Gary Sinise film 'Lt. Dan Band' to be honored by Heartland Film Festival
Jonathan Flora
LOS ANGELES/INDIANAPOLIS — The feature film documentary Lt. Dan Band: For The Common Good — featuring actor Gary Sinise and his "Lt. Dan Band" as they support the troops and first responders around the world, including Kuwait and Iraq — is a Crystal Heart Award winner and will be screened during the 2010 Heartland Film Festival, which will take place Oct. 14-23 at various locations throughout Indianapolis.
The announcement was made by Heartland Truly Moving Pictures President and CEO, Jeffrey L. Sparks, at the organization's announcement celebration on Thursday evening, during which the 19th annual film festival's lineup of award-winning films and special events was revealed.
Crystal Heart recipient films are being honored for best meeting Heartland's mission of "exploring the human journey by artistically expressing hope and respect for the positive values of life." Heartland will award more than $100,000 in cash prizes to this year's winners, including the $50,000 Grand Prize Award for Best Dramatic Feature, the $25,000 Award for Best Documentary Feature, and the $10,000 Vision Award for Best Short Film.
"Having long known the high reputation of the Heartland Film Festival and the quality of films it showcases, it is a true honor to be recognized and I tip my hat to Jeffrey Sparks and his staff for all they do," said Jonathan Flora, the movie's director, who hails from Ohio and, who also produced the film along with his wife, Deborah Flora.
"As a veteran and filmmaker working in Hollywood, it is a privilege to be able to support our troops and first responders through our medium," Flora added. "The spirit of service and commitment to the greater good has always served as an example to me. At its core, this movie is about remembering those who are willing to lay down their lives for others and those who are left behind. Gary Sinise is a man who has chosen to remember and to honor. Gary truly is the Bob Hope of this generation."
Lt. Dan Band: For The Common Good is a moving documentary that transcends genres.
With an amazing soundtrack and special appearances by Academy Award winners Jon Voight and Robert Duvall, as well as Raquel Welch, Connie Stevens, John Ratzenberger and more, this film is one of those rare movies that entertains even as it inspires, and has been praised by Hollywood filmmakers Jerry Bruckheimer and Ron Howard, NBA Hall Of Fame Coach Pat Riley, and many more.
Gary Sinise will be in attendance for the Oct. 15 evening screening of Lt. Dan Band: For The Common Good.
All cash prizes and awards will be presented at the annual Heartland Film Festival Awards Ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 16, at the Old National Centre in downtown Indianapolis. The first evening of film screenings will take place Friday, Oct. 15, at AMC Castleton Square 14 on the northside, where all Award winning films will be shown.
For complete event and ticketing information, visit HeartlandFilmFestival.org
Official movie site: LtDanBandMovie.com
"A wonderful and inspiring chronicle of Gary and his fellow musicians, as they journey across America and the world. But the real point of the film, as it should be, is to shine a much-needed light on those in uniform, whose tremendous sacrifices can never — and must never — be taken for granted." — Jerry Bruckheimer, Hollywood Producer: Pirates of the Caribbean, National Treasure, Blackhawk Down, Remember the Titans
"A powerful and compelling tribute that continues to resonate long after the movie has ended. It is also that rare film that entertains even as it inspires. It's a clear reminder of my friend, Gary Sinise's talent and character. He's one of our 'good guys.'" — Ron Howard, Hollywood director, producer, actor
"What a compelling piece of work... very moving! A must see for all Americans... It leaves one feeling inadequate and certainly wanting to do more." — Pat Riley, NBA Hall of Fame Coach-Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Miami Heat, President — Miami Heat
"It made me proud not only to be the Chief of Department of the greatest Fire Department but also to be an American!" — Salvatore J. Cassano, Fire Commissioner, City of New York
"Gary Sinise is the Bob Hope of our generation!" — Major General John F. Campbell, Commanding General, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)
"Jonathan Flora has delivered a moving portrayal of service and sacrifice! Connects in powerful ways with troops, first responders, and their families!" — Sloan Gibson, President, USO
October 7, 2010
LOS ANGELES/INDIANAPOLIS — The feature film documentary Lt. Dan Band: For The Common Good — featuring actor Gary Sinise and his "Lt. Dan Band" as they support the troops and first responders around the world, including Kuwait and Iraq — is a Crystal Heart Award winner and will be screened during the 2010 Heartland Film Festival, which will take place Oct. 14-23 at various locations throughout Indianapolis.The announcement was made by Heartland Truly Moving Pictures President and CEO, Jeffrey L. Sparks, at the organization's announcement celebration on Thursday evening, during which the 19th annual film festival's lineup of award-winning films and special events was revealed.
