For Immediate Release 

Contact:  Joe Boyle                                                                                                    
(563) 650-7102
Lemonusproductions@yahoo.com
www.joeboylefilms.com


YOUNG FILMMAKER HOPES TO RAISE MONEY FOR WISH KIDS
Local Independent Film "Animate My Heart" Premiers at the Green Room Theatre

"It is usually the imagination that is wounded first, rather than the heart; it being much more sensitive."  This quote by Henry David Thoreau is among the first lines of local filmmaker Joe Boyle's latest film "Animate My Heart," and it precisely sums up the theme.  A young child is struck with cancer at an early age, but even in the face of imminent tragedy, he maintains a vivid, lively imagination.

"All of us face trials in our everyday lives and I think it's important to be able to keep our minds thinking sharply and creatively in order to face those trials," says Boyle.  "In our society, the imagination has been greatly neglected and even discouraged.  That's one of the reasons this was an important film to make." 

Beyond exploring the devastation that can occur to the imagination, "Animate My Heart" explores the ruin that is visited upon an individual when such a horrendous disease touches them.

"This film was a very personal experience" says filmmaker Joe Boyle.  "My sister had cancer twice at a young age and still suffers ill effects from the disease.  The Make-A-Wish Foundation granted her some much needed repose from her pain by giving us a family trip to Florida.  I want to be able to give that to another Wish Kid." 

The 50 minute film stars local performers Tracy Pelzer-Timm, Jonah Luebke, and Tom Morrow.  The musical score was composed and performed by local musician Leah Knudsen, with compositions by Jake Cowan and Aiden Landman.

"By screening this film to the public, I hope to remind people of the horrors of this disease.  I hope that the members of our community will get behind this cause," says Boyle.

"Animate My Heart" (which was scheduled to open late last year, but could not due to technical difficulties) will open Saturday, February 2nd at the Green Room Theatre, 1611 2nd Avenue, in the District of Rock Island at 8:00 PM.  Additionally, there will be special musical performances by the film's composer Leah Knudsen and also by the Jamey Cummins band.  Cost is only $5.00 and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Make-A-Wish foundation.

This film is the latest from 22 year old local filmmaker Joe Boyle.  He has been writing and directing films for the past 10 years.  His films have screened and won several awards in various film festivals, ranging from local and regional events to festivals in Los Angeles, Seattle, and Canada.

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If you would like more information about this event or are interested in setting up an interview, please call Joe Boyle at (563) 650-7102.  Digital production stills, flyer, teaser trailer, and filmmaker photos are available upon request.