Center for American Progress

ADVISORY: CAP and Sen. Richard Durbin Host Exclusive Screening of ‘Spare Parts,’ Panel Featuring Actors George Lopez, Carlos PenaVega, and Subject of Film Oscar Vazquez
Press Advisory

ADVISORY: CAP and Sen. Richard Durbin Host Exclusive Screening of ‘Spare Parts,’ Panel Featuring Actors George Lopez, Carlos PenaVega, and Subject of Film Oscar Vazquez

Washington, D.C. — On Tuesday, January 13, 2015, the Center for American Progress and Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL) will host an exclusive screening of “Spare Parts” as part of CAP’s Reel Progress film series. Prescreening remarks will be delivered by CAP President Neera Tanden, Sen. Durbin, and Oscar Vazquez, a former robotics competitor and the subject of the film. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with actors George Lopez and Carlos PenaVega—both of whom are featured in the film—and Marshall Fitz, CAP Vice President of Immigration Policy. The discussion will be moderated by Vanessa Cárdenas, Vice President of Progress 2050 at CAP.

“Spare Parts” is the true-life story of four Hispanic high school students who form a robotics club under the leadership of their school’s newest teacher, Fredi, played by George Lopez. With no experience, $800, used car parts, and a dream, this rag-tag team goes up against the country’s reigning robotics champion, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. On their journey, they learn not only how to build a robot but also how to build a bond that will last a lifetime.

** This event is open to press. To attend, please RSVP here**

WHO:

Welcome remarks:
Neera Tanden, President, Center for American Progress

Prescreening remarks:
Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL)
Oscar Vazquez, former robotics competitor and subject of the film

Panelists:
George Lopez, actor, “Spare Parts”
Carlos PenaVega, actor, “Spare Parts”
Marshall Fitz, Vice President, Immigration Policy, Center for American Progress

Moderator:
Vanessa Cárdenas, Vice President, Progress 2050, Center for American Progress

WHEN:

January 13, 2015
6:30 p.m. ET – 9:00 p.m. ET

WHERE:

Landmark E Street Cinema
E St. NW between 10th St. and 11th St.
Washington, D.C., 20005

Nearest Metro: Blue/Orange/Red Line to Metro Center

RSVP:

Space is extremely limited. RSVP required.
Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis and is not guaranteed.

RSVP to attend this event.

For more information or to speak to an expert, please contact Tanya S. Arditi at [email protected] or 202.741.6258.

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