NOLA NCJW programs take on gun violence

The New Orleans Section of the National Council of Jewish Women is partnering with other local groups to host programs on gun violence in America.

A test screening of “91%: A Film About Guns in America” will be screened on Nov. 9 at 6 p.m., at Café Istanbul at the Healing Center. The film will be followed by a brief discussion, and question and answer session with filmmaker John Richie.

The program is presented in coordination with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America and the Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights.

According to surveys, 91 percent of Americans favor comprehensive background checks for gun purchases, giving the film its name.

The film had its first rough cut screening in Lafayette in early October. It examines the national conversation on gun legislation in light of the failure of Congress to pass a universal background check that would close loopholes in gun show and private sales of firearms despite the 91 percent support for such measures.

Richie’s previous project was “Shell Shocked,” a documentary about gun violence among African-American youth and the social service organizations that are working to change it. That film was screened at Touro Synagogue in 2013.

The discussion will continue on Nov. 12 at 6 p.m., at a social justice happy hour featuring a panel of women speaking on the topic of gun violence. The panel will be at Rebellion on Camp Street.

NCJW’s social justice happy hour series, “Moving the Ball Forward”, celebrates New Orleans most dedicated advocates for social justice and features all-women panels sharing their experiences and expertise on issue facing the community.