03/08/11

Story by Peggy Graham

Andrew Jenks

Andrew Jenks stops at JCCC during campus tours

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — In the hit MTV documentary, World of Jenks, award-winning documentary filmmaker Andrew Jenks takes viewers on unforgettable journeys as he captures on film a wide range of voices and personal stories.

Jenks will appear in person sharing highlights of those stories in An Evening with Andrew Jenks at 7 p.m. Friday, April 8, in Polsky Theatre of the Carlsen Center, Johnson County Community College

In each episode of his MTV series, Jenks, 24, focuses his lens and creates a bond with his subject to tell the story of one person's life, bringing viewers closer to understanding someone else's reality — everyone from a platinum-selling recording artist to a young homeless woman, from a pro-cheerleader to a young adult with autism. Jenks dives into disparate lives and, in the process, pioneers a new style of storytelling for a new generation.

On April 8, Jenks will talk about his film experiences and challenge students “to make a difference and leave their own unique stamp on society.” There will be a meet-and-greet in the lobby afterwards.

In conjunction with Jenks’ college tour circuit is his World of Jenks on Campus Bone Marrow Drive. Jenks has teamed up with DKMS Americas, the largest bone marrow center in the world, to save lives by recruiting bone marrow donors for leukemia patients. Volunteers, trained by DKMS staff, will use two cheeks swabs for testing potential donors.

An Evening with Andrew Jenks is co-sponsored by JCCC’s Campus Activities Board and the Performing Arts Series. Students will be helping with the bone marrow drive.

Tickets are $15 ($5 for JCCC students). Tickets can be purchased from the PAS box office, 913-469-4445, and the Student Activities and Information Desk, first-floor Student Center. For more information contact JCCC Student Activities at 913-469-3807.

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