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Q & A with Marci Krown, Director/Producer of THE POWER OF SPORTS FOR AMPUTEES Documentary by Krown Family Films

PLUS: Save the date: August 6, 2024 in San Diego for:

“Stepping Up Together – A Film Event for THE POWER OF SPORTS FOR AMPUTEES”

Cover photo for "The Power of Sports for Amputees" Documentary. Photo credit: Marci Krown.

THE POWER OF SPORTS FOR AMPUTEES

Photo by Marci Krown – With Permission

Stepping Up Together

– A Film Event for

THE POWER OF SPORTS FOR AMPUTEES

Our SJF Communications client, colleague (and friend), Marci Krown, is truly a force! She is a San Diego filmmaker (director/producer), actor and amazing disability awareness advocate. Marci is certainly “stepping up” and going places with her upcoming Krown Family Films feature documentary – THE POWER OF SPORTS FOR AMPUTEES!

On Tuesday, August 6, 2024, from 6 pm – 9:30 pm (PST), Krown Family Films will have a film event – “Stepping Up Together – A San Diego Film Event for THE POWER OF SPORTS FOR AMPUTEES Documentary” at the Encore Event Center (8253 Ronson Rd., San Diego, CA 92111).

THE POWER OF SPORTS FOR AMPUTEES follows the struggles and successes of three people with leg limb loss that are wanting to participate and/or compete in sports.

THE POWER OF SPORTS FOR AMPUTEES will showcase that those with leg limb loss have learned that there is life without limits. It will focus on their abilities, not their disabilities. We follow the struggles and successes of these three people that include Carson Fox, a teen wanting to continue to play on his high school’s football team and join his track team; James Dixon of Absolute Motivation whose purpose is to thrive in life and to get others to do the same; and Beatriz Hatz, a Paralympic Athlete aspiring to obtain a spot on her USA Track Team going to the Paris Paralympics.

The main sponsors of the film are befree and Amplitude.

The company befree was started by two women, Nicole Puzzo and Joanne Dicamillo. They’ve developed a product called, “ZipOns”, a functional adaptive clothing solution for those with limited mobility. Joanne stated “We are proud to sponsor and support this amazing documentary about the importance of athletics for amputees and the challenges they face.”

Amplitude is a magazine and newsletter with an incredible resource directory for Amputees. Based in Loveland, Colorado, Larry Borowsky is Editor-in- Chief.
The tag line is “Today’s amputees are living more dynamic lives than ever before. Amplitude tells their stories.“

THE POWER OF SPORTS FOR AMPUTEES will also share information from some non-profit organizations that are providing resources to the Amputee Community. Some of these include the Challenged Athlete Foundation (CAF),  Angel City Sports, Move United and the Amputee Coalition.

The crew of the film includes: 

Marci Krown – Director/Producer; Viken Kazandjian – Cinematographer and Jared Tweedie – Editor.

The “Stepping Up Together – A San Diego Film Event for THE POWER OF SPORTS FOR AMPUTEES Documentary” event will include appetizers, desserts and beverages, networking and an online silent auction and panel discussion after the film.

Tickets are $60/person – and must be purchased online. The link includes ticket and silent auction bidding information. (Note: You can still bid/donate even if you are not local to San Diego or do not attend)!


WHEN?: Tuesday, August 6, 2024, from 6 pm – 9:30 pm (PST)
WHERE?: Encore Event Center (8253 Ronson Rd., San Diego, CA 92111)
HOW?: Here’s the TICKET LINK: https://new.biddingowl.com/AmputeeSports.

For more information: info@KrownFamilyFilms.com

Here is the Q & A
Susan J Farese and Marci Krown:

Courtesy of Marci Krown
Marci Krown, With Permission

SJF: What inspired you to make THE POWER OF SPORTS FOR AMPUTEES Documentary?

