(Newswire.net — August 9, 2013) Atlanta,GA — Award winning feature film director Darla Rae was recognized by NBA Commissioner David Stern for the award winning feature film Spirit of Love, the Mike “Stinger” Glenn story. It was the opening night film for the inauguration of the International Film festival at the state of the art Gwinnett Performing Arts Center and Arena near Atlanta in Duluth Georgia.
“This film and the terrific accolades it has received are well-deserved recognition of your compassion, perseverance and devotion to eradicating prejudice and building a better society. I know the entire NBA family joins me in wishing you the best of luck in the future with the film’s success and your ongoing efforts to instill the games virtues and life lessons in boys and girls who otherwise might never have had the opportunity.” Very truly yours, (signed ) David J.Stern.
“It was an honor to read and present the letter from the Commissioner to Mike, and be able to read it out loud to those attending the opening night festivities at the Gwinnett International Film festival. How wonderful for someone as busy as the Commissioner of the NBA to take time out to recognize everyone and their efforts in making this film. It was a wonderful event for all in attendance,” said Rae
The showing of the film was attended by a vast array of dignitaries and celebrities, including Deaf Olympian Willie Brown Jr. who appears in the film, along with Nashville’s own Laura Dodd who was on hand to perform the film’s title song of the same name.
In addition to cast members, the screening was honored to have the great granddaughter of Booker T. Washington, and great great granddaughter of Frederick Douglass , and many others who acknowledged the groundbreaking approach to filmmaking, taking into consideration the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities, fostering teenagers who had never been involved in the arts and making movies while telling a much needed story of inclusion and breaking down barriers of prejudice, regardless of what form it may come in.
The movie was made in less than 2 weeks and made its winning appearance at its first film festival in February, taking the top award for Best Inspirational Film. The film received 4 out of 6 nominations for various awards at the Gwinnett festival and was presented with the “Inspirational Film Spotlight” Award as the opening night film.
Darla Rae’s movies include “The Goal” which also had taken 10 international awards, are based on true life stories of achievement through difficulties and adversities. Darla’s production company, Film It Productions is dedicated to telling stories of grit, integrity and belief that everyone has greatness. Greatness that manifests in many ways in everyday life, just by being the best you, that you can be.
To reach Darla Rae for interviews or more information regarding distribution opportunities of the film, contact her at 323-522-4179