Contact Information: Contact: Rick Sheehy Emerge PR For "The Child King" 1 617 729 3190 rsheehy@emergepr.com
New Holiday Film to Benefit Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities Now Available for Purchase
"The Child King" Combines Human Triumph With the Christmas Spirit to Create an Instant Holiday Classic
| Source: 'The Child King'
BOSTON, MA--(Marketwire - September 23, 2008) - "The Child King," a new holiday-themed film
dedicated to helping individuals with intellectual disabilities, is now
available for online purchase. The film tells the heartwarming story of an
older brother determined to prove to his younger sibling that Santa Claus
exists. This sparks a memorable road trip to find Santa that leads to
hilarious adventures and personal discovery along the way.
"The Child King" follows in the steps of many classic films by
demonstrating it is the most unassuming characters that inspire through
their ordinary deeds to become heroes. In this case, a young man rises
above the limitations set by others to discover anything and everything is
possible. Sure to be a holiday classic that any family will enjoy.
The star of "The Child King," Peter Johnson, joined a very select group of
actors with Down syndrome when he assumed the leading role in a major
motion picture. In tackling this challenging role he followed in the
footsteps of his idol, actor Chris Burke of television's "Life Goes On."
The film, shot when Peter was a high school junior, was his first foray
into acting. In addition to his burgeoning film career, Peter is an
accomplished athlete and has participated in the Special Olympics winning
gold, silver and bronze medals in track and field as well as tennis. Peter
is also a global messenger for the Special Olympics, speaking to select
groups that may be interested in supporting the organization financially.
"Peter's role in 'The Child King' provides a great example of how actors
with intellectual disabilities can fully participate in modern filmmaking,"
said Gail Williamson, executive director of the Down Syndrome Association
of Los Angeles and the head of Down Syndrome in Arts & Media, Hollywood's
preeminent talent agency for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
"Having worked with the television and movie industry for more than 20
years, it is refreshing to see a film like 'The Child King' provide a
positive portrayal of individuals with intellectual disabilities. I am also
thrilled that the proceeds from the sale of the film will benefit families
of individuals with intellectual disabilities. I consider 'The Child King'
a must-have for any family that treasures a heartwarming, uplifting story."
All of the proceeds from the sale of "The Child King" will go to support
The Child King Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting
the families of those with intellectual disabilities. In addition, all
orders placed for the film will result in employment for adults with
intellectual and physical disabilities. "The Child King" has received the
endorsement from such leading children's organizations including KIDS FIRST
and Exceptional Parent Magazine. "The Child King" was an official
selection of the 2007 Los Angeles Film Festival, and winner of the Kids
First "Feature Films for Families" award.
The film was created, written and co-produced by Jeff Kerr, a special agent
with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), and directed by his
brother Frank, a graduate of the prestigious New York University Film
School and a veteran writer and director whose credits include "The Legend
of Prince Valiant," "True Blood," and Steven Spielberg's "Amazing Stories."
Ironically, this uplifting story was written by Jeff during one of the
saddest moments in law enforcement history, the siege in Waco, Texas, where
four ATF agents were gunned down by David Koresh and the Branch Davidians.
After 14 years of perseverance, Jeff was able to work with his brother, a
few fellow ATF agents and some close friends to bring the story to life.
"'The Child King' was written as a dad lesson to my children," said Jeff
Kerr. "Having an adventurous spirit, a little faith and a lot of kindness
is not a bad place to start when trying to shape your kids. I only needed a
hero to deliver that message and I found it in the image of a fellow
agent's son, Joey Granatino, a three-year-old dynamo with Down syndrome. As
we were leaving for Waco, the story idea, previously stuck in my head,
quickly came to life."
About The Child King Foundation
All profits from the sale of "The Child King" will be used to support The
Child King Foundation (CKF), an organization that will administer funds and
distribute grants to organizations and individuals that assist, and
advocate for those with intellectual disabilities. These grants are
designed to help organizations and individuals meet more of the basic
challenges of working with intellectually challenged individuals. The Child
King Foundation is a non-profit with 501c (3) certification.
Those who purchase "The Child King" will also benefit adults with
intellectual and physical disabilities at The Barry Price Center (The Price
Center). The Price Center will handle all packaging and shipment of the
film, providing instruction, training and employment to approximately 28
people.
To Order "The Child King":
Copies of "The Child King" can be ordered by visiting www.thechildking.com.
The film retails for $19.95 plus postage (non-U.S. orders extra). For more
information on the Child King Project please visit www.thechildking.com.