NATHAN ANCHETA

Scene Editor

Jason Russell was working his way up through the movie business. He graduated from USC film school, worked as an assistant to the director of “Step Up 2: The Streets,” and sold the idea for a musical to

Dreamworks SKG.

In March 2003, before getting bogged down in work, Russell decided to take a trip. Instead of some sunny beach or Europe, he along with a few friends – Bobby Bailey, and Laren Poole – chose to go to Africa. Naturally, as a filmmaker, Russell wanted to document his excursion, so the group bought a camera from eBay and set off to Uganda.

What they saw changed their lives. And Russell’s career path.

In Africa, they witnessed the abduction of thousands of Ugandan children by the rebel group the Lord’s Resistance Army. The LRA is classified as a terrorist organization by the United States.

Many children are orphaned by the AIDS epidemic. Once abducted, they are turned into child soldiers.

Russell started the organization Invisible Children Inc. to raise awareness for the issue.

The resulting footage ended up becoming the documentary, “Invisible Children: Rough Cut.” There will be a screening of Russell’s newest film from Uganda, “Invisible Children: The Rescue” in the Harper Center Auditorium on Oct. 26 from 7 – 9 p.m.

Arts & Sciences sophomore Khloe Keeler organized the event.

The name ‘Invisible Children’ comes from the refugees’ tendencies at night. They become night commuters. They try to hide anywhere possible during the night so they aren’t abducted by the LRA.

‘Invisible Children’ is also derived from the fact that their story isn’t known. Most Americans aren’t aware of this tragedy.

“People should come because the conflict has been going on for 23 years. The opportunity to end the war is now. Now is the time to get involved,” said Cody Cassady, Invisible Children coordinator.