Crystal Heart recipient films are being honored for best meeting Heartland's mission of "exploring the human journey by artistically expressing hope and respect for the positive values of life." Heartland will award more than $100,000 in cash prizes to this year's winners, including the $50,000 Grand Prize Award for Best Dramatic Feature, the $25,000 Award for Best Documentary Feature, and the $10,000 Vision Award for Best Short Film.
"Having long known the high reputation of the Heartland Film Festival and the quality of films it showcases, it is a true honor to be recognized and I tip my hat to Jeffrey Sparks and his staff for all they do," said Jonathan Flora, the movie's director, who hails from Ohio and, who also produced the film along with his wife, Deborah Flora.
"As a veteran and filmmaker working in Hollywood, it is a privilege to be able to support our troops and first responders through our medium," Flora added. "The spirit of service and commitment to the greater good has always served as an example to me. At its core, this movie is about remembering those who are willing to lay down their lives for others and those who are left behind. Gary Sinise is a man who has chosen to remember and to honor. Gary truly is the Bob Hope of this generation."
Lt. Dan Band: For The Common Good is a moving documentary that transcends genres.
With an amazing soundtrack and special appearances by Academy Award winners Jon Voight and Robert Duvall, as well as Raquel Welch, Connie Stevens, John Ratzenberger and more, this film is one of those rare movies that entertains even as it inspires, and has been praised by Hollywood filmmakers Jerry Bruckheimer and Ron Howard, NBA Hall Of Fame Coach Pat Riley, and many more.
Gary Sinise will be in attendance for the Oct. 15 evening screening of Lt. Dan Band: For The Common Good.
All cash prizes and awards will be presented at the annual Heartland Film Festival Awards Ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 16, at the Old National Centre in downtown Indianapolis. The first evening of film screenings will take place Friday, Oct. 15, at AMC Castleton Square 14 on the northside, where all Award winning films will be shown.
For complete event and ticketing information, visit HeartlandFilmFestival.org
Official movie site: LtDanBandMovie.com
"A wonderful and inspiring chronicle of Gary and his fellow musicians, as they journey across America and the world. But the real point of the film, as it should be, is to shine a much-needed light on those in uniform, whose tremendous sacrifices can never — and must never — be taken for granted." — Jerry Bruckheimer, Hollywood Producer: Pirates of the Caribbean, National Treasure, Blackhawk Down, Remember the Titans
"A powerful and compelling tribute that continues to resonate long after the movie has ended. It is also that rare film that entertains even as it inspires. It's a clear reminder of my friend, Gary Sinise's talent and character. He's one of our 'good guys.'" — Ron Howard, Hollywood director, producer, actor
"What a compelling piece of work... very moving! A must see for all Americans... It leaves one feeling inadequate and certainly wanting to do more." — Pat Riley, NBA Hall of Fame Coach-Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Miami Heat, President — Miami Heat
"It made me proud not only to be the Chief of Department of the greatest Fire Department but also to be an American!" — Salvatore J. Cassano, Fire Commissioner, City of New York
"Gary Sinise is the Bob Hope of our generation!" — Major General John F. Campbell, Commanding General, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)
"Jonathan Flora has delivered a moving portrayal of service and sacrifice! Connects in powerful ways with troops, first responders, and their families!" — Sloan Gibson, President, USO