Apr 4, 2008 4:15 pm US/Eastern
Film Fest Opens With A Song And Dance
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Chorus Master Bob Cilman (left), Director Stephen Walker and chorus members Liria Petrides, Joe Mitchell and Helen Boston.
CBS
There's music in the air during the 17th annual
Philadelphia Film Festival. The yearly showcase of world cinema hit the right
note during opening night Thursday.
Not even a bit of rain could dampening the excitement in the
air at the Prince Music Theater as a eager film fanatics packed the lobby
awaiting the beginning of the weeklong feast of cinema.
Kicking off the film festival this year was "Young@Heart" a
documentary by Steven Walker showcasing a New England senior citizen choir
group that has traveled the world sharing their unique voice and magnetic
personalities.
The film follows the group of 72 to 92-year-olds as they
prepare to perform their versions of popular songs like Coldplay's "Fix You"
and James Brown's "I Feel Good."
Hot off an enthusiastic run at the Sundance Film Festival,
the surprisingly touching, hilarious and honest look at some amazing
individuals struck a chord with the audience.
Following the screening, director Steven Walker, chorus
master/taskmaster Bob Cilman, along with current choir members Joe Mitchell and
Helen Boston were met with a standing ovation.
The overwhelmingly positive reaction to the film is not atypical
according to Walker.
"People have just started dancing actually, they get up
in the aisles which is amazing to see. They just get into it," he said.
Walker, who hails from England,
said he discovered the group after hesitatingly attending their show in London at the behest of
his wife.
Several months later, with
financing from the BBC, he crossed the pond and got to know the inspiring choir
members and the man the guides them, Chorus Master Bob Cilman.
Cilman said the group is about much more than the music.
"They're not a gimmick, they're not making this just to
make people happy, they're doing this as art," he said.
Joe Mitchell, who has been with the group for three years,
said his experiences have had a profound impact on his life.
"This makes my life complete. You know, I have a family
and my music, volunteer work. What more could you ask for," he said.
Young@Heart opens in Philadelphia
on April 18. For more on the Philadelphia Film Festival, visit
PhillyFests.com.
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