American filmmaker detained in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

This post come from a couple of your ACE colleagues:

NEW YORK, September 3, 2008 – Andrew Berends, an established,
award-winning American filmmaker and journalist from New York,
was detained Sunday August 31st by the Nigerian military along
with his translator, Samuel George. Andrew entered Nigeria
legally in April 2008 to complete a documentary film.

Andrew was held in custody without food, sleep, or
representation, and with limited water for the first 36 hours.
He has been questioned by the army, the police, and the State
Security Services in Port Harcourt. The State Security
Services has confiscated his passport and personal property.
Andrew has been returned to sleep in his rented room each
night after the initial 36 hours, but then re-detained each
morning. Andrew’s translator, Samuel George, has not been
released at night and has remained in custody since Sunday.

The US State Department is aware of the situation, and an
attorney has been retained on Andrew’s behalf. Reporters
without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists have
issued statements condemning Andrew’s arrest. We, Andrew’s
friends, family, and colleagues, are deeply concerned that he
has been held without cause and are calling for his safe
treatment and immediate release.

Videography Production Experiences in Kenya

Brad Beckman and a University of Idaho team of students recently traveled to Kenya to find solutions to local water problems. See the challenges Brad encountered while documenting this humanitarian effort. Click the picture for more information.

Thanks Brad!