My father was an old friend of retired Shasta County Superior Court Judge Don Kennedy and his wife, Margaret, of Redding.
I talked to Kennedy recently about the incredible news that his daughter, Kathleen Kennedy, and her acclaimed film, “The Diving Bell and The Butterfly,” will be at the Cascade Theater Saturday for a premiere screening.
“The Diving Bell and The Butterfly” tells the story of Jean-Dominique Bauby, a French man whose movements are reduced to blinks in just one eye after a catastrophic stroke and coma left him with a condition called “locked-in syndrome.”
Recently hailed as the “most astonishing, poetic and powerful film of the season,” by The Washington Post, “The Diving Bell and The Butterfly” is exactly the kind of smart, moving, sophisticated film that rarely makes it to Redding.
But thanks to the Kennedy family, this film, the winner of two Golden Globes awards; best foreign language film and best director, will play in Redding Saturday.
Don Kennedy said Margaret gets the credit for starting the discussion during the family’s holiday meal about Kathleen’s newest film.
“It all came to pass over Thanksgiving dinner when Margaret brought it up,” he said. “We learned this was a limited release film, and it wouldn’t come to Redding, only major cities.”
When Margaret and Don expressed disappointment that yet another of Kathleen’s movies wouldn’t grace Redding, Kathleen offered a suggestion.
“Kathy said, ‘Gee, maybe we can screen it here for a worthy cause,’ ” her father said.
When Kathleen Kennedy says, “Gee, maybe,” things happen.
“The Diving Bell and The Butterfly” will benefit the Cascade Theatre Endowment Fund.
The audience will also hear Kathleen Kennedy, one of the world’s most influential film producers, introduce her film in her hometown theater. She’ll answer questions afterward, and the evening will conclude with a dessert and champagne reception.
Admission price is an unbelievable bargain at $20. The fact that any tickets remain absolutely blows my mind.
Valeria Ing-Miller, of Jefferson Public Radio, said she’s proud and honored that Kathleen Kennedy will return to Redding to share the film that Kennedy shepherded as her own personal project.
“I met Kathleen several years ago when she came home to visit and walked with her through the project under construction, and was impressed by her affection for art deco,” Ing-Miller said.
“Also impressive was her commitment to help restore the history of her childhood downtown when she became one of the Cascade Theatre’s largest private contributors, along with another homegrown movie mogul, Clint Eastwood.”
By the way, Kathleen Kennedy recently talked with News Director Jessica Robinson on the Jefferson Daily, Jefferson Public Radio’s regional news program. Kathleen talked about her projects, and what attracted her to “The Diving Bell & The Butterfly.”
You can listen to the interview online at www.jeffersondaily.org .
And if you hurry, and you’re lucky, you can buy a remaining ticket, see this amazing film, hear Kathleen Kennedy speak, ask questions and personally thank the entire Kennedy family for making this amazing event possible.
Call 243-8877 or visit www.cascadetheatre.org for more information.
