IDA Facilitates National Television Premiere of The Witness

IDA's Gabe Quash Helps Animal Rights Documentary Get Aired on Link TV

Gabe Quash, producer of IDA's groundbreaking show Undercover TV, recently helped bring award-winning documentary The Witness to a national television audience. It all began when Gabe told Toni Whiteman, a producer for Link TV, about Tribe of Heart's powerful film. Toni, who produces Link TV's "The Active Opposition" with renowned actor and activist Peter Coyote, had this to say after viewing The Witness and learning about Tribe of Heart's years' long struggle to develop national broadcast opportunities: "We bring documentary films to the American viewer that extend far beyond the narrow scope of the popular media. The Witness is one of those films, made with the courage and commitment to speak on behalf of those who have no voice. The strength of the force to banish this provocative film is the very reason we chose to broadcast it."

A film festival favorite, The Witness highlights the dramatic and inspiring personal transformation of tough Brooklyn construction contractor Eddie Lama, whose heart is opened by the tender love of a kitten. After his remarkable change in consciousness, Eddie dedicates himself to rescuing homeless animals and bringing a message of compassion for animals to the streets of New York City via his TV-equipped FaunaVision van. The Witness has won seven Best Documentary awards and one Best of Festival award. Los Angeles Times columnist Howard Rosenberg wrote, "The Witness is one man's truth that cries out for mass exposure. It may be the most important and persuasive film about animals ever made."

"So many people who have seen The Witness at film festivals and independent theatres have asked us, 'why isn't this playing on national TV?'" said the film's producer James LaVeck. "We always tell them there are a lot of great films they're not getting to see that tell the truth about what goes on behind closed doors in this country. That's why now, this opportunity to reach a mass audience in partnership with a broadcaster with the integrity and independence of Link TV means so much."

Link TV (channel 375 on DirectTV, and channel 9410 on the DISH Network) will air The Witness to viewers in 27 million American homes on Saturday, February 25th at 7:00 p.m. PST / 10:00 p.m. EST. This will be the first time that the film is shown on national television. Be sure to tune in, and to let your family and friends know about this exciting event. We are gratified to have played a part in making this broadcast possible, and that IDA will be mentioned following the film.

Visit www.tribeofheart.org for more information about Link TV's national television broadcast premiere of The Witness.