals, organizations, corporations and policymakers to meet the growing challenges of the future and advance the idea that individuals can affect positive change. Guided by an advisory board of 19 of the world’s most relevant visionaries and innovators in science, technology, design, journalism, film, television, business, government and future studies, the campaign utilizes public service announcements, educational curricula, and an interactive Web site (www.visionsfortomorrow.net) to impact the future.

SCI FI Channel is a television network where “what if” is what’s on. SCI FI fuels the imagination of viewers with original series and events, blockbuster movies and classic science fiction and fantasy programming, as well as a dynamic Web site (www.scifi.com) and magazine. Launched in 1992, and currently in 93 million homes, SCI FI Channel is a network of NBC Universal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies.

Contact:

Sallie Schoneboom   212.664.3467   sallie.schoneboom@nbcuni.com

Thomas Dimas   212.664.6407   thomas.dima@nbcuni.com