Oscar-nominated 'Undefeated' to screen March 1

Oscar-nominated director and Western Washington University alumnus TJ Martin is coming to Western's campus March 1 for an exclusive screening of his documentary "Undefeated." Photo courtesy of Dan Lindsay/TJ Martin/ The Weinstein Company

Oscar-nominated director and Western Washington University alumnus TJ Martin is coming to Western’s campus for an exclusive screening of his documentary “Undefeated.”

Students, faculty and community members are invited to a special evening with TJ Martin at 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 1 in the Performing Arts Center Mainstage. Admission is free, but tickets are required by registering at the Western Alumni Association's website. A suggested donation of $5 to be applied toward Western student scholarships will be accepted at the door.

Martin could make history at the Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles the week prior to his return to Bellingham. If “Undefeated” wins the Oscar for Best Feature Documentary, Martin would be the first African American director to win an Oscar. John Singleton, Lee Daniels and Spike Lee have received nominations in the past, but none have won an Oscar statue. The film first received critical acclaim at its SXSW debut in March and was signed by The Weinstein Co. for distribution soon after.