'Codebreaker' screening will include Q&A with producer

LAWRENCE —The University of Kansas will stage a screening of Patrick Sammon’s docudrama “Codebreaker” at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, in the Spencer Museum of Art Auditorium. It will follow with a question-and-answer period with the producer.

Alan Turing’s code-breaking helped turn the tide of World War II, arguably reducing it in length and saving millions of lives. He is one of the 20th century's most important scientists, yet few people have heard his name, know his story or understand his legacy.  As the founding father of computer science and artificial intelligence, Alan Turing laid the foundation for the modern world.

“Codebreaker” premiered on Channel 4 in the United Kingdom last year, attracted 1.5 million viewers and received solid reviews.  The Times described the film as “… an overdue and thoroughly honorable telling of this dreadful story.”  The Sunday Times called it “powerful” and “imaginative.” The film is now scheduled to be broadcast in France, Canada and in the USA.  

Sammon, the executive producer and creator of “Codebreaker,” will attend the screening of the film and provide Q&A afterward.  Professor Perry Alexander, who is a faculty member in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department, directs the Information and Telecommunication Technology Center and teaches the Spring 2013 University Scholars Seminar, will introduce Sammon. 

The screening of "Codebreaker" and a Q&A with its executive producer and creator will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, in the Spencer Museum of Art Auditorium.  This event is free and open to the public.

The event is co-sponsored by the University Honors Program in collaboration with The Commons, the School of Engineering and the Center for Digital Humanities as well as the departments of Film & Media Studies and Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies. It is free and open to the public.