(Newswire.net — August 16, 2013) —
ICM TOP 5 Tags Pioneer Indie Deaf & Hard of Hearing Teen Basketball Film
Nashville TN-Award Winning family film Spirit of Love and Film It Productions made history again by being the first indie film produced with Deaf & Hard of Hearing teens, ASL(American Sign language) and Open Captions to receive an ICM (Inspirational Country Music) TOP 5 award nomination for Best Inspirational film. Cast member Laura Dodd who wrote & performed the movie’s title song also received nominations.
“Love the message, Love the Theme. This movie must be seen by many students in schools throughout this great earth” Jeff Conley, FCA Fellowship Christian Athletes.
The film continues to gain mileage and accolades with audiences. Most recently the film was nominated in 6 categories and awarded “Inspirational Film Spotlight” award as the opening night film for the Gwinnett International film festival for its Georgia premiere. The TOP 5 nominations were announced yesterday in Nashville by Inside Editions own Megan Alexander, and Sirius XM The Highway’s Storme Warren. http://www.faithfamilycountry.com/?page_id=1186.
In a unique casting Glenn plays himself on screen with some amazingly talented teens that are deaf & hard of hearing along with hearing actors who deliver a film which is authentic, charming, competitive, funny, and challenging. Spirit of Love is a diverse coming of age story. A group of misfit teens arrive at the 33rd annual basketball camp, which is the first time girls will attend the camp. Some come with hoop dreams, while others are trying to survive tumultuous teenage angst.
“We were blessed to be the ones asked to tell this inspiring story. In a time where “Change” is a word that people use but seldom mean, I can honestly say I am “Changed” from having made this film. As a filmmaker it is always my desire to leave audience members inspired or emotionally touched by the films we do, so they can “Change” something in their life in a positive light. I no longer have fear, or feel that” uneasiness” when I’m around deaf people who are signing. Doing this film has caused me to want to be able to communicate more effectively with the deaf community, and I want others to do so as well. Recently I found myself in a conversation finger spelling in ASL effectively with someone. So receiving this historic nomination for our film from the ICM awards for the TOP 5 nomination is definitely a “Change” we welcome and celebrate. We are grateful to ICM, industry professionals and the fans who voted to get us here. It is a true honor,” said director, producer Darla Rae.
The film was filmed in 2 weeks with deaf & hard of hearing teens that had never acted or played basketball previously. Rae rewrote the original script to allow deaf & hard of hearing teens the opportunity to advocate for their own “Change”. Those teens are courageous,fearless and inspiring for all audiences, regardless of whether deaf or hearing. The film is enjoyable and groundbreaking in its approach to filmmaking while eradicating prejudice.
For more information and interviews please contact 323-522- 4179 or visit http://www.spiritoflovemovie.com.
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