Original MTV/CTV eight-part series stars Joaquin Phoenix, Cameron Diaz, Casey Affleck, Eva Mendes, Mos Def and more Programming Highlights / MTV Canada Posted by RAD on Mar 29, 2008 - 09:47 AM MTV in Canada calls attention to global social issues and fosters cultural awareness and understanding with the eight-part original Canadian series 4REAL, premiering Monday, April 14 at 8 p.m. ET. Executive Producer Joaquin Phoenix, along with Cameron Diaz, Eva Mendes, Casey Affleck, Mos Def, and more, are each featured in separate 30-minute episodes. The celebs embark on epic journeys to some of the most heartbreaking places on earth to connect with inspiring leaders who are affecting positive change in their local communities. "We're proud to be a part of a Canadian series that inspires a call to action," said Brad Schwartz, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Music and Youth Services, CTV Inc. "It's important to us to create content that has social currency and catalyses our viewers' conversations. A series like 4REAL gives young people the knowledge and tools to promote change effectively." 4REAL begins as a search for hope and understanding and becomes a celebration of real-life heroes making the world a better place. Vancouver's Sol Guy, 4REAL producer and co-creator, joins a different celeb every episode as they leave everything behind and go off the map. From Rio's City of God, to the peaks of the Peruvian Andes to Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, these celebrities are shocked and humbled in ways they won't forget. "It's really one of the few places in my life where I feel like I really achieved a sense of true contentment," said Joaquin Phoenix about his experience in the heart of the Amazon in the episode 4REAL Yawanawa. "Our partnership with MTV and CTV allows 4REAL to be a ground-breaking show on multiple levels," said Sol Guy. "We're splitting profits with the communities featured and we have an entirely new take on celebrity involvement. Most importantly, this series delivers a positive message. It's all about creating awareness and inspiring people to make a difference." 4REAL is set to air on various National Geographic channels around the world. The original Canadian production will be seen in 166 countries in 53 different languages. Sol Guy and 4REAL co-creator Josh Thome were recently honoured with the National Geographic Emerging Explorers Award, which recognizes their work on the series. Once again, MTV launches a multi-platform campaign to reach its audience. Each week, full episodes are available on demand immediately following the broadcast at mtv.ca/think. Viewers can also visit 4REAL.com to find out how they can take action and promote positive change. The series features the following eight episodes (all airings are Mondays at 8 p.m. ET): 4REAL Peru - Monday, April 14 at 8 p.m. ET Cameron Diaz and Sol head high into the Andes Mountains of Peru. They meet Puma Singona, of the Quechua tribe. Puma introduces Sol and Cameron to his community, takes them to a winter solstice ceremony, and shows them one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu. 4REAL Liberia - Monday, April 21 at 8 p.m. ET Music sensation M.I.A. and Sol travel to post war Liberia where they meet child rights advocate Kimmie Weeks. Kimmie shows how he is helping young people rebuild their lives and their country. 4REAL Haiti - Monday, April 28 at 8 p.m. ET Flea of the legendary Red Hot Chili Peppers and Sol head to the hills of Haiti. They meet rural health agent Camseuze Moise who travels to villages across the countryside to educate, empower, and save lives. 4REAL Yawanawa - Monday, May 5 at 8 p.m. ET Joaquin Phoenix and Sol head into the heart of the Amazon Rainforest to meet Tashka and Laura Yawanawa. Tashka and Laura have managed to double the Yawanawa territory and reinvigorate Yawanawa culture. They have also established economically and socially empowering relationships with the outside world. 4REAL Pawnee - Monday, May 12 at 8 p.m. ET Casey Affleck and Sol travel to the Pawnee Nation reservation in Oklahoma, USA. They meet the Native NVision crew who use hip hop, popular culture, film, and performing arts to reach out to Native youth. 4REAL City of God - Monday, May 19 at 8 p.m. ET Mos Def and Sol head to the infamous favela (slum) City Of God to meet with Brazil's #1 rap artist MV Bill. Mos Def and MV Bill explore the transformative power of hip hop culture and perform together in Rio for thousands of fans. 4REAL Kenya - Monday, May 26 at 8 p.m. ET Hip hop star K'naan and Sol travel to Kibera, the largest slum in East Africa, to connect with local hero Salim Mohamed. Salim shows them the medical clinic he helps run and the community development soccer program he coordinates for over 4,000 kids. 4REAL Vancouver - Monday, June 2 at 8 p.m. ET Eva Mendes and Sol visit Sol's hometown to connect with community leader Liz Evans and the Portland Hotel Society. Liz and her 200-person staff lend dignity and stability to the lives of people living in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. 4REAL is produced by Direct Current Media (DCM), in association with CTV for CTV and MTV. For more information on the series, visit 4REAL.com and mtv.ca. 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