Up River Film Screen This Thursday at OUZ

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- A documentary about the impact of poverty in Newark will be screened later this week.

Ohio University Zanesville will host the “Up River” screening on Thursday at 7 p.m. at Elson Hall. “Up River” tells the story of a grassroots organization called Think Tank. The goal of Think Tank is to empower those in poverty to take action for the betterment of themselves. Director Doug Swift said there is a meaning behind the title.

“It’s a parable for people in community organizing who try to deal with issues like poverty and issues associated with poverty. Because they find themselves dealing with the symptoms so much and burning out on the symptoms and nobody deals with the causes. And that’s the inspiration for the Newark think tank poverty,” said Swift.

Following the viewing OUZ will also have a panel discussion about poverty. Swift will moderate the discussion. The panel consist of 4 people Lori Baker, Sheryl House, James Mcdonald, and Kristen Rinehart.

“I think it feels good to see the movie because I see what’s going on. And I can feel connected to it. And maybe I know what I can do about it that’s constructive,” said Swift.

OUZ’s Elson Hall is located at 1425 Newark Road.