5/9/06 Press Release

Robert Fink - photographer | film maker - sweatyboyproductions.com 1722 Rucker Ave, Everett, WA 98201
tel: 425.257.0453 - cel: 425.750.0089 - www.sweatyboy.com

WALLY a documentary feature by bob fink is an OFFICIAL SELECTION SEATTLE TRUE INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL (STIFF) view site

WALLY will be screened Saturday, June 3, 2006 at 11:00am at
The Market Theater in Pike Place Market

FILM SUMMARY
“Wally” is a film named after a middle-aged man, who in spite of physical and mental disabilities since birth, has made a life on the land he loves surrounded by neighbors and family who care for him and help to support him. Wally is an extremely engaging character, and we learn about his history, his interests and struggles as the film unfolds.
It is also the story of his sister, Cassie, who when crisis strikes is forced to try to resolve difficult decisions concerning the future of her brother as she tries to manage pressures from other relatives. It is a film about a woman trying her best to care for a disabled brother.
It is also a film about the vicissitudes of family, common to everyone: about divided loyalties, fear and courage, dependency and autonomy-- the dilemmas from which none of us can escape. It is a film about the enormous complexity of loving and being loved.

Perhaps, more than anything, this is a film that invites all of us to reflect upon our own humanity and capacities for finding our way in situations that offer no “good solutions,” those times in a life when we feel forced to choose the way “of least suffering.” It is film about the implications and ramifications of those terrible choices we all eventually must face.

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT
This is my very first film. Unlike most filmmakers, I have not worked in the industry in any way before now. I am 57 years old, for God's sake!
My grandparents immigrated from Eastern Europe and my father worked his way through medical school to fulfill his parents' dream. As the eldest of three sons, it was expected that I would follow in my father's footsteps and become a physician. Always loving movies, I told my father, when I was a junior at Stanford University, that I had decided not to go into Medicine, but, instead, to become a filmmaker. My father suddenly felt a pain in his chest that persisted until I finished Medical School.

I have had a long and successful career in Psychiatry, practicing in the Seattle area and lecturing around the world. I still see patients everyday. When my office finally decided to computerize in 2003, I found an Apple PowerBook on my desk. I did not even know how to get on line or send an email. While exploring the icons on the desktop, I discovered "iMovie" and thought, "It's not too late- I can still be a film maker.". From that day until this I have devoted myself to this endeavor.

I had no camera. I had no story. I had no clue! But, what I did have was incredible desire to do what I had always wanted to do- make movies.

While receiving the benefit of a great deal of luck, some good timing, and a lot of good advice, I taught myself how to use the computer. A friend lent me a Cannon XL-1 and downloaded Final Cut Pro into my laptop and gave me some basic instruction.

Cassie and Wally's story came my way and I decided this was it- I was going to make a cinema verite style documentary about what was about to transpire in their lives. I am very happy with my decision to follow my dream and will never look back.

The reason Cassie and Wally opened their lives to this project was so that others would learn from their parents' mistakes. As Wally said, "So that other kids won't have to go through the same things that I have".
James Baker, the Press Secretary of United Cerebral Palsy in Washington, DC, viewed the film and found it so compelling that he is making it available for screening to every UCP chapter in the U.S. A percentage of the proceeds from this film (if any) will be donated to UCP.

This film reaches far beyond the issues of disability. It touches each person who sees it very differently and very personally. I encourage you to experience the film for yourself. I hope it changes your life- it has certainly changed mine.

PRAISE FOR WALLY
STEPHEN BENNETT, President and CEO of UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY says:
“United Cerebral Palsy is proud to support Robert Fink’s film “WALLY” with the hope that it will help families, service providers and communities work together to protect the independence and freedom of all people with disabilities.”

WALLY IS A SUCCESS

OFFICIAL SELECTIONS:
2006 Bare Bones International Film Festival
–Nominated BEST DOCUMENTARY
2006 George Lindsay (UNA) Film Festival
2006 Seaside Repertory Film Festival
2006 Cinequest Viewiers Voice Film Festival
-- placed in the TOP 5 FEATURE FILM (out of 250 films)

COMMENTS/REVIEWS of “WALLY”
"Review by Christopher Spencer, film maker, L.A."
"...it is an emotional film -- and you know the emotions are real. This is real drama, more complex than any fiction writer could imagine. Wally, Cassie and Tom are thrust into this situation where there can be no winner. It's a classic Catch-22. What a story!"

"Notes from Joel Leskowitz, film producer"
"It's a touching story... no right or wrong, just people trying to do their best. Along with feeling for Wally's plight, I really felt for the sister. Quite a story!"

"Review by Victor Balta, The Everett Herald (9/13/05)"
"Wally" takes us deep into Cassie's struggle, complete with pressure from friends, family and neighbors, while Wally, an extremely charismatic, funny and cunning guy, awaits his fate.
Fink has a moving, insightful piece of work."

see WALLY
At the SEATTLE TRUE INDEPENDENT FILM FEST
Saturday, June 3, 2006 at The Market Theater at 11:00am
Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA