The University of Toledo will host a free movie screening of “Darius Goes West” Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, at 5 p.m. in Doermann Theater on Main Campus

In this documentary that won 25 awards, 15-year-old Darius Weems and his friends set off across the United States with the goal of getting his wheelchair customized on MTV’s “Pimp My Ride.” Weems courageously faces Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a fatal disease. But through his humor, he sparks a revolution in the lives of everyone he meets.

“‘Darius Goes West’ is the perfect film to see before the holiday season because it is about the giving spirit and living life to the fullest,” said David Strukel, UT lecturer in communication. “When you see this film, you will realize that the actual movie just kind of happened and was a byproduct of a group of guys trying to make their friend’s life better. The amazing thing is that they end up making so many lives better. It’s one of the best motivational stories I have seen in film.”

“The story is very inspiring; there are far more laughs then tears because Darius is such an entertaining character. The film is something that everyone can relate to,” said Logan Smalley, director.

Darius, who turns 19 this year, and the crew are coming to Toledo in hopes of raising more awareness for muscular dystrophy as well as trying to sell one million copies of their film, with the proceeds going toward muscular dystrophy research.

For more information on the film and the fatal disease, visit:  www.dariusgoeswest.org.
For more information on the screening, contact Strukel at 419.530.4498 or [email protected].