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VANDER FILMS BREAKING NEWS
Ron Bachman - Walk This Way ll
In Their Own Words
“Walk This Way”
Wins Award at the 2nd Moscow International Film
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| Walk This Way, a 30-minute documentary film about Ron Bachman, won the “Most Uplifting Film” award on November 14, 2004 in Moscow, Russia. Producer/Director Kathryn Vander along with Co-producer/Director of Photography John Prusak traveled to Moscow to attend the festival and answer questions following the showing of the film. |
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The organization in Russia sponsoring the Festival, Perspektiva, aims to promote independence and an improved quality of life for disabled people in the Russian community. Over 100 films from over 20 countries were shown at the four-day event that ran from November 11 – 14, 2004. All works submitted for the Festival portrayed a disability issue and it was encouraged that films be produced by or with the participation of persons with disabilities.
Walk This Way tells the story of Northville, Michigan resident, Ron Bachman who at the age of four had both legs amputated. It’s a first hand account of Ron Bachman's life told by those who know him best including his father, daughter, friend Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and many others. Ron Bachman talks of learning how to live a normal life despite his circumstances and the world’s baffled stares and often-cruel remarks. In the film he shares his story with a group of young children. Since the release of the film, Ron Bachman speaks at schools and corporations on issues related to diversity.
“Our film has won over twenty awards since it was completed.” says Walk This Way Director/Producer Kathy Vander. “This is our first International award. The Festival was an amazing experience and we saw a wide variety of wonderful films.”
The Festival was endorsed by the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Social Development and Labor, and the Moscow City Government. “This film festival will give us another opportunity to raise awareness about issues affecting the lives of disabled people, motivate people with disabilities, provide positive role-models, and encourage journalists and filmmakers to include disability images and disabled people in their stories,” says Tatyan Alekseevna Vasilieva, Head of the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations – Moscow City Government.
Walk This Way was transferred to PAL, the video format used in other countries and the Festival coordinators then subtitled the film into Russian. Vander was interviewed by Russian television stations while at the Festival.
To purchase "Walk This Way" on VHS or DVD click here
email: vanderfilms@wideopenwest.com