Embassy Warsaw supports American Science Fiction Festival in Poznan

On June 4, 2007, ACAO Hilary Renner participated as a judge, presented awards and certificates to the competition winners, and gave a presentation at the “Third Annual American Science Fiction Literature Competition” in Poznan.  Renner spoke on “Trends in American Science Fiction” highlighting the literary significance of the science fiction novel “Dune.” Embassy Warsaw also gave a small grant to this annual competition for high-school students in Poznan which over 50 competitors recite science fiction literature in English. Each of four winners who participated in the several rounds of competition winning for not only pronunciation but dramatic presentation were awarded week long English language summer camps, English language books, and other materials. In the auditorium, several students had created art work which included several three-dimensional pieces depicting some of the alternative worlds written about in American science fiction.  The Embassy also supported this event by inviting the finals competitors to participate in a Meet America program on June 19, 2007 during which the students were greeted by U.S. Ambassador to Poland, Victor Ashe, and Embassy representatives spoke about American Family, U.S. Education, and American Life Style and Culture.