MK: Back in 1995, I started working  for the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games. Because I had such a love of sports, I wanted to get involved with a sports organization in some facet. Little did I know that this experience would be the best in my life! My perceptions of those who were disabled weren’t accurate. I didn’t really understand how someone that was a leg amputee, had a vision impairment or even was paralyzed, could compete in sports effectively. By the end of the 1 ½ years, I truly embraced the Power of the Human Spirit. I remembered this experience when it came time for me to produce my first Documentary Feature. I did some more research and found that still, non-disabled people had unrealistic views of those with disabilities. And some of those with disabilities are afraid to come out of hiding. In addition, those with disabilities still weren’t aware of all the resources in place for them in which they could thrive. I decided I was going to share some stories and use sport to get people comfortable in understanding those with disabilities better.

SJF: Such amazing insight Marci, thank you for sharing that.

SJF: Who are some of the cast in the film?

MK: Some of the people in the film include a teen boy that lost his leg to cancer and wanting to get back to his high school football team and learn track; a middle-aged man that was born with a congenital limb loss use his loss to find his purpose and help others similar to himself; and the third person is a early 20’s Paralympian who was trying to obtain a spot on her US Track and Field Team going to the 2024 Paris Paralympics in August. In addition, I have non-profit organizations in this story that cater to providing resources to the Amputee Community.

SJF: They all sound like inspiring stories from your cast.

SJF: What do you think were the biggest challenges making this film?

MK: Challenges with the film :  Finding San Diego Amputees that were comfortable sharing their stories to interview. Also, since I started making the film in October 2022, I have lost my Father-in-Law, got Covid, lost my Father, Mother-in-law and got Covid again in June. The challenge of sticking to a timeline feeling exhausted with illness and grief certainly made it difficult. And yet, having this project allowed a distraction for me to focus on and having something to complete. I had to stop several times for a period just to take care of my self and let this project go, which was difficult.

SJF: So much loss and grief as well as experiencing Covid. Yes, self-care is paramount.

SJF: How did you work with your cinematographer to capture the images you wanted?

MK: I must have interviewed over 12 Cinematographers. The one I have now, Viken, stood out due to his artistic endeavors, his ability to film with a specific budget and knowledge of filming a documentary. I had an outline and based on that and with his input on shots, we got the filming done. It was also important to me that we got along as I knew I was in for a long haul in spending days filming. You want to get along with that person, especially since I knew I would be traveling with him to Indiana.

I shot the film in Chula Vista, Orange County and Indiana. Because I had more people to interview in other cities, I couldn’t afford to fly my Cinematographer and myself all over the place. I did end up zooming some interviews because I felt these people were important to the story.

SJF: What lessons have you learned re: the topic of disabled amputee athletes?

MK: What I have learned in my research is that there are more resources than I thought for Amputees. While doing research for the film in deciding who to interview, I came across so many organizations. In the last 1 ½ years, I attended two National Conferences and 6 major sports events for adaptive athletes. It’s really amazing that everyone is on the same page and are looking to provide a better community, more education and a way to improve the health of the adaptive athletes, whether they are children, teens or adults. I’ve also learned more about discrimination of those with disabilities. I’ve also learned that insurance hasn’t provided coverage for a sports prosthetic for Amputees wanting to compete. It has been deemed not medically necessary. There is an organization, So Everybody Can Move, that has helped in getting a grassroot movement going for communities to educate legislation to change this process of providing a covered prosthetic.

SJF: Your commitment and dedication to the topic of disabled amputee athletes is impressive Marci!

SJF: How wide would you like your reach to be with the distribution of this film?

MK: My goal with this film is to share it throughout the United States and some International Countries. In addition to submitting this Documentary to film festivals that specifically deal with films featuring stories of disabled, and sports themes, my goal is to showcase this film in cities that have Adaptive Sports Clubs and Colleges with Adaptive Sports teams and programs. I’d like to be able to have an Educational Distribution, to show to non-profits, government agencies, conferences and corporations. And of course, I’d love to have this film streamed on various platforms. Sports is a great way to introduce adaptive athletes to the community. With the Paralympic Games in just over a month, this film will continue showing people afterwards just how sport has the ability for people to see the “abilities” of Amputees and not their “disabilities”.

