Accolades for the locally based film One Door Closes: Korey’s Courage include Massachusetts Independent Film Festival Official Selection laurel and International Independent Film Festival Gold Award laurel.
Those show the impact of the Holden-based production, based on a book highlighting how people have overcome challenges.
“Response to the film has FAR exceeded my expectations,” executive producer Tom Ingrassia said.
“That One Door Closes: Korey’s Courage is an Official Selection by both the Massachusetts Independent Film Festival, and the Documentaries Without Borders International Film Festival — and a Gold Winner at the International Independent Film Awards — is validation that the vision Jared (Chrudimsky) and I had eight years ago, when we first talked about turning our book, One Door Closes: Overcoming Adversity By Following Your Dreams into a documentary film was spot on,” he said.
“We wanted to present a message of healing and hope … and I think we have accomplished that goal,” Ingrassia said.
In addition to the online screening of the film during the Massachusetts Independent Film Festival, Ingrassia said he is pursuing more showings in the area.
“People ask all the time where they can see the film. I am currently pursuing screenings at some area colleges, at WCUW 91.3FM’s Cinema 910 (currently undergoing renovations), and some smaller, intimate theaters.”
The book on which the documentary is based 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.
“Jared and I are so proud of this film,” Ingrassia said. “Our cast and crew were so wonderful to work with. Whatever we needed them to do, they did — and did beautifully. Their stories are about things everyone can identify with, the struggles we all have. How to overcome those struggles. The power of a dream to get you through the rough patches. In a time when so many feel hopeless and have lost their ability to dream, June’s, Scherrie’s, Ken’s, and Korey’s messages of healing and hope are so important. Yes, there is sadness in the documentary. You will probably shed a few tears. Ultimately, though, these are stories of resilience and triumph. People will leave the screening knowing that, as Mary Wilson always said, ‘Dreams DO come true.’ ”
The film is now an Official Selection of both the Massachusetts Independent Film Festival and the Documentaries Without Borders International Film Festival.
The film will be available for screening online during the Massachusetts Independent Film Festival, from April 25 to 28, for ticket holders; more information is available at the festival’s website: shawnafoundation.org.
Screening dates for the Documentaries Without Borders International Film Festival have not yet been announced.
Ingrassia said Korey’s Courage presents the powerful, inspiring stories of four people: Ken McDonnell of Holden, who suffered a traumatic brain injury; June Monteiro, of the ‘60s Girl Group, The Toys, who was diagnosed with throat cancer; Scherrie Payne, formerly of The Supremes, who discusses battles with depression and breast cancer; and Dr. Korey Varano, who was diagnosed with bone cancer at age 12.
Mary Wilson, of The Supremes — who wrote the epilogue for the book, and who Ingrassia knew for almost 50 years, and worked with for six years—was scheduled to provide the narration for the film. When, in 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic shut down production, recording Wilson’s narration was put on hold. Sadly, Mary Wilson died in February 2021, before production was back up and running. The film ends with an emotional dedication to Wilson and her legacy.
Chrudimsky is co-owner of Revitalize Massage Therapy, in Worcester, and lives in Holden. Ingrassia is the founder of Holden-based Tom Ingrassia Productions, and is a local radio personality.
Korey’s Courage features music by Scherrie Payne (written by Paul Jabara and Bob Esty), Mary Wilson (written by Paul Hill), Scott Lamlein (former minister of music at Worcester’s Wesley United Methodist Church), and Holden resident Kristjon Imperio (director of operations and programs at Pakachoag Music School of Greater Worcester). The movie poster was designed by Paxton-based David Gorham Design.
