Southeast Premiere of “The Widowmaker”

Every minute of every day, an American drops dead of a heart attack, hundreds of thousands without any warning or prior symptom. But these people could have been saved. “The Widowmaker” uncovers a chilling tale of greed, ego, and a conspiracy of silence around that most vulnerable of human organs--the heart.

The Heart2Heart Foundation has partnered with Irish Heart Disease Awareness, Oxford Films, Winthrop University, Carolina Cardiology and the Underexposed Film festival yc to bring a public showing of the film on Thursday, Nov. 12, at Dina’s Place in the DiGiorgio Campus Center.

One of the key elements of “The Widowmaker” film is the animatronic heart. It’s the most realistic model ever made and is the creation of one of Steven Spielberg’s animatronics technicians, Chris Clarke, working in collaboration with Professor Simon Redwood of St. Thomas' Hospital in London, one of only six master surgeons in Europe, and Dr. Bruce Brundage, a leading U.S. cardiologist.

“We hope by making this film available that more women and men will learn about coronary calcium scoring, who needs this preventative screening, and how it can help detect heart disease at an early stage,” said Sheila Caldwell, president and founder of the Heart2Heart Foundation. “The key weapon in our fight against heart disease is early detection. About 80 percent of the risk factors leading to heart disease can be prevented or managed. Our ultimate goal is to prevent heart attacks, strokes and early death, and studies have shown that calcium scoring can be a valuable screening tool for those at risk of developing heart disease!”

There will be a meet and greet at 6 p.m. prior to the showing of “The Widowmaker” at 7 p.m. The film will be followed by a Q&A period with special guest panelists including David Bobbett, executive producer and founder of Irish Heart Disease Awareness, and Dr. Sushil Singhi and Dr. Naresh Mori of. Carolina Cardiology Associates.

The event is open to the public. Tickets are free; however, reservations will be required to attend. The event is approved for Winthrop University Cultural Credit.

Reserve seats online at the Heart2Heart Foundation or by calling (803) 524-5671.