SJF: Wishing you the best that your film has lots of distance being screened nationally as well as globally!

SJF: How can we find out more information about Krown Family Films?

MK: Krown Family Films social media sites:

TICKET LINK for Stepping Up Together – A San Diego Film Event for THE POWER OF SPORTS FOR AMPUTEES Documentary: 
CLICK HERE: https://new.biddingowl.com/AmputeeSports.

Krown Family Films website:
CLICK HERE: https://krownfamilyfilms.com

The Power of Sports for Amputees Facebook Group:
CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepowerofsports

For more info: info@krownfamilyfilms.com

HASHTAGS:

#amputeelife #amputeestrong #adaptivesports #adaptiveathlete #krownfamilyfilms #inclusionmatters #inclusionforall #adaptivesports #diversitymatters #thepowerofsport #paralympicgames #wheelchairbasketball #paris2024 #paralympics  #abilitynotdisability #adaptivetools #adaptivedesign #moveunited #parabadminton #parafencing #disablitymatters #prosthetics #amputeelife #amputeecoalition #adaptiveyoga #inclusionmatters #paralympicathletes  #legprosthetic #disabilityawareness #phantompain #limbloss #LLLDAM #inclusionmatters #prosthetist #thrivetogether #befreeadaptive #adaptivefashion #adaptivefashions #Standupandplay #wethrive #sportsarelife #wheelchairbasketball

Questions? For more info: info@krownfamilyfilms.com

Many thanks Marci, it has been a pleasure learning more about your film!

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‘Jump Start a Life’ ~ Live – Streamed Telethon in San Diego to Support Derek Johnston on Saturday, March 16, 2019

‘Jump Start a Life’ ~ Live – Streamed Telethon in San Diego to Support Derek Johnston on Saturday, March 16, 2019


Sharing this press release for a very special upcoming event

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEBRUARY 15, 2019 – SAN DIEGO, CA: Heartland Films, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization, in association with IntelleXual Entertainment, Grudio Pictures and Preposterous Films are partnering to produce a twelve-hour live-streamed telethon on March 16, 2019 entitled ‘Jump Start a Life’ to support Derek Johnston who is battling Stage-4 Non-Clear Cell Kidney Cancer. Mr. Johnston has been a leader in supporting the creative arts in San Diego since 2012 when he began managing The Horton Grand Theatre, a position he held until his cancer diagnosis in October 2016.

Since his diagnosis Mr. Johnston has been unable to work as he has fought this terrible disease. He had a kidney removed in December 2016 and by April 2018 his doctors told him he should expect to pass away within two weeks. He had dropped to 103 lbs on his 6’ frame. His family, his friends and Mr. Johnston collectively held their breath in anticipation of the end.

This is where the story takes a dramatic turn as Mr. Johnston did not expire.

Since that dark time in April he has regained over 40 lbs and has seen nearly 30% reduction in his cancer cell count. He has been participating in a clinical trial and his body’s response to the treatment has been nothing short of incredible. It is very clear that Mr. Johnston must be allowed to remain in San Diego to continue as an active participant in this life-saving clinical trial and to be a positive member of this group of patients that are helping lead the way in discovering a cure for this terrible disease.

Unfortunately, Mr. Johnston is still unable to work, has depleted his savings and is at serious risk of having to drop out of the trial. As the manager of The Horton Grand Theatre Mr. Johnston threw his support behind innumerable creatives in San Diego. He helped local creatives with agreements that allowed artists of all varieties and budgets to use the theater for dance programs, comedy, film screenings, filming on location, awards shows and plays. His assistance directly affected thousands of artists in our community. “Due to the generosity of Derek Johnston, who was the Executive Director of the Historic Horton Grand Theatre, I was able to film for an entire weekend with the first ever all female team during the 2015 48 Hour Film Challenge. His generosity is legendary,” states Sue Vicory, founder of Heartland Films. Because of his generosity a growing number of members of the creative arts community are stepping forward to help raise funds to allow Mr. Johnston to remain in San Diego and continue receiving the life-saving treatment he so desperately needs. “Without Derek’s generosity and support my dreams of hosting a live celebrity interview to celebrate the two-year anniversary of my podcast would not have come true. His enthusiasm for our show, and his belief in what we were building helped solidify my professional reputation in the community as a host and a filmmaker,” said David S. Dawson, host of The IntelleXual Podcast.

