Free screening of Philadelphia in series Science in the Cinema

(December 18, 2009, Edmonton, Alberta) Edmontonians are invited to enjoy a free movie with popcorn hosted by the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR). On Saturday, January 16, 2010, AHFMR is presenting Philadelphia, followed by a discussion of HIV and AIDS research, at 4 p.m. at the Garneau Theatre, 8712 – 109 Street.

In this Oscar Award-winning movie, Tom Hanks stars as Andrew Beckett, a Philadelphia lawyer who has HIV/AIDS and is keeping this hidden from his conservative bosses. When he is inexplicably fired, he suspects AIDS is the reason.

After the film, AHFMR Senior Scholar Dr. Chris Power will discuss the latest HIV and AIDS research. A professor of medicine, and medical microbiology & immunology at the University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Dr. Power is also a neurologist whose practice focuses on caring for people HIV and AIDS. His research seeks to define the root cause of inflammation and infectious diseases of the nervous system – right down to the basic molecules involved. His team investigates what triggers HIV infections of the nervous system and what causes HIV to progress. “With over 35 milllion HIV-infected people globally and at least 65,000 infected individuals in Canada at present, HIV/AIDS remains a major health, social and economic challenge that should not be ignored by Canadians in all walks of life,” says Dr. Power, a Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in Neurological Infection and Immunity.

“This Science in the Cinema program is part of our ongoing focus on science education, inviting people around the province – especially young people – to enjoy a night at the movies and to learn about on-the-ground research in Alberta,” says AHFMR Interim CEO Jacques Magnan, PhD. “Our thanks go out to the scientists who have been attending and sharing their considerable expertise with Albertans.”

Upcoming Science in the Cinema dates:
The Sea Inside – Saturday, March 13, 2010
Shine – Saturday, May 15, 2010

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

For more information, and for reporters attending the film on January 16, 2010, please contact: Nancy Whelan, Education Community Outreach Manager, , 1.877.423.5727 x260, 1.403.471.7541 (cellular ‐ not for publication).