New York, N.Y., December 26, 2001 … "Silent Beats," a moving account of one young man's view of racial profiling, was recently awarded the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Dore Schary Award, which honors student filmmakers for using their medium in the fight against anti-Semitism, hatred, prejudice and bigotry. The film was written and directed by Jon M. Chu, a student at the University of Southern California School of Cinema & Television.

"'Silent Beats' is an exceptional student film that vividly portrays the emotional effects a young African-American boy faces when he is racially profiled," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. "This film is especially telling and relevant for these times-showing how misleading it is to suspect someone of doing wrong simply by their race or appearance."

In 1982, ADL established the Dore Schary Awards to honor the memory of the filmmaker for his contribution to the art of the motion picture - and for his leadership as National Chairman of the Anti-Defamation League. The contest is open to university and graduate students majoring in film and television.

Dore Schary (1905-1980) was one of Hollywood's most distinguished writers, directors and producers. His 372 film credits include a host of motion pictures that are eloquent testimony to his love of people and his passionate respect for their diversity. The League honored Mr. Chu, of Los Altos, California in Los Angeles on December 1.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.