Arkansas PBS > Engage > Pressroom > AETN, UALR Public Radio/KUAR FM 89.1 host Community Cinema featuring 'For Once in My Life'
Posted 14 Jan 2011
The Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN) and UALR Public Radio/KUAR FM 89.1 invite the public to a free screening of For Once in My Life as part of Community Cinema Monday, Jan. 31, at 6 p.m. at Roosevelt Thompson Library in Little Rock.
The film, directed by Mark Moormann and produced by Jim Bigham, explores the struggles and triumphs, and the healing power of music, as the bands members unique talents are nurtured to challenge the worlds perceptions.
For Once in My Life, features 28 members of the Spirit of Goodwill Band, all living with varying degrees of physical and mental challenges. The pianist, Christian, is blind and autistic; lead singer Terry never fully recovered from being dropped by his father when he was 14 months old; and drummer Sams development was stunted by his mother's efforts to hide her pregnancy. With the enthusiastic encouragement of Dennis Pastrana, president and CEO of Goodwill South Florida, and their dedicated music director, Javier Peña, the members of the Goodwill Band have grown from one piano into an orchestra with voice, percussion, keyboards, and a brass section.
The film follows the Spirit of the Goodwill as they prepare for the U.S. Mayors Convention that will feature an audience of over 1,000 and highlights the arduous process that becomes a test of patience, compassion and faith.
The screening will be held in Roosevelt Thompson Library located on 38 Rahling Circle off Chenal Parkway in Little Rock. For more information, call AETN at 800-662-2386, or visit www.aetn.org/engage.
Following the screening, a community discussion will be held with president and CEO Brian Itzkowitz of Goodwill Industries of Arkansas. Attendees may register to win a free soundtrack of For Once in My Life that will be given away following the screening. For Once in My Life will air Wednesday, Feb. 2, at 7 p.m. on AETN-3 PLUS/World and Sunday, Feb. 6, at 11 p.m. on AETN-1.
Community Cinema, a free monthly screening series engaging communities through film produced by the Independent Television Service (ITVS), features monthly screenings followed by panel discussions with leading organizations, local communities and special guest speakers. The program is designed to help people learn about and get involved in the social issues raised in the documentaries.
The mission of UALR Public Radio is to deepen insight into the human experience, empower decision-making and enrich the lives of those we serve through quality news and cultural programs. UALR Public Radio operates two radio stations in Little RockKUAR FM 89.1, which broadcasts news, jazz and cultural programs including national programming from NPR, and KLRE 90.5, which broadcasts classical music.
The Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN) is Arkansass statewide public television network that enhances lives by providing lifelong learning opportunities for people from all walks of life. AETN delivers local, award-winning productions and classic, trusted PBS programs aimed at sharing Arkansas and the world with viewers. AETN depends on the generosity of Arkansans and the State of Arkansas to continue offering quality programming. For more information, visit www.aetn.org, or follow the AETN blog at www.aetn.org/engage. AETN is broadcast on KETS (Little Rock), KEMV (Mountain View), KETG (Arkadelphia), KAFT (Fayetteville), KTEJ (Jonesboro), and KETZ (El Dorado).