HOLDEN — Bringing a book to the movie screen often involves rewriting to condense the story.
One Door Closes: Korey’s Courage focuses on only some of the people profiled in the book that is the basis for the documentary, in order to properly tell their stories.
Korey’s Courage has deep Holden roots, according to Tom Ingrassia, who co-wrote the 2013 book.
“Both Jared Chrudimsky and I live in Holden. My business is based here. Our director’s family lives in Holden. One of our cast members, Ken McDonnell, lives in Holden. Some of the filming was done in Holden,” Ingrassia said.
After interviewing several potential directors for the project, Ingrassia, who serves as executive producer, and Chrudimsky, associate producer, settled on Boston-based documentary filmmaker Anna K. Walsh.
Walsh grew up in Holden, where her family still resides. She grew up with and is very good friends with Korey Varano, whose story forms the centerpiece of the documentary. Filming commenced in 2019, and took place in Holden, Worcester, New Hampshire, Connecticut and California.
Holden resident Kristjon Imperio also contributed music.
But the stories go beyond any borders.
“One Door Closes: Overcoming Adversity By Following Your Dreams (the book) truly was a life-changing experience for both Jared Chrudimsky and me,” Ingrassia said. “It profiled 16 people from all walks of life, many of whom live in Central Massachusetts, who overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles in order to live into their dreams.
“My life philosophy is that if I can impact even just one person’s life, then I have changed the world,” he continued. “The stories in the book have changed lives. Even 10 years after its publication, Jared and I are asked to do author talks and other programs based on the book, and people have told us things like, ‘I thought I was the only one going through this challenge. But after reading so-and-so’s story of how they overcame, I now have the strength to carry on’.”
“I have devoted my professional life, 25 years in higher education and 23 years as a motivational speaker and success coach, to helping others to live into their dreams. It is truly gratifying when people tell you that something you said or did changed their life. That is the essence of life. It is why I was put on this Earth, and why I do what I do,” Ingrassia said.
“The other thing about the book is that the people who shared their stories were so open and honest about the challenges they faced. And many of them were sharing their stories publicly for the first time. That takes courage. And that affected Jared and I deeply, too. Sharing our stories is so very important,” Ingrassia said.
The documentary allowed them to delve more deeply into the four stories they selected and to bring the stories up-to-date.
Local filming included Ken McDonnell’s portion, done at his Holden home, and there are some exterior scenes included such as McDonnell riding his bike along Holden Reservoir, and on some back roads in Jefferson.
“This film does have the power to make a difference in people’s lives. We included Scherrie Payne’s and June Monteiro’s stories as examples that even famous people face the same kinds of adversity that we all face. They struggle, too. Ken’s and Korey’s stories are examples of what I like to call ‘ordinary people who have achieved the extraordinary’.
“Ken fought back from a traumatic brain injury, and even though he still struggles with some of the cognitive issues related to TBIs, he went on to run a successful business before retiring.
“Korey Varano thought, when she was told she had cancer at age 12, that she would die and never achieve her dreams. Right before her diagnosis, her parents bought her a new bicycle for her 12th birthday. It hung in her garage for years, because she was no longer able to ride (or to do many of the things most teenagers do). Now, she finds such joy in riding her bike. She graduated from medical school. She is an advocate for amputees. Despite being an amputee, she is living into her dreams, and living life with no limits.” he said.
“We live in an era when so many people are feeling hopeless, and have lost the ability to dream. I am firmly convinced that this movie will give people hope and inspire them to reach beyond their challenges, and to live into their dreams.
The Oct. 8 premiere screening of One Door Closes: Korey’s Courage now open to the public at The Hanover Theatre in Worcester. Tickets are $15 each through the Hanover Theatre box office at 877-571-7469.
Following the screening, there will be a Q&A session with the cast members, so attendees will be able to meet Payne, formerly of The Supremes, and Monteiro, founding member of The Toys, “up close and personal.”
The film will have another local screening in The FrontRoom at WCUW 91.3FM in Worcester (where Ingrassia hosts The Motown Jukebox on Wednesday mornings) on Nov. 5. After that, the film will be on the film festival circuit.
