Note: This film festival has been cancelled. The original press release
is left here as a matter of record.
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - To pay tribute to the men and women of what has been called "the greatest generation" and to commemorate the film adaptations of Illinois author James Jones' war-related works, a James Jones Film Festival will be held Dec. 5-7, 2003, at the historic Virginia Theatre in Champaign, Ill.
In addition to showing a series of films, accompanied by discussion panels, the festival will also include a concert by the area favorite Medicare 7, 8 or 9 Dixieland Jazz Band, whose members include several World War II veterans. A session about the significant role music played in World War II will feature the band, as well.
"As our World War II veterans continue on into their later years, they deserve to know the full extent of gratitude and appreciation Americans of all ages feel for their contributions and sacrifices in the name of our freedom," said Ray Elliott, an author, James Jones Literary Society board member and one of the key organizers of the festival. "They paid a high price for us all to enjoy the life we have today in this country."
A number of local and national sponsors are coordinating and/or contributing
to the event, including the James Jones Literary Society, the Champaign
Park District, the Champaign-Urbana News-Gazette, WILL AM-FM-TV, Tales Press,
Barham Benefit Group and a number of area veterans organizations and individuals.
Films to be shown at the festival include "From Here to Eternity," "The Thin Red Line," "Some Came Running," "The Longest Day" (in which Jones served as a scriptwriter and consultant) and the documentary, "James Jones: Reveille to Taps."
Special guests are currently being recruited to participate in the panels
that will discuss aspects of the films and their cultural impact.
An exhibit area adjacent to the Virginia Theatre
will display period letters, photos and other memorabilia on loan from
area veterans and their families, as well.
A complete festival pass for the Medicare concert and all films is available for $35 per person and currently on sale at the Virginia Theatre, 203 W. Park Ave., Champaign; by phone at 217-356-9063; or online at www.thevirginia.org.