PRESS RELEASES
"The Ultimate Gift" Deemed Moving by Heartland
March 8, 2007
Indianapolis, IN – According to Heartland Film Festival®, “The Ultimate Gift” will move audiences and touch their hearts with its endearing and profound story of self-discovery and benevolence. Heartland is honoring the film with its prestigious Truly Moving Picture Award for its excellence in filmmaking and for meeting Heartland’s mission. “The Ultimate Gift” opens in select theaters this Friday, March 9. "Heartland is excited to see ‘The Ultimate Gift,’ one of our 2006 Festival films, open in theaters around the country. This film has the distinction of receiving both a Truly Moving Picture Award and a Crystal Heart Award," said Jeffrey L. Sparks, President and CEO of Heartland Film Festival. |
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“‘The Ultimate Gift’ has an important message about the power of giving back. I know filmgoers of all ages will be inspired."
Heartland created the Truly Moving Picture Award as a way to honor theatrically-released films that demonstrate the Heartland purpose with excellence. 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. Other recent Truly Moving Picture Award recipients include “Amazing Grace,” “Beyond the Gates” and “Bridge to Terabithia.” Visit www.TrulyMovingPictures.org to view Heartland’s complete list of Truly Moving PicturesSM.
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Heartland and the National Collaboration for Youth (NCY) also selected “The Ultimate Gift” as part of 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 “The Ultimate Gift” program and to download the activity guide, visit www.youthfilmproject.org.
Advance tickets can be purchased for “The Ultimate Gift” through Fox Film Fund’s Web site www.foxfilmfund.com, but they are only available for opening weekend, March 9-11. Heartland has registered with Fox Film Fund to receive $1 for every movie ticket sold on the internet when people buy tickets using Heartland’s special code. The number is 500175.
Based on the best-selling novel by Jim Stovall, “The Ultimate Gift” sends trust fund baby Jason Stevens on a year-long, life-changing journey. When his wealthy grandfather dies, Jason anticipates a big inheritance. Instead, his grandfather has devised a crash course on life with 12 tasks –or “gifts”– designed to challenge Jason in improbable ways, sending him on a journey of self-discovery and forcing him to determine what is most important in life: money or happiness. The film is directed by Michael Sajbel and stars Oscar nominee Abigail Breslin, Drew Fuller, James Garner, Ali Hillis and Lee Meriwether. “The Ultimate Gift” received a Crystal Heart Award at the 2006 Heartland Film Festival.
About Heartland Film Festival
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 independent films 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 films that bring out the best of the human spirit.
Local/Regional Relations Lisa Dudeck |
National Public Relations Lynda Dorf / Alfred Hopton |