South Carolina's only non-profit, art house theater showed Easy Street in October as part of their community film forum.

Theater proprietor, Larry Hembree writes, "One of the panelists, who has worked with homeless and the United Way for years, said your film seemed like some one had written a disseration and found the perfect people to prove the dissertation true."

We loved it.

Socially concerned law students at the Stetson University College of Law in St. Petersburg, Florida screened Easy Street Wednesday night.

After the screening, we were impressed to hear sharp, young lawyers-to-be asking "What can we do to help?". America needs more lawyers with a social conscience.

Professor of Sociology, Patrick Henry, and ECHO - Eckerd College Homeless Outreach Program, presented a showing of Easy Street at the Campus Theatre. Another fantastic turnout led to a lively and informative discussion afterwards.

Here's what the folks at Eckerd had to say about the film:

"This film provides a frank, unembellished view on homelessness at a time when the issues of homelessness in our city are the focus of local and national attention. Regardless of your interest in homelessness, this is an important film for anyone with an interest in community."

Due to popular demand, the proprietors of Studio @620 have announced they will show Easy Street again this coming Saturday, February 17 at 10am and Saturday, February 24 at 7pm. Reserved seating is available by calling the gallery at 727-895-6620.

Admission is $5 with 30% of the proceeds going to a local agency that helps homeless people. Last weekend we raised more than $200 for the Sophie Sampson Center for Hope. There will again be an opportunity for audience discussion after the screening and the filmmakers will be present. Last Saturday we had homeless advocates, political activists and business owners show up and the conversation was quite lively.
www.thestudioat620.com

Easy Street premiered this past Saturday at Studio @620, 1st Avenue S and 6th Street. Response was overwhelming and even though many people stood at the back and along the sides of the room to see the film, we were still forced to turn away at least 50 people.

To those of you who couldn’t get in, we apologize for your inconvenience. We were caught unprepared for the number of people who want to participate in both the viewing of this film and the “town hall” discussion that followed.

On February 8th, Steve Persall posted a thoughtful review of Easy Street in the St. Petersburg Times, calling the film “…a tour of urban poverty… offering topical insight into people who aren't always as hopeless or helpless as they appear.” more

Earlier in the week, reporter Jon Wilson did a story in the Neighborhood section, calling Easy Street “…a powerful rendering of an issue that has assumed its highest public profile in St. Petersburg since the days of the Great Depression…” more

Friday, February 8th, JoEllen Schilke interviewed Andrew and Stephen on her popular Bay area show, Art in Your Ear. Listen to the interview here.

The traveling Art Exhibition, GimmeShelter, had it's first show in Tampa on January 27th. The exhibition travels across the country displaying over 150 artist's works. Each piece of art is inspired by homelessness and created on a piece of cardboard. Easy Street's trailer will play during all of the exhibitions nationwide. Thanks, Greg, for bringing us on tour!