Julie Andrews has a new series for kid about the performing arts! I love that idea. STEM is important, of course, but the arts are what fuel the imagination and provide the satisfaction of creative expression. They also promote empathy and cooperation. Can’t wait for this!
From Anthony Trollope and “Downton Abbey’s” Julian Fellowes, “Dr. Thorne” is the story of a poor girl born out of wedlock who loves and is loved by the son of the local landed gentry. He is under pressure from his family to marry money, as the estate has been heavily borrowed against. There are glorious costumes and settings and Trollope’s witty and generous take on the class, money, and political conflicts of the era. I was completely captivated by it, especially by the lovely Stephanie Martini in the lead role as Mary Thorne and Tom Hollander as the title character, her uncle and guardian.
Coming to Netflix: The Queen Elizabeth II Story “The Crown”
Posted on May 3, 2016 at 3:54 pm
As Great Britain’s longest-reigning monarch turns 90, “The Crown” focuses on Queen Elizabeth II as a 25-year-old newlywed faced with the daunting prospect of leading the world’s most famous monarchy while forging a relationship with legendary Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill. The British Empire is in decline, the political world is in disarray, and a young woman takes the throne….a new era is dawning. Peter Morgan’s masterfully researched scripts reveal the Queen’s private journey behind the public facade with daring frankness. Prepare to be welcomed into the coveted world of power and privilege and behind locked doors in Westminster and Buckingham Palace….the leaders of an empire await.
Autism Awareness Month on SundanceNow Doc Club Channel
Posted on April 16, 2016 at 8:00 am
The SundanceNOw Doc Club observes Autism Awareness Month by showing three inspiring films that follow the triumphs and hurdles of individuals on the Autism spectrum. These stories show that through art and self expression, untraditional methods, and efforts of entire communities’ individuals with special needs can flourish.
SPECTRUM OF HOPE
Follow the journey of 10 musical theater students, their families, and their teachers as they travel from their NYC special needs school to compete in the Junior Theater Festival in Atlanta, Georgia. A powerful celebration of what can be accomplished through arts education, musical theater, and allowing individuals to grow on their own terms.
BEST KEPT SECRET
Janet Mino has taught her class of young men with autism for four years. When they all graduate in the spring of 2012, they will leave the security of the public school system forever. Take a closer look at the compounded difficulty of special needs individuals within the working-class and impoverished circumstances.
THE HORSE BOY
When two-year-old Rowan was diagnosed with autism, Rupert Isaacson, a writer and former horse trainer, and his wife Kristin Neff, a psychology professor, sought the best possible medical care, but traditional therapies had little effect. Then they discovered that Rowan has a profound affinity for animals—particularly horses—and the family set off on a quest that would change their lives forever.
The faith-based action drama “The Masked Saint” is now available on VOD. The film won the award for Best Picture at the International Christian Film Festival in 2015.
Inspired by true events in the life of former wrestler and pastor Chris Whaley, and based on his bestselling book, “The Masked Saint” follows the life journey of Chris Samuels (Cliff Granstaff) and his wife (Lara Jean Chorostecki). After retiring from the professional wrestling ring and settling down as a small town pastor, Samuels witnesses rampant crime and serious problems in the community. Tapping into his past, the pastor decides to moonlight as a masked vigilante fighting injustice. When crises hit at home and the church, the do-gooder must evade the police and somehow reconcile his secret, violent identity with his calling as a preacher.
We are pleased to present an exclusive clip, as Chris makes his first sermon in his new church.