The Plea: Film Premiere and Panel on the Power of Vaccines Featuring Dr. Paul Offit

Start: Monday, April 28, 2025 6:00PM
End: Monday, April 28, 2025 10:00PM

Join us for the world premiere of filmmaker Neil Halloran's latest film, The Plea, a powerful documentary exploring the global eradication of smallpox through vaccination-the only human disease successfully wiped out by science and global cooperation. This unique screening will feature a live accompaniment of the film's score led by Grammy-award winning musician Ranaan Meyer. Following the screening, engage in a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring vaccine expert Dr. Paul Offit, filmmaker Neil Halloran, and physician and vaccine educator Dr. Kristen Feemster, moderated by Dr. Jayatri Das, Chief Bioscientist at The Franklin Institute. Together, they will examine the critical role of vaccines in global public health, the lessons of the worldwide collaboration that eradicated smallpox, and why vaccine education is more important than ever.

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Reception in the lobby. Cash bar.
6:30 PM | Lobby and house doors open for general seating.
7:00PM | Event Begins

About the Participants

Dr. Paul Offit is a world-renowned pediatrician, infectious disease expert, and vaccine advocate dedicated to protecting public health through science-based medicine. As the Maurice R. Hilleman Professor of Vaccinology and a Professor of Pediatrics at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, he has been at the forefront of vaccine research and education for decades. Dr. Offit co-invented RotaTeq, a life-saving rotavirus vaccine that has prevented countless hospitalizations and deaths in children worldwide. Beyond his groundbreaking research, Dr. Offit is a tireless advocate for vaccine education and combating misinformation. He has authored numerous books and scientific publications, frequently appears in media interviews, and serves as a trusted voice in the fight against vaccine hesitancy.

Neil Halloran is an American filmmaker known for creating animated, data-driven documentaries that explore topics such as war and climate change. His notable works include "The Fallen of World War II" and "Degrees of Uncertainty."

Dr. Kristen A. Feemster is a pediatric infectious disease physician and researcher. She serves as the Executive Director of Global Medical Affairs for pneumococcal vaccines at Merck Research Laboratories and is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Jayatri Das is the Chief Bioscientist at The Franklin Institute, where she leads initiatives to engage the public in understanding neuroscience, health, and emerging technologies. She earned her Ph.D. in ecology and evolutionary biology from Princeton University.

Ranaan Meyer is a Grammy and Emmy award-winning double bassist, composer, and educator. He is best known as a founding member of the string trio Time for Three and serves as the Artistic Director of the Honeywell Arts Academy.

Artist / Speaker: Neil Halloran