Melbourne browncoats host Global Charity Event for Equality Now. August 30th
As part of the global “Can’t Stop the Serenity” event, Melbourne brown coats are screening Joss Whedon’s “Serenity” and “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog” at the VCA Federation Hall in Southbank. 234 St Kilda Road, Sunday August 30, 2009. Doors open 11.30 am.
Tickets: $15 pre-paid or $20 at the door.
All proceeds are being donated to Equality Now, a international human rights advocacy group.
Website: www.melbournebrowncoats.com
Global Charity Event “Can’t Stop the Serenity” returns to Melbourne on 30 August
For the 4th year, fans of popular television and film writer/director Joss Whedon are gathering worldwide to raise money for Equality Now, a charity dedicated to promoting the human rights of beleaguered women and girls.
Tens of thousands of fans, geeks and gamers around the world will participate in “Can’t Stop the Serenity” fund-raising events to benefit charity organisation Equality Now. Over $250,000 has been raised since 2006, and this year we’re aiming to add another $150,000 to that total. On Sunday, 30 August it will be time for Melbourne fans to join in.
Melbourne’s event features a screening of cult sci-fi film Serenity and web sensation Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, as well the opportunity to win some extremely awesome prizes in the live auction, raffle and costume competition. Prizes include items signed by Serenity cast and creative team. It will be held at VCA Federation Hall (Victorian College of the Arts, 234 St Kilda Road, Southbank) from 12-4pm (Doors open at 11:30am). Tickets are $15 advance online (plus booking fees) or $20 at the door (cash only). Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to celebrate the works of Joss Whedon and raise money for a vital cause – Equality Now.
The story of Firefly and Serenity is an interesting case in popular culture. The Television series Firefly experienced a short run from September to December of 2002, before being cancelled mid-season due to low ratings and artistic disagreements with its creator, Joss Whedon. Not content with the show’s release on DVD in 2004, fans known as Browncoats grew in number across the globe, thriving on any content related to Firefly and bolstering DVD sales enough to merit creation of a movie epilogue to the series in 2005: Serenity.
Most fan stories usually end there, but inspired by Whedon’s passion for the underdog and his fiery post on Whedonesque.com in response to the senseless “honor killing” of young Du’a Khalil, his fans continue to go above and beyond to focus their enthusiasm and community into a force for good.
In 2009, Melbourne is among the 50+ cities that are holding a public screening of Serenity to raise funds and awareness for Equality Now. The entire net proceeds go to charity, and no one is paid for their time, including this year’s Global Organizer, Anne Barringer. Anne and her Global Team bring it all together by coordinating participating cities across the US, Canada, United Kingdom and Australia.
Melbourne Event Website: http://www.melbournebrowncoats.com
Global Event Website: http://www.CantStopTheSerenity.com
Equality Now: http://www.EqualityNow.org
Serenity: http://www.universalpictures.com.au/title/serenity/
Dr Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog: http://www.drhorrible.com
