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Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet Comes Back to Indy Feb. 26

The ALS Association Indiana Chapter and Heartland Truly Moving Pictures present 2012 Heartland Film Festival Award Winner “Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet” at AMC Castleton Square 14 on Feb. 26; event organized by Heartland volunteers affected by ALS.

Heartland volunteers Lisa Boncosky (left) and Jenni Berebitsky (right) with Piper.

Heartland volunteers Lisa Boncosky (left) and Jenni Berebitsky (right) with Piper.

Lisa Boncosky, a longtime Heartland Truly Moving Pictures volunteer, vividly remembers the first time she met Jenni Berebitsky a little more than two years ago:

“Our sons were in Montessori preschool together and we were both there for pick-up. Jenni was crying and I asked if she was okay. She told me not to worry, that these were ‘tears of joy’—she had just been approved to receive a service dog (Piper) from Indiana Canine Assistance Network.”

Jenni was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) in March 2009, just after her son’s first birthday and coinciding with the completion of her Naturopathic residency. She and her husband, Jeff, decided to move from Portland, Ore. back to Indianapolis, Ind. to be closer to family.

Jenni was still able to drive when Piper first came into her life. Now she is in a power wheelchair full time and relies on friends and family to provide transportation. Lisa is one of her regular drivers.

“I started volunteering for the Heartland organization about five years ago in various ways,” explained Lisa. “One of my favorite roles is sitting on the Truly Moving Picture Award jury where we screen upcoming films and evaluate whether or not the movie meets Heartland’s criteria for inspiring and promoting positive change. I thought the jury would be a great fit for Jenni—she is one of the smartest, most insightful people I have ever met and she loves movies.”

Beyond volunteering, Jenni and Lisa are also avid Heartland Film Festival attendees, and made a point to see 2012 Award Winner “Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet” together last October.

Pre-order tickets today!

When doctors diagnosed 19-year-old rock star Jason Becker with ALS, they said he would never make music again and that he wouldn’t live to see his 25th birthday. Twenty-two years later, without the ability to move or to speak, Jason is alive and making music with his eyes. “Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet” is a feature-length documentary film that tells the incredible story of a guitar legend who refuses to give up on his dream of being a musician despite the most incredible odds. It is a story of dreams, love, and the strength of the human spirit.

Jenni’s mom, Joyce Kleinman, suggested trying to get a screening together for The ALS Association Indiana Chapter. With a few phone calls and help from both Heartland Truly Moving Pictures and the ALS Association, they are excited to bring the film back to Indianapolis on Feb. 26, 7:00 p.m., at AMC Castleton Square 14 for a single screening. Heartland will introduce the screening and ALS Association Indiana Chapter will speak briefly after the film.

“The amazing thing about this film is the amount of depth it has,” said Jenni. “’Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet’ isn’t just about ALS. It is about using your gifts and how hard work pays off. It shows the resilience of the human spirit, a determination to embrace life, and how beautiful and nurturing families and friends can be. It raises awareness about this devastating disease, which is important, but this movie has something for everyone.”

All donations made beyond the ticket price will be split between nonprofits Heartland Truly Moving Pictures and ALS Association Indiana Chapter. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.tugg.com/events/2612. Learn more about the film at jasonbeckermovie.com.

Heartland Roadshow Movie Screening at The Orchard School to Support “My Sandy Hook Family Fund”

Local nonprofit arts organization Heartland Truly Moving Pictures invites community members to attend a fundraiser at The Orchard School on Wednesday, Jan. 23, at 6:30 p.m. All proceeds will be donated to “My Sandy Hook Family Fund,” a relief fund established to support the 26 families who lost children and family members in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Conn.

As part of its Heartland Roadshow community screening series, Heartland will partner with The Orchard School to show Who Cares?, a 2012 Heartland Film Festival Official Selection. Who Cares? is a film about people who are making changes, bringing solutions, generating huge social impact and most of all, inspiring people to do the same. It is a film that searches the world for brilliant people with simple solutions to difficult global issues. The goal of Who Cares? is to inspire people around the world to learn more about, become excited by and want to be engaged in the social entrepreneurship revolution.

“The movie Who Cares? was meant to inspire people to act, to be conscious of their own power of transformation,” said the film’s director, Mara Mourão. “We are very honored to serve as a drop of hope in the lives of people who are helping the victims of the horrific tragedy that occurred in Connecticut. A true changemaker never rests until his/her dream becomes reality. We are sure American citizens are going to find a solution to not let all those lives be lost in vain. We would be very proud if this movie spreads a wave of hope and strength to all people involved in this cause.”

“As a supporter of the Heartland Film Festival and a mom whose children attend The Orchard School, I drew immediate parallels when I watched the film in October,” says Heartland volunteer/event organizer, Peggy Meyer. “Who Cares? is such a powerful, outward-focused film. I knew I wanted to help create another opportunity for our community to experience it and that The Orchard School would be the perfect partners to host the event. The term ‘social entrepreneur’ was new to me, and I love it. I identify with it and see so many young ‘social entrepreneurs” walking through the hallways at The Orchard every day.”

Joseph P. Marshall, head of school at The Orchard School, hopes the event will make an impact on the community: “Being the host of this event, I see this documentary as an opportunity to illustrate to our students the importance of making a difference in the world by being active and participatory citizens. By all event proceeds being donated to ‘My Sandy Hook Family Fund,’ we convey to our students that we’re all connected, and that we can make a meaningful social impact.”

This is not the first fundraising movie event for Heartland Truly Moving Pictures. “In 2012 we launched the Heartland Roadshow where we go out in to the community with our own projection and sound equipment,” explained Heartland Chief Operations Officer Stuart Lowry. “We showcase inspiring films around Indiana and partner with other local nonprofits for unique fundraising opportunities. Last August we brought a film to the Zionsville Performing Arts Center, with proceeds going to the Zionsville Educational Foundation and the Humane Society of Indianapolis. We’re constantly seeking new partners and are thrilled to be working with The Orchard School to support the families of Sandy Hook Elementary School.”

The event will be hosted in The Orchard School Theater on Wednesday, Jan. 23 at 6:30 p.m. Orchard School is located at 615 W. 64th St. in Indianapolis. Tickets are $7.00 and can be purchased at www.hfforchardwhocares.eventbrite.com/, or at the door prior to the event.

Who Cares? director Mara Mourão is scheduled to join the audience after the screening for a special question-and-answer video chat session via Skype. A welcome reception of light appetizers and drinks will be held in the Orchard School lobby prior to the screening. Learn more about the film at www.whocaresthefilm.com.