PRESS RELEASES
New Film Celebrates King's Memory, Kennedy's Speech
March 13, 2008
| Indianapolis, IN – On April 4, 1968, the tragic day when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, Robert F. Kennedy offered a glimmer of hope to a disillusioned inner-city crowd through an inspiring speech he gave in Indianapolis. Heartland Truly Moving Pictures™ in association with Indiana Black Expo, Inc. invites the public to relive this simultaneously heartbreaking and uplifting occasion through two, free premiere screenings of the documentary “A Ripple of Hope,” on Friday, April 4 at the Madame Walker Theatre (617 Indiana Avenue) in Indianapolis. |  |
Screenings will be held at 1pm and 7:30pm. The 1pm screening is geared towards community youth and will be followed by a panel discussion on how we can respect, accept and appreciate the world’s rich diversity and different forms of expression. The evening screening will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by WTLC radio personality Amos Brown.
“A Ripple of Hope,” an independent documentary produced by Covenant Productions at Anderson University, captures the historical significance of Kennedy’s words that fateful day. Produced and directed by award-winning filmmaker Donald Boggs and featuring original music by Grammy Award winner John Colby, “A Ripple of Hope” uses digitally restored footage to retell this gripping and historic story. Featuring interviews with the late Congresswoman Julia Carson, veteran Indianapolis news anchor Tom Cochran and others, “A Ripple of Hope” poignantly relives Kennedy’s role in leading Indianapolis through one of this nation’s darkest events.
“We’re proud to present a documentary that recalls such an important occasion in our city’s history,” says Jeffrey L. Sparks, President and CEO of Heartland Truly Moving Pictures. “Kennedy’s speech eloquently articulated the anguish felt by millions of Americans on that day. This inspired film depicts the day’s events and their context in a clear and illuminating way.”
Robert Kennedy was visiting Indiana to gain support for his presidential candidacy, whose hopes rested largely on his ability to bridge racial and economic divides. He first made appearances at the University of Notre Dame and Ball State University before arriving in Indianapolis to attend a campaign rally at 17th and Broadway. Though officials urged Kennedy not to speak due to concerns of an ensuing riot, he insisted. Refusing to read from a prepared statement, Kennedy spoke instead from the heart, informing the visibly shocked crowd of King’s death and providing much-needed words of comfort and hope. Amazingly, while nearly every major U.S. city reported violence that night, Indianapolis was calm. Today, the spirit of Kennedy and King lives on in Indianapolis: a sculpture, funded by the Pacers Foundation, Inc., marks the spot of Kennedy’s speech.
Please join Heartland Truly Moving Pictures and Indiana Black Expo, Inc. in honoring this historic event. Two free screenings of “A Ripple of Hope,” sponsored by Locke Reynolds LLP, the Pacers Foundation, Inc. and Fifth Third Bank, will be held at the Madame Walker Theatre in Indianapolis.
Afternoon Screening
Focused on Community Youth
12:30 p.m.: Doors open
1:00 p.m.: Screening
2:00 p.m.: Panel Discussion on tolerance, diversity and expression
Evening Screening
Open to General Public
6:30 p.m.: Doors open
7:30 p.m.: Screening
8:30 p.m.: Panel Discussion on Kennedy’s words and continuing the
legacy and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. moderated by
Amos Brown; Reception immediately following the discussion
Admission is free and all seating is on a first-come, first served basis. School groups may contact the Heartland office at 317.464.9405 for afternoon screening reservations. For more information on this event, please contact the Heartland office or email info@TrulyMovingPictures.org. Additional partners include Covenant Productions, Anderson University, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, IMPD Youth Services, INRC and Peace Learning Center.
Heartland Truly Moving Pictures, a non-profit organization, seeks to recognize and honor filmmakers whose work explores the human journey by expressing hope and emphasizing the best of the human spirit. Its flagship event, the Heartland Film Festival, launched in 1991 and runs each October in Indianapolis, screening independent films from around the world. Each year, the Festival awards $200,000 in cash prizes and presents its Crystal Heart Awards to the top-judged submissions. Heartland has awarded more than $1.8 million to support filmmakers during the last 16 years. The organization’s Truly Moving Picture Award was created to honor films released theatrically that align with Heartland’s mission. By bestowing a watermark to honored films, the award allows studios and distributors to inform audiences of a film’s uplifting message and appeal. Heartland is also dedicated to its relationship with the National Collaboration for Youth and its expanding F.I.L.M., “Finding Inspiration in Literature & Movies,” project. For more information, visit www.TrulyMovingPictures.org.
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Local/Regional Relations Lisa Dudeck |
National Public Relations Lynda Dorf / Alfred Hopton |