I was thrilled to be one of the honorary community directors for the sold out world premiere on April 2nd at Maplewood Richmond Heights High School of ”Joe’s Place”, a locally made documentary, to help support an unique local home for high school boys.
The documentary, created by Maplewood filmmaker Matt Sielback and narrated by actor David Oyelowo (The Last King of Scotland), tells the amazing story of a community, several homeless high school boys and a school district coming together to address the issue of youth who need a home. Joe’s Place offers homeless teenage boys in MRH school district, via a unique non-profit, a caring home environment under the supervision of houseparents Dan and Alyssa Reeve, supporting them in graduating from high school and creating a positive futurefor themselves.
Seilback found a warm welcome from the residents of the house as he began work on his very first movie. “The boys have such a love for people and a respect for others,” said Seilback. “Given the hardness that they have already encountered in this world, it is a testament to the relationships they have developed together and with their house parents.”
Compassion for these boys has also touched hearts as far out as Hollywood. When Seilback searched for a narrator, he was quick to find David Oyelowo, best known for his role in “The Last King of Scotland.” Oyelowo, an active advocate for helping people in need, did not hesitate to volunteer his time and talent.
Additional honorary directors from the community included Richmond Heights Mayor Jim Beck; community resident Tish Corcoran; Nadir Djavaherian, GM of Auto Plaza Ford; Jim Fiala, owner of the restaurant Acero; Jerry Gibbs, owner of J&E’s Office City; Jay Hardy, president of Jay B. Smith Funeral Home; Mike Haughey, COO of Sunnen; Patrick Jugo of Jugo Plus Architects; Mark Langston with Coldwell Banker Gundaker; Eric Roy, Schlafly brewer; Joe Sausele with Ameritime; and Keat Wilkins, CEO of Sense Corp.
I am actively working with my colleagues in Jefferson City for additionalscreenings this summer throughout the state. The film has already caught the eye of the MIssouri Film Commission and will hopefully be entered in film festivals soon.
AND I can’t say enough about MRH Superintendent Linda Henke who, without her vision and direction, homeless boys in our community would have simply become statistics.