At noon on March 16th a twelve-hour telethon will live-stream on Facebook, YouTube and Twitch in support of Derek Johnston. Dubbed Jump Start A Life the program will be a variety show featuring local bands, comedians, improv and theater performances, cooking, interviews, and short films.

The show will be broadcasting from the studios at Voice and Video Sales, and at The Comedy Palace in Kearny Mesa. A LIVE audience will enjoy the performances at The Comedy Palace.

Jump Start A Life is a production Executive Produced by Heartland Films, Inc. a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity and all donations made to the telethon are tax-deductible. Jump Start A Life is seeking corporate sponsorships in addition to individual donations. Parties interested in sponsoring can visit the Jump Start A Life website at https://jumpstartalife.org. For more information about the program contact Producer/Co-Director David S. Dawson: david@theintellexual.com

###

DONATE

Jump Start A Life – 2019 Sponsorship PacketDownload
Jump-Start-A-Life-2.15.19-Initial-Press-ReleaseDownload
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My Power of One Delivers 5th San Diego ‘Act of Kindness’ to Rachel’s Women’s Center

 

My Power of One 5th Act of Kindness, San Diego March 1, 2018

(San Diego, California, March 6, 2018). There was an ‘Act of Kindness’ in San Diego on Thursday, March 1st from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Halo Cinematic, benefiting Rachel’s Women’s Center (a Drop-In Day Center at Catholic Charities for homeless and low income women in East Village).  This fifth Act of Kindness in San Diego was sponsored and led by Sue Vicory, an award-winning documentary filmmaker, humanitarian and the CEO of the global brand “My Power of One”.

According to Ms. Vicory and My Power of One, ‘March 1st was our 5th Act of Kindness in San Diego. We gathered for a photo shoot with photographer Aram Khachaturyan on a movie set at Halo Cinematic and gathered up supplies to deliver to a day center for women. Five carloads were delivered.’

Here is a photo montage video courtesy of Sue Vicory:

“The mission of ‘My Power of One’ is as simple as understanding how significant we each are within humanity with our every word and every action making a difference. These words and actions are our legacy and fingerprint within humanity. We pride ourselves in doing intentional and sometimes anonymous random acts of kindness. Be the Miracle is our catch phrase.” – Sue Vicory

Sue Vicory, recently was an Indie Film Showcase’ panelist at the Sundance Film Festival and will be an upcoming panelist representing Women Filmmakers at the Cannes Film Festival in May, 2018.  More information about Sue Vicory can be found at her Website, her YouTube Channel and in a 2016 Interview.

Social Media Hashtags for the March 1st event: #MPO1 #ThinkOne #ActofKindness.

For more information email susanvicory@gmail.com or visit http://mypowerofone.com/

Media Contact: SJF Communications; 408-398-5940 sjfcommunications@gmail.com.

Photos courtesy of Aram Khachaturyan and Sue Vicory, My Power of One.

 

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Filmmaker Sue Vicory Inspires by Leading 5th San Diego My Power of One ‘Act of Kindness’ Benefiting Rachel’s Women’s Center on March 1st, 2018 

(San Diego, California, February 24, 2018). There will be a special ‘Act of Kindness’ in San Diego on Thursday, March 1st from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Halo Cinematic, benefiting Rachel’s Women’s Center (a Drop-In Day Center at Catholic Charities for homeless and low income women in East Village).  This fifth Act of Kindness in San Diego is sponsored and led by Sue Vicory, an award-winning documentary filmmaker, humanitarian and the CEO of the global brand “My Power of One”.

