FREE VIRTUAL SCREENING + DISCUSSION
Mary Mazzio/2020/95 minutes

NOTE! As this event has a live, in-person, distanced, invitation-only component, the RAIN DATE for both the in-person and virtual components of this event is Thurs, Oct 1 @6:30-9PM US Central Time.

PLEASE JOIN US at a virtual, public screening & discussion of the acclaimed film "A Most Beautiful Thing (2020, 95 minutes)," hosted by the Park District of Oak Park, in partnership with RGW Consulting and One Earth Film Festival.

FILM DESCRIPTION: Called one of the best documentaries to unveil at South by Southwest by Brian Tallerico of Roger Ebert, an “absolute must watch” by Deadspin, and “a film we could really use right now” by Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter, “one of the best films this decade” by ChicagoNow. “A Most Beautiful Thing,” narrated by the Academy-Award/ Grammy-winning artist, Common; executive-produced by NBA Stars Grant Hill and Dwyane Wade, along with Grammy-award winning producer 9th Wonder; and directed by award-winning filmmaker (and Olympic rower) Mary Mazzio, chronicles the first African American high school rowing team in this country (made up of young men, many of whom were in rival gangs from the West Side of Chicago), all coming together to row in the same boat.

Following the film, Reesheda Graham Washington, owner of L!ve Cafe and Creative Space and RGW Consulting will lead an interactive, facilitated discussion about the film and its themes, including racial, social and environmental justice. Panelists include author and film subject Arshay Cooper, as well as local equity advocates Stephen Jackson, Christina Waters, Juanta Griffin, and Cate Readling. We will also dialogue about what healthy communities look like, and about community recreation—including in the community of Oak Park, Ill., where its Park District is embarking on a Community Recreation Center project that aims to meet the needs of its diverse community through inclusion and equity.