Acclaimed Documentary Filmmaker to Speak
Morgan Spurlock, an award-winning writer, director and producer best known for his immersive explorations of social issues, will speak Monday, March 19 at 8 p.m. in Schwab Auditorium. He is the latest addition to SPA’s Distinguished Speakers Series. Tickets are free to students with a valid Penn State photo ID beginning Tuesday, March 13. Based on availability, tickets for the general public may be available for free starting Thursday, March 15. These tickets will be available at the Bryce Jordan Center Ticket Office, HUB Information Desk, Eisenhower Auditorium and Penn State Ticket Office Downtown.
Spurlock first gained popularity in 2004 for his first feature length film, “Super Size Me,” which played to audiences in more than 100 countries, and created several social changes across the nation, such as the elimination of super sized options from the world’s largest fast food chain. The film won best directing honors, a screenplay award and an Academy Award nomination for best feature documentary. Spurlock then went on to work on the critically acclaimed FX program, “30 Days.” His second feature documentary, “Where in the World is Osama bin Laden?,” premiered at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival and was named “one of the most important films of the year” by the Islamic Society of North America.
Spurlock is now the host of the Current TV series, “50 Documentaries to See Before You Die,” and produces the online series “Failure Club.” Spurlock’s latest film, “POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold,” a documentary about branding, advertising and product placement, premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival. His newest documentary, “Comic-Con Episode IV — A Fan’s Hope,” chronicles the madness of one of the largest events of the year. Spurlock will tour the country showing the documentary this spring, along with launching his new show, “Morgan Spurlock’s New Brittania.”
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