Special screening of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly kicks off a new series ‐ Science in the Cinema

(May 22, 2009, Edmonton) Edmontonians are invited to attend a free afternoon of popcorn and a movie hosted by the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research. On Saturday, June 13, 2009, AHFMR is presenting The Diving Bell and the Butterfly at 4 p.m. at the Garneau Theatre, 8712 – 109 Street.

The film will be introduced by AHFMR Clinical Investigator Dr. Ken Butcher who investigates hemorrhagic stroke. This type of stroke, caused by uncontrolled bleeding in the brain, is the second most common kind, and is fatal or disabling for most people. Dr. Butcher's clinical research is exploring how people respond to treatments that lower their systolic blood pressure immediately following a stroke. Each year in Canada there are more than 50,000 strokes – that means someone is having a stroke every 10 minutes.

Awarded Best Picture of the Year at the 2007 Golden Globe awards, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly depicts the true story of Elle France editor Jean‐Dominque Bauby who, at 43 years old, suffered a stroke that paralysed his entire body, leaving only his left eye and eyelid mobile. Using that eye to write his memoirs, Bauby eloquently reflects on his world.

Following the film, Dr. Butcher will share with the audience the latest discoveries in stroke research and treatment. "Part of my role as doctor and scientist is to get the word out about how critical it is to seek medical attention if you or a loved one is having a stroke," says Dr. Butcher, a physician‐scientist in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta, and holder of the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta Professorship in Stroke Research. "This special evening provides an opportunity for people to ask questions about stroke."

"The Science in the Cinema program is part of our ongoing focus on science education," says Jacques Magnan, PhD, Interim CEO of the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research. "The idea is to reach new audiences and have some fun while we learn from AHFMR experts about the scientific topics raised in the films."

For pre‐interviews please contact: Karen Thomas, AHFMR Media Specialist,
1.877.423.5727 x225, 403.651.1112 (cell),

For reporters attending on June 13, 2009 please contact:
Dwayne Brunner, Liaison Manager, 1.403.619.4556,