YOUNG@HEART Was Community Cinema’s Holiday Gift To Our Audiences

Young@Heart director Bob Cilman doing a run-through of the James Brown classic "I Feel Good"

As a gift to our audiences, Community Cinema presented the heart-warming and inspiring hit documentary YOUNG@HEART this past December 2009. Many of our over 42 free events included live performances. Exceptional seniors shared their talents and personal stories of courage, persistence, and triumph in the face of adversity.

Our national partners created unique ways for audiences to learn more about the link between creativity, culture, and aging. The mission of the National Center for Creative Aging is to foster an understanding of the vital relationship between creative expression and healthy aging and to developing programs that build on this understanding. Learn more about their public awareness campaign “The Art of Aging: Creativity Matters” and the center’s free online resource guide “Creativity Matters: The Arts and Aging Toolkit.”

WTTW Reception for young musicians and their families at the Chicago Cultural Center

Local partners connected our audiences with “on the ground” resources to turn the passion they experience during the film into action in their community. Audience members have said after an event, “I’m going to look for a local choir for my husband!” and “Made me want to join a chorus even if I can’t sing.” Our partners included such distinguished and esteemed partners as the Jazz Institute of Chicago, WTTW Channel 11, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, the Brattleboro Museum and Art Center (BMAC), KETC, the Missouri History Museum, the SIFF Cinema at Seattle Center, the Office of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Office of Los Angeles Councilwoman Janice Hahn, Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, and Project:Involve. Project:Involve’s mission is to foster diversity in the film industry and to promote independent film making.

Our events included many super seniors who keep young at heart by performing their talents into their 70′s, 80′s, 90′s, and beyond. Watch videos and see photos from our events. › Continue reading

Tags: documentary, senior citizen, young@heart

Feeling Young At Heart This Holiday Season

Young@Heart director Bob Cilman doing a run-through of the James Brown classic "I Feel Good"

As a gift to our audiences, Community Cinema presented the heart-warming and inspiring hit documentary YOUNG@HEART this December. Many of our over 42 free events included live performances. Exceptional seniors shared their talents and personal stories of courage, persistence, and triumph in the face of adversity. If you are lucky enough to live in Denver, you have one more chance to attend a free Community Cinema event tonight at the Starz Film Center. A few more events occur in January.

Our national partners create unique ways for audiences to learn more about the link between creativity, culture, and aging. The mission of the National Center for Creative Aging is to foster an understanding of the vital relationship between creative expression and healthy aging and to developing programs that build on this understanding. Learn more about their public awareness campaign “The Art of Aging: Creativity Matters” and the center’s free online resource guide “Creativity Matters: The Arts and Aging Toolkit.”

WTTW Reception for young musicians and their families at the Chicago Cultural Center

Local partners connect our audiences with “on the ground” resources to turn the passion they experience during the film into action in their community. Audience members have said after an event, “I’m going to look for a local choir for my husband!” and “Made me want to join a chorus even if I can’t sing.” Our partners included such distinguished and esteemed partners as the Jazz Institute of Chicago, WTTW Channel 11, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, the Brattleboro Museum and Art Center (BMAC), KETC, the Missouri History Museum, the SIFF Cinema at Seattle Center, the Office of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Office of Los Angeles Councilwoman Janice Hahn, Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, and Project:Involve. Project:Involve’s mission is to foster diversity in the film industry and to promote independent film making.

Our events included many super seniors who keep young at heart by performing their talents into their 70′s, 80′s, 90′s, and beyond. Watch videos and see photos from our events. › Continue reading

Tags: documentary, senior citizen, young@heart

Young @ Hollywood

Just before showtime at the historic Warner Grand for our Young at Heart in LA Talent Show and free film

Wednesday night Community Cinema Los Angeles presented an entire free evening of food, drink, entertainment, and inspiration.

