OWN: OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK TO RELEASE OSCAR(R) WINNER BARBARA KOPPLE'S "RUNNING FROM CRAZY" THEATRICALLY ON NOVEMBER 1
Starring Academy Award-Nominated Actress and Advocate Mariel Hemingway
Los Angeles, CA - The acclaimed documentary "Running From Crazy," the latest project from two-time Academy Award winner Barbara Kopple ("Harlan County USA," "American Dream"), which world premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, will be released theatrically on November 1, 2013, and will follow with a debut on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network in 2014.
Hailed as one of the most distinguished families in American literature, the Hemingways have always exