DIFFERENT FROM WHAT? FILM FESTIVAL

WITH WINGS TO FLY
(USA, 1997) Director: Sharon T. Farrell
Documentary, English, 29 minutes

SYNOPSIS
"With Wings to Fly" introduces Jay Robin Sparrow, a spirited young athlete who became a quadriplegic after a devastating auto accident. Determined to still compete in sports, Jay entered the highly competitive sport of Pigeon Racing and rose to champion status. "With Wings to Fly" tracks Jay and his teammate-mother, Marjo, as they prepare for the 500-mile pigeon race from Rogerson, Idaho, to the San Francisco Bay Area. We witness the tremendous bond between this mother-son team and capture the exciting final results of the race.

FROM THE DIRECTOR
"With Wings to Fly" is a film about family bonds and the strength of the human spirit. The Sparrow family would not allow physical limitations to deter their son, a former athlete, the joy of competing in sports. It was my intention to show how a person can overcome obstacles and soar above limitations.

REVIEWS
"... outstanding documentary of the year ..." - Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
"Uplifting" - Booklist
"Very Winning" - School Library Journal

FESTIVALS, SCREENINGS & AWARDS
Festivals: Fairfax Documentary Film Festival, Fairfax, CA; International Documentary Association's DocTober Film Festival, Pasadena, CA; Orinda Film Society's Fall Series, Orinda, CA
Screenings: Academy of Motion Pictures' Contemporary Documentary Series, Los Angeles, CA; Northwest Airlines' Independent's in Flight (one month of screenings in flights)
Awards: American Legion Auxiliary Heart of America Award, recognizing professional excellence and contributions to American women, children and families

THE PRODUCTION TEAM
Producer/Director/Camera: Sharon Farrell
Sound/Camera: Ben Johnston, George Jarrow
On-line Editor: Patty Stanton