Mary Mazzio/2020/95 minutes
Hosted by the Park District of Oak Park, in partnership with RGW Consulting and One Earth Film Festival.
FULL 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.
Based on Arshay Cooper’s memoir of the same name, republished by Flatiron under the title, the film takes a deep dive into the backstories of these young men, examining the issues of intergenerational trauma and violence. As the team’s captain, Arshay Cooper, reflected, “When we were on the water, we were in a place where we couldn’t hear the sound of sirens or bullets, and that allowed us to shape a different vision for ourselves, of who and what we could become. And that was a beautiful thing.”
The release of this project, which highlights the talent and work ethic of young people from places like the West Side of Chicago, cast in sharp relief against lack of access and opportunity, as well as the events of the past month, is now more resonant than ever.
“Every day, Americans of color face a long list of challenges and oppression, a list too long and too painful to recite here,” said Executive Producer Grant Hill. “With the recent events that have transpired, it is even more meaningful to be a part of a project which shows young black men, in a positive, human, and hopeful way. The protagonist of the film, Arshay Cooper, and his extension of an olive branch to members of the Chicago Police Department, moved me in deep and profound ways. He is a leader of his generation and his name will be one that soon everyone will know."
PROGRAM :
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.
