NEENAH, Wis. (September 7, 2016) –The public is invited to discover the never-before-captured journey of a colored gemstone as it travels from mine to market in East Africa with documentary “Sharing the Rough” on Wednesday, October 5 during Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company’s annual community event.

The free film screening and presentation begins at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6 p.m. at Jewelers Mutual headquarters, 24 Jewelers Park Drive in Neenah.

“We welcome the public with open arms to our annual community event each year, “ said Ron Harder, past President and CEO of Jewelers Mutual and community event host. “We know the community looks forward to an inspiring night out and we can’t wait to share the amazing story of ‘Sharing the Rough.’”

“Sharing the Rough” documents the never before captured process of mine to market in the fine gem industry. More than that, it tells the story of the intricate relationships and passion that make jewelry more than just pretty stones, but an expression of our collective humanity.

From the determination of the miners who chop away for years without finding a single gem to the students attending schools that the mines fund and the consumer purchasing an heirloom piece of jewelry, the film introduces the chain of individuals impacted by the presence of gems. 
 
Shot mainly in East Africa with a skeleton crew and completely crowd funded, the film follows gem-cutter Roger Dery as he explores mines in Tanzania and Kenya looking for "The One" to later be turned into an exquisite piece of jewelry by designer Mark Schneider. Described as "Impressively polished and cohesive," by Eileen McClelland, the managing editor at INSTORE Magazine, the film reveals an entirely unseen perspective of the world of colored gemstones.

Filmmaker and Community Event Presenter, Orin Mazzoni

Filmmaker Orin Mazzoni, a Graduate Gemologist, grew up in a third generation family jewelry business and spent 10 years learning everything he could about the gemological trade. He switched gears and received a Masters Degree in Motion Pictures and Television from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, where his films won a record seven awards over 10 nominations.

Guests of the community event are also invited to explore the R. Harder Gallery of Gems and Minerals, one of the top private collections of minerals in the country before the documentary showing.

Attendees may also enter for a chance to win a jewelry prize as part of the evening’s event. The jewelry giveaway is free and all those in attendance may enter once.

Space is limited and advanced registration is required. Members of the public may register online or by phone at (920) 967-5946. The event will be held in the Earl DeLong Auditorium inside Jewelers Mutual’s headquarters, 24 Jewelers Park Drive, Neenah.