After a tasty reception, Francisco Velasquez with Film Independent’s Project:Involve welcomed the audience to the historic Warner Grand Theatre for a screening of YOUNG@HEART. This Community Cinema screening is presented by the Independent Television Service, and hosted by the Office of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Office of Councilwoman Janice Hahn, Department of Cultural Affairs, San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, and Project:Involve. Project:Involve’s mission is to foster diversity in the film industry and to promote independent film making.

The night’s Master of Ceremonies, Camilla Townsend is a 25-year resident of San Pedro, the President and CEO of the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, and a life-long advocate on behalf of children and families.

The first performer of the evening, Elizabeth Cantine, has been dancing since childhood. She has performed at the Hollywood Bowl, El Capitan, Academy Awards, and on the Ed Sullivan show.

Gloria Lockhart (63, in pink on the right) has the distinct honor of being one of the first African American women to reach the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro

In all, 15 amazing seniors wowed the crowd.

The talent show ended with a very inspiring senior, Gloria Lockhart – 63 years young – who has the distinct honor of being one of the first African American women to reach the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

She is currently the President and CEO of Toberman Neighborhood Center, where she works to assist over 18,000 people to move from poverty to self-sufficiency. A once aspiring Olympic runner, Gloria went on to compete in master track meets for the older American; and now kickboxs as a way to relieve stress. She is joined on stage by her 43 year old coach Michele.

We hope we were able to highlight for you some of the local seniors who may be growing older, but are still young at heart.

Tags: los angeles, senior citizen, talent show, warner grand, young@heart

Don’t Take My Word For It: What Others Are Saying About Y@H

Bob Cilman and Judith Sharpe organized the Young@Heart (Y@H) Chorus in 1982 when all of the members lived in an elderly housing project in Northampton, MA called the Walter Salvo House.

The Young@Heart Chorus featured in YOUNG@HEART is still rockin’ after forming over 25 years ago.  They tour the world to this day. The chorus has performed extensively in Europe but not often in the U.S.  While you’re watching the documentary at a free Community Cinema event this month ask yourself, “Is there a difference in attitudes toward older people in Europe versus the U.S.?” When the group toured the United Kingdom, critics had interesting things to say about the unique chorus.

“Don’t be fooled by the wheelchairs in the back of the coach-this is a company that commands the stage.” —Time Out, London

“If you thought the Rolling Stones were past it, these inspirational pensioners will make you realize Mick and his mates are mere spring chickens.” —Sunday Times, London

The chorus is currently performing across the U.S., so you may be lucky enough to catch the film and then see the chorus live in person. › Continue reading

Tags: chorus, critics, senior citizen, young@heart

Stay YOUNG@HEART This Holiday Season

The YOUNG@HEART Chorus smiles for the camera. Few expected to be superstars in their 80's.

In collaboration with the National Center for Creative Aging, Community Cinema presents free screening events of the uplifting and enlightening smash hit documentary YOUNG@HEART throughout the month of December.  Get ready to rock with the most entertaining golden oldies you will ever meet in the senior citizen’s choir Young@Heart. With a big show only weeks away, they must learn a slate of new songs ranging from James Brown to Coldplay. The chorus’ director leads them through tough rehearsals, proving that rock and roll can be hard work––especially if you’re hard of hearing! Climaxing in a triumphant performance, their inspiring story celebrates the unbreakable bonds of friendship and the life-affirming power of music.  Many Community Cinema events plan to include live local entertainment. Find your event.

Our national partners create unique ways for audiences to learn more about the link between creativity, culture, and aging. The mission of the National Center for Creative Aging is to foster an understanding of the vital relationship between creative expression and healthy aging and to developing programs that build on this understanding. Learn more about their public awareness campaign “The Art of Aging: Creativity Matters” and the center’s free online resource guide “Creativity Matters: The Arts and Aging Toolkit.”

Have you seen a preview video of the film? Here’s your chance!

Want more? Sneak a peak at a scene from the film on YouTube.

› Continue reading

Tags: chorus, elder, free, music, senior citizen, young@heart