PRESS RELEASES
Heartland Names "Freedom Writers
January 8, 2007
Indianapolis, IN — Heartland Film Festival® is pleased to honor “Freedom Writers” with its Truly Moving Picture Award. The award recognizes theatrically-released films that exemplify excellence in filmmaking and Heartland’s mission to explore the human journey by artistically expressing hope and respect for the positive values of life. “Freedom Writers” joins an elite and ever-expanding list of films to receive the award and be deemed a Truly Moving Picture. |
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"We are thrilled to recommend ‘Freedom Writers’ to audiences as our newest Truly Moving Picture Award winner," said Jeffrey L. Sparks, President and CEO of Heartland Film Festival. "We hope this important story will move educators, parents and young people alike to make a difference in their communities."
“Freedom Writers” is inspired by a true story and the diaries of real Long Beach teenagers after the L.A. riots, during the worst outbreak of interracial gang warfare. Two-time Academy Award® winner Hilary Swank stars as Erin Gruwell, whose passion to become a teacher is soon challenged by a group of Black, Latino and Asian gangbangers who hate her even more than they hate each other. When Erin begins to listen to them in a way no other adult ever has, she begins to understand that for these kids, getting through the day alive is enough. They are not delinquents, but teenagers fighting “a war of the streets” that began long before they were born. Erin gives them something they have never had from a teacher – respect. For the first time, these teens experience a hope that they might one day show the world that their lives matter and they have something to say.
Paramount Pictures presents in association with MTV Films the Jersey Films/Double Films Production “Freedom Writers.” This film is produced by Danny DeVito, Michael Shamberg and Stacey Sher and is based on the book “The Freedom Writers Diary.” “Freedom Writers” is directed by Richard LaGravenese and stars Hilary Swank, Scott Glenn, Imelda Staunton, Patrick Dempsey and Mario. The film will open nationwide on January 5.
“Freedom Writers” joins other Truly Moving Picture Award recipients “Charlotte’s Web,” “Happy Feet,” “Miss Potter,” “The Nativity Story,” and “We Are Marshall.” Fifty-nine (59) films have been honored since the award’s inception in 2000. To view Heartland’s complete list of Truly Moving PicturesSM visit www.TrulyMovingPictures.org.
Heartland created the Truly Moving Picture Award as a way to honor theatrically-released films that demonstrate the Heartland purpose with excellence, inspiring and enriching lives. Submissions are received directly from studios and producers for consideration. Since the industry decides a film’s success based on the opening weekend box office, Heartland encourages audiences to attend a Truly Moving Picture on its first weekend.
Heartland and the National Collaboration for Youth (NCY) also selected “Freedom Writers” as the tenth film in their collaborative program called F.I.L.M., “Finding Inspiration in Literature and Movies.” The literacy and film program encourages youth associated with NCY organizations around the country to screen the program’s featured films, read the books/scripts associated with the movies, utilize the activity guides and partake in related service projects. Heartland and NCY hope that by participating in F.I.L.M, youth will gain an appreciation for literature and film and will be inspired to realize their full capabilities. To learn more about the “Freedom Writers” program and to download the youth development activity guide, visit www.youthfilmproject.org.
Heartland Film Festival, a non-profit organization, was established in 1991 to recognize and honor filmmakers whose work explores the human journey by artistically expressing hope and respect for the positive values of life. Each October, Heartland screens Truly Moving Pictures from around the world and presents $200,000 in cash prizes and Crystal Heart Awards to the Festival’s top entries. This includes a $100,000 Grand Prize for Best Dramatic Feature underwritten by the Max Simon Charitable Foundation, a $25,000 Award for Best Documentary Feature and a $10,000 Vision Award for Best Short Film underwritten by Vision Racing. The remaining $65,000 is shared among the Crystal Heart and Jimmy Stewart Memorial Crystal Heart Award winners. Heartland has awarded more than $1.6 million in 15 years to support filmmakers in their quest to create Truly Moving Pictures.
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