The Flick Chicks

Former President George W. Bush Hosts Private Screening for Powerful New Film "The Book Thief"

Former President George W. Bush Hosts Private Screening for Powerful New Film "The Book Thief"

November 07, 2013 03:28 PM Eastern Standard Time

HOUSTON--(Business Wire)--On Wednesday, November 6th President George H.W. Bush and Mrs. Barbara Bush hosted a special screening of 'The Book Thief' in Houston, TX. The theater was packed with 300 of their guests including the Bushes' sons Marvin and Neil; former Houston Mayor Bill White and his wife Andrea; former ambassador to Spain Eduardo Aguirre and his wife Tere; former Iranian diplomat Hushang Ansary and his wife Shahla; former California congressman Michael Huffington; and former Conoco Phillips chairman Archie Dunham. Mrs. Bush also invited all of the Saintly Stitchers from St. Martin's church to attend (they meet once a week to needlepoint.) Juan (the beloved janitor in the Bush building), also brought his daughter, and one of 41's favorite nurses from last year, Ruby, was present.

“I was deeply moved by this truly wonderful movie, which dramatized in a powerful way both the horrors of any war but also the abiding humanity that helped to sustain and save so many against a rising tide of evil so many years ago.”

The screening was met with applause and followed by a lively Q&A featuring author Markus Zusak, director Brian Percival and stars Geoffrey Rush and Sophie Nélisse moderated by Ernie Manouse of KUHT. Producer Karen Rosenfelt and Fox 2000 President Elizabeth Gabler were also in attendance. President George H.W. Bush: "I was deeply moved by this truly wonderful movie, which dramatized in a powerful way both the horrors of any war but also the abiding humanity that helped to sustain and save so many against a rising tide of evil so many years ago."Mrs. Barbara Bush: "I would have loved this incredible film under any circumstance, but the fact that one of the key plot lines involved a caring adult teaching a precious child to read -- well, that was the icing on the cake. What a painful, tender and ultimately rewarding story so very well told by all involved."

Photo selects are available via the Dropbox below.

PHOTO CREDIT: John Lewis

Link to images: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/nwx7fudoibayhbo/VbfhpqkGB5

Image Description by file number:

2801: Director Brian Percival shaking hands with President George H.W. Bush while Sophie Nélisse, Mrs. Barbara Bush and Geoffrey Rush look on

2813: Sophie Nélisse, Director Brian Percival, President George H.W. Bush, Mrs. Barbara Bush, Geoffrey Rush

2824: Sophie Nélisse, Director Brian Percival, President George H.W. Bush, Mrs. Barbara Bush, Geoffrey Rush, 'The Book Thief' Author Markus Zusak

2833: Producer Karen Rosenfelt shaking hands with President George H.W. Bush, Fox 2000 President Elizabeth Gabler shaking hands with Mrs. Barbara Bush while Director Brian Percival and Geoffrey Rush look on

2835: Producer Karen Rosenfelt shaking hands with Mrs. Barbara Bush with Fox 2000 President Elizabeth Gabler, Director Brian Percival and President George H.W. Bush

2837: Fox 2000 President Elizabeth Gabler, Director Brian Percival, President George H.W. Bush, Mrs. Barbara Bush and Producer Karen Rosenfelt

2867: Sophie Nélisse speaking with President George H.W. Bush

2871: Sophie Nélisse and President George H.W. Bush

2881: President George H.W. Bush, Mrs. Barbara Bush and 'The Book Thief' Author Markus Zusak

2899: Moderator Ernie Manouse, Geoffrey Rush and 'The Book Thief' Author Markus Zusak

• < Prev
• Next >