President Obama to screen DiCaprio movie at White House SXSL (South by South Lawn) festival

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In a move you can file under ‘things that would never happen if Donald Trump was president,’ Barack Obama is to screen Leonardo DiCaprio’s new film on the lawn outside the White House, then have a conversation with him about climate change.

The “first-of-its-kind film screening” of Before the Flood will take place at the inaugural South by South Lawn: A White House Festival of Ideas, Art and Action on 3 October, which was inspired by POTUS’ recent visit to South by Southwest in Austin, Texas.

The titans of film and politics will be joined for the debate by climate scientist Dr. Katharine Hayhoe.

SXSL was put together in partnership with SXSW and the American Film Institute (AFI) and will be live-streamed.

It is described on its dedicated mini-site thus:

‘Earlier this year, President Obama traveled to South by Southwest® for a conversation on civic engagement. In Austin, he called on creative thinkers and entrepreneurs from across the country to help tackle our toughest challenges. On Monday, October 3, we're celebrating that spirit of innovation at South by South Lawn, a White House festival of ideas, art, and action.

At SXSL, we'll call on every American to roll up their sleeves and discover their own way to make a positive difference in our country. And it's an opportunity to celebrate the inspiring work so many Americans have already accomplished.’