This unique day of celebration will include collecting, organizing and ultimately distributing a variety of donations to Rachel’s Women’s Center. There will also be a star-studded photo shoot of local celebrities with photographer Aram Khachaturyan from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. as well as entertainment on a film set at Halo Cinematic in Mira Mesa (7620 Miramar Rd Ste 41 San Diego, CA 92126). There is very limited space available with a maximum of 30 individuals at any given time throughout the four-hour event. Caterer Simply Fresh will be providing food for the event.

“The mission of ‘My Power of One’ is as simple as understanding how significant we each are within humanity with our every word and every action making a difference. These words and actions are our legacy and fingerprint within humanity. We pride ourselves in doing intentional and sometimes anonymous random acts of kindness. Be the Miracle is our catch phrase.” – Sue Vicory

Sue Vicory, recently was an Indie Film Showcase’ panelist at the Sundance Film Festival and will be an upcoming panelist representing Women Filmmakers at the Cannes Film Festival in May, 2018.  More information about Sue Vicory can be found at her Website, her YouTube Channel and in a 2016 Interview.

Social Media Hashtags for the March 1st event: #MPO1 #ThinkOne #ActofKindness.

To contribute monetary donations, or drop off suggested items, or for more information please or email susanvicory@gmail.com or visit the Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/157447744879686/.

Media Contact: SJF Communications; 408-398-5940 sjfcommunications@gmail.com.

Photos courtesy of Sue Vicory, My Power of One.

 

Photos from Previous San Diego Area

‘My Power of One Acts of Kindness’

My Power of One – 2014- at Monarch School
My Power of One -2014- at Monarch School
My Power of One Photo Shoot 2015 by Aram Khachaturyan

My Power of One – 2016- Beach Clean Up Torrey Pines State Beach

My Power of One – 2016- Oceanside – Women’s Resource Center

 

My Power of One 2017 – Encinitas -Carol’s House Community Resource Center

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Sue Vicory Appoints Susan J. Farese to ‘My Power of One” Advisory Board

Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications was appointed on January 1, 2018 by filmmaker and  humanitarian  Sue Vicory to serve as the ‘Director of Entertainment for the Global Market, on the My Power of One Advisory Board 

From Sue Vicory:

“My Power of One is a privately held e-commerce apparel and accessories company with the intention of being a catalyst for inspired positive action which supports community based organizations throughout the year with our acts of kindness. We are supported by a bi-coastal Board of Advisors.

Please help me welcome Susan Farese of SJF Communications as our newest and boldest My Power of One Board of Advisor for 2018. I have worked with Susan on multiple occasions which has lead me to ask her to take on Director of Entertainment for the Global market. As a nurse, veteran, SAG actress, tap dancer and PR/Marketer she is the perfect choice after a long search. Susan gets to craft her own duties and fulfill them to her heart’s desire. Welcome aboard our ship of endless inspiration and empowerment. http://mypowerofone.com/advisory-board “

-Sue Vicory, My Power of One

Susan’s Quote:

“I am thrilled to join forces with the talented philanthropist, filmmaker, empowering colleague, friend and kindred spirit Sue Vicory and embark on this exciting new inspirational journey with the phenomenal ‘My Power of One” Board of Advisors. Sue Vicory is one of a kind. Her purposeful ‘power of one’  spreading kindness while giving back is an inspiration to all”.

-Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

My Power of One Logo Courtesy of Sue Vicory, MPO1

It’s always a pleasure to work with Sue Vicory on a variety of programs and projects. 

