To all our comrades:
What a year! With the change in the economy and the purchasing focus of most documentary outlets, even the best of docs have had a difficult time getting out to the public. And while we press forward to bring SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS to greater audiences through self-distribution at your local indie theaters, it takes a lot of persistence to keep things moving forward. Thank you to our dedicated friends and fans for spreading the word about screenings of SMILE in your neighborhood!!!! Stay tuned for many more in 2011!
In 2010, SMILE won a Special Jury Prize at Michael Moore's film festival in Traverse City, Michigan. Michael then set out to work with the documentary filmmakers on creating a "Doc Night" in which theatrical docs would be screened in multiple theaters with commentary by Michael Moore. That program never got off the ground in 2010 but we hope it will gather new wings and energy for programming in 2011.
It's imperative that good docs be shown to audiences who are willing to gather in darkened rooms to see them. Good docs elicit good conversation; a give and take in viewpoints and a discussion over issues relevant to our times. The magic of movies that move us doesn't flower in the same way when we watch docs on TV at home alone. Good movies are meant to germinate thought and even a call to action, as well as entertain. And yes, docs must ENTERTAIN. Afterall, if people want a lecture, they can go to class. Or if they have a political agenda, they can go to a political rally. But when doc filmmakers ask people to sharing 90 minutes of their time in a darkened theater, we believe the film must also entertain. We are delighted that SMILE 'TIL IT HURTS is among those thought-provoking docs that also dares to entertain. Smile!
Thank you to all who have shared a darkened room with us in 2010. May there be many many more in 2011!
Best wishes for the New Year to all our friends and fans.
The SMILE Team
