Screening Tuesday of documentary on tobacco industry deception

A special screening of the New York Times Film Critics’ pick, “Addiction Incorporated,” will be shown at the University of Hawaii at Hilo Sciences and Technology Building at the corner of West Lanikaula and Nowelo streets at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 19, to celebrate the American Cancer Society’s signature quit-smoking event, the Great American Smoke-out, and to honor winners of the “Keep Me Smoke-Free, It’s the Law” poster contest.

“The public is encouraged to attend this thought-provoking documentary that depicts a fascinating look at the tobacco industry and the heroes who exposed their deception, and take home a quit-smoking tool kit for a family member or friend,” said Sally Ancheta, East-Hawaii coordinator for the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaii.

“Addiction Incorporated” Executive Producer Charlene Parcero and director Charles Evans Jr. worked on this film for 15 years. This is the story of how a tobacco company sought to make a “safer” cigarette to decrease the danger of heart failure. Instead, scientists found indisputable proof that nicotine was highly addictive. The events that unfolded after the discovery provided the subject matter for this film. This expose has received critical acclaim for its riveting story of the tobacco industry’s lies and attempts to silence Victor De Noble, the scientist who blew the whistle on the industry.

“‘Addiction Incorporated’ is the documentary film that the tobacco prevention community is talking about. Now, we’re bringing it here to share with our community and to keep them aware of the continuous assault from Big Tobacco on our loved ones, ourselves and our children,” said Ancheta. “It is a must-see for everyone in the tobacco-control movement, and is as full of deceit, betrayal and lies as any thriller.”

To reserve a seat, visit this website: http://tinyurl.com/byw4gwr.

For more information, contact Ancheta at 936-2686. The event is sponsored by the American Cancer Society and the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaii, with support from the UHH Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy and CTFH East Hawaii partners.