Film honors Detroit activist

DETROIT – The film "Professional Revolutionary" tells the story of celebrated activist Detroiter Saul Wellman who died at the age of 90 in late 2003.
According to the film's web site, "Saul Wellman changed with the times – one can actually observe the young rebel becoming a wiser and calmer activist – while maintaining his political values and integrity. What the film achieves is a remarkably complex portrayal of one man's struggle and sacrifice for his political beliefs. As the film ends at a protest against the 2003 war in Iraq, Wellman reaffirms the importance of action – no matter what. For even aging and half-blind, Saul Wellman invites the most diverse groups of people to see themselves in a wider world, share the common condition, and act to improve it."
The film was developed in a collaboration between director Judith Montell, dozens of local activists mentored by Saul, Detroit Public Television, and Wayne State University Professor of Ronald Aronson, and was supported by WSU, the Michigan Humanities Council, Detroit Public Benefit Corporation, and hundreds of individual contributors.
The Gala Premiere of "Professional Revolutionary" will be May 22 at 3 p.m. at Wayne State University's 100 General Lectures Building at Anthony Wayne Dr (3rd Street) and Warren Ave. A reception will precede the film from 2-3 p.m. at the Polish Lounge in Alex Manoogian Hall (directly west of General Lectures building featuring Victor Navasky, Publisher of The Nation, as a guest of honor. Funds raised by the screening and reception will be used to help pay remaining production costs and enable the film's creators to edit it for broadcast on Detroit Public Television and other PBS stations. Film-only tickets are available from $10-$20, while fundraiser tickets range from $75/per person to $150 per person. Navasky will personally sign a copy of his new book, "A Matter of Opinion," for those who purchase Patron-level tickets for the film and reception. For tickets or more information call 313-577-0828, email [email protected] or visit http://www.professionalrevolutionary.org.