Working with Steve James, one of our finest
documentary filmmakers, and our team to make “Life Itself” has been one of the
most gratifying experiences I could ever hope for. I am deeply moved by the
hard work and dedication they devoted to every aspect of the filmmaking
process. One of our objectives was to make a film that allowed the viewer to
get to know Roger and his relationship to the film industry, and to life
itself, in an intimate and meaningful way. I think we accomplished that, and I
know that Roger would have been pleased with the outcome, and that makes me
happy.
The film seemed to touch the hearts and minds of so many.
“Life Itself” is about the strength of the human heart. The profound and
emotional depth one feels when experiencing the movie is possible because of
the beautiful filmmaking.
For all the tireless and creative work that
went into the film, I do wish that Steve and his team had experienced the honor
of an Oscar nomination. But we are incredibly grateful for the awards and
accolades “Life Itself” has received, including from the Critics Choice Awards; the Chicago Film Critics
Association; New York Film Critics
Online; the National Board of Review; the African American Film Critics Association;
the Golden Tomato Award for Best Documentary; Boston Online Film Critics;
American Film Festival in Oklahoma Film Critics Circle; Philadelphia Inquirer;
Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association; and for being nominated and making the Best Films
Lists of so many organizations both in and outside of the country. The film is also up for a Producers Guild
Award, and it is true: it is an honor just to be nominated.
I extend heartfelt thanks to the entire “Life Itself” team
starting with Steve James, Zak Piper, Garrett Basch, Dana Kupper , David
Simpson, Emily Hart, Ryan Gleason, and to Joshua Abrams for his score. Many thanks to Tim Horsburgh and
everyone at Kartemquin Films. We couldn’t have had the success we did without
Eamonn Bowles, Matt Cowal, Arianne Rocchi and everyone at Magnolia Pictures who
distributed the film; or without Jeff Zucker, Amy Entelis, Vinnie Malhotra, and
Courtney Sexton and everyone at CNN Films who believed in us right from the
beginning and signed on early in the process. Our executive producers Martin
Scorsese, Steve Zaillian, Gordon Quinn, Justine Nagan, Kat White, Mark Mitten
and Michael Ferro have been steadfast in their support.
Our team also consisted of our agents and
lawyers: Joel Gotler, Frank Wuliger, Anita First, Eliot Ephraim and Joe
Ginsburg, who have been of tremendous help. And, last but not least, many
thanks to our sales agent, John Sloss; Cinetic, our communications partners; Susan
Norget, Marian Koltai-Levine, and George Nicholis and PMK; Rebecca Fisher,
Fredell Pogodin, Robin Beaman, Shawn Taylor, Daniel Jackson and Rocio Almodovar
and their staffs. They have been so
wonderful in helping us get out the word about “Life Itself.” This has truly been a collaborative effort,
and working with this dream team has been lovely beyond compare.
I also wish to thank my family who agreed to appear in the
movie: my daughter Sonia, and son Josibiah; my grandchildren; and niece Ina
Jones. As well as my friends and
colleagues: Marlene Siskel, William Nack, Bruce Elliott, Roger Simon,
Rick Kogan, Thea Flaum, John McHugh, Donna La Pietra, Nancy De Los Santos, Carol Iwata, and Flora
Doronila. I also thank film critics A.O.
Scott, Richard Corliss and Jonathan Rosenbaum for their wisdom. And many thanks
to the directors who shed light on so many important aspects: Martin Scorsese, Ava
DuVernay, Werner Herzog, Gregory Nava, Ramin Bahrani and Errol Morris.
One of the most satisfying aspects of
making the movie was taking it around the country to share it with audiences.
The deeply emotional and insightful comments I received about Roger and the
film moved me to tears. So many people inspired and comforted me in my grief,
telling me about their interactions with Roger and what his acts of kindness or
his writing meant to them. So thank you to everyone who embraced the film and
Roger so thoroughly.
“Life Itself” will be shown again on CNN, this Friday,
January 25 at 9 and 11 pm EST.