More information on My Power of One:

Meet My Power of One Advisory Board

‘We are surrounded and supported by greatness’

Board of Advisors

Kristi Anderson – Inspiration crafter

Clare Carlson – Brand photographer

Isabel Canzoneri – Head of Spiritual Guidance

Susan Farese – Director of Entertainment

Cat Forrest – C.L.O. (Chief Light Officer)

Greg Hoffman – Financial Advisor

Lori Jones – Lead Nurturer

Gage Magosin – Youth Ambassador

Gracie Marshall – Junior Advisor

Sariann Monaco – Adventure specialist

Tamra Price – VP Acts of Kindness

Miles Rosenquest – C.C.O. (Chief Cuteness Officer)

Anita Rowe – Head of Logistics

Jennifer Scibetti – Voice of My Power of One

Scott Strohm – Legal Eagle

Katy Suzanne Vicory – Art Direction

Sue Vicory – Whimsical Director

Ann Ware – Chief Embroiderer

Ava Wirsig – Junior Advisor

More Links about My Power of One

Donate to My Power of  One

Shop at My Power of One

My Power of One Blog

Here are photos from some of Sue Vicory’s ‘My Power of One’ projects and programs

including film projects and acts of kindness:

Susan J. Farese and Emmy Farese ready for the 48 Hour Film Project
My Power of One Act of Kindness Torrey Pines State Beach
At San Diego Museum of Photography Screening of 48 Hour Film Project
San Diego Film Awards
13th Annual Switchfoot Bro-AM: http://broam.org/event/bro-am-2017/
My Power of One Act of Kindness at Monarch School

Click Archive SJF Communications Post: 

https://sjfcommunications.com/2016/02/11/sue-vicory/

Click Archive SJF Communications Post:

Sue Vicory Making a Powerful Impact One Person at a Time

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Extraordinary People -Sue Vicory

 Making a Powerful Impact

One Person at a Time:

Award-Winning Filmmaker Sue Vicory

by

Susan J. Farese

SJF Communications

Sue Vicory. Photo Credit: Landon Collis

My serendipitous connection with two-time Telly Award winning Filmmaker Sue Vicory began in 2015. It was meant to be! San Diego filmmaker/entrepreneur/educator Jodi Cilley, the President of the Film Consortium San Diego and the founder and producer of the annual San Diego Film Awards (and an equally extraordinary person) recommended that I connect with her film colleague Sue.  Jodi was so intuitive in facilitating our connection (which I hope will last a lifetime)!

Sue Vicory with Jodi Cilley
Sue Vicory with Jodi Cilley (courtesy photo-Jodi Cilley)

     A quote about Sue from Jodi: 

“Sue Vicory is one of the most inspiring and amazing people I know. She has dedicated her life to helping others and has gone out of her way to help build the film industry in San Diego in a variety of ways. She is a role model and I’m constantly amazed by her efforts to help people from all walks of life.” – Jodi Cilley

After reaching out to Sue via email, my daughter Emmy and I were cast in the short fiction film Downstage for the 2015 San Diego 48 Hour Film Project.  Sue’s production company “Heartland Films” produced and Sue directed, along with the writing team of Sariann Monaco, Holly Rone and Talia Pauletti. “Team XX” was a history-making, twenty-five member, all-female team.  Downstage is now on the film festival circuit. You can view Sue’s films and videos on  Sue Vicory’s YouTube Channel. Read my previous post about Team XX .

Team XX at Filming of Downstage
Team XX at Filming of Downstage (courtesy photo-Sue Vicory)

Besides working on Downstage Emmy and I have participated in a few of Sue’s community service projects and we continually network. It was because of witnessing Sue’s purpose, passion, vigor and selfless “chill” demeanor that I decided to interview her here as an Extraordinary Person, Sharing her Story!

Sue is currently on an amazing one year trip across the U.S. in her branded van with her “extraordinary” “My Power of One” (MPO1) 12 Acts of Kindness National Tour”. Her recently retired and extremely supportive husband Jay and their amazing (will tell you why later) Golden Retriever Kacy are accompanying her.

Here is the MPO1 Facebook page link and “12 Acts of Kindness National Tour”- Go Fund Me Site. You can order MPO1 t-shirts, hats, stickers, note cards, etc.: http://mypowerofone.com/product-category/t-shirts/ and read Sue’s blog: MPO1: blog: http://mypowerofone.com/blog/

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