The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to partner with Christ Lutheran Church for the one-night-only encore of the award-winning film “October Sky” on Wednesday, July 2. This “movie night” event is a fundraising benefit for the Anne Conway Memorial Scholarship Fund. There will be one show at 4 p.m. at the festival’s Mary D. Fisher Theatre.
Come celebrate Anne Conway and enjoy a film that critics acclaimed as “Rich in sweet sincerity, intelligence, and good old-fashioned inspirational drama; ‘October Sky’ is a coming-of-age story with a heart to match its Hollywood craftsmanship.”
“Annie” Conway — as she was known to her large circle of friends and colleagues in Sedona and the Verde Valley — was one of the finest teachers in our state. For thirty years she taught 4th graders at the Clarkdale Elementary School with passion and devotion.
Annie’s life ended this past month after fighting cancer for three years. She wanted her legacy to benefit students who are planning to major in education. To this end, her family established a Memorial Scholarship in her name for graduates of her school system.
This special evening will honor Annie’s remarkable life and legacy. “October Sky” was one of Annie’s favorites and was selected by her family to be shown at this benefit.
Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper and Laura Dern star in the true story of Homer Hickam, a coal miner's son who was inspired by the first Sputnik launch to take up rocketry against his father's wishes.
In a 1950's mining town called Coalwood, Homer Hickam is a kid with only one future in sight, to work in the local coal mine like his father. However in October 1957, everything changes when the first artificial satellite, Sputnik goes into orbit. With that event, Homer becomes inspired to learn how to build rockets. With his friends and the local nerd, Homer sets to do just that by trial and a lot of error. Unfortunately, most of the town and especially Homer's father thinks that they are wasting their time. Only one teacher in the high school understands their efforts and lets them know that they could become contenders in the national science fair with college scholarships being the prize. Now the gang must learn to perfect their craft and overcome the many problems facing them as they shoot for the stars.
Donations for the Anne Conway Memorial Scholarship will be encouraged followed by a delicious surprise from good Lutheran cooks! All proceeds will help aspiring teachers gain a good education so that they too can change the lives of their students, just as Anne Conway did.