GLEASON
Englert Theater — Friday Aug. 26
8:00 p.m.
$20-25
FilmScene, Scheels and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics are teaming up to host a benefit screening of the acclaimed documentary Gleason tonight at 8 p.m. at the Englert Theatre. The film follows the journey of former NFL defensive back Steve Gleason, who was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) — also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease — and then discovers that he and his wife, Michel, will be welcoming a child.
Following the screening, director Clay Tweel (The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters) and producer Mary Rohlich will provide a Q & A. A portion of ticket sales from the evening’s event will be gifted to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics to assist them in their research and treatment of ALS.
“I’m incredibly honored to be bringing Gleason back to my hometown of Iowa City,” said Rohlich. “I loved watching movies at the Englert Theatre growing up and it’s very special to be able to share this film with the help of Scheels and FilmScene.”
“Seemingly right away, Gleason confronted the fact that, even if he lives long enough to see his child grow capable of deep conversations, he almost surely won’t be capable of natural speech. He starts recording thoughtful and sometimes eloquent video journals for the boy to watch when he’s old enough, trying to share all the wisdom, experience and love one could want from a lifetime of fathering,” said the Hollywood Reporter.
The film was lauded at the Sundance Film Festival and was listed as a “Frontrunner” for the 2017 Oscar Awards by IndieWire.
Tickets are still available online for $20 or at the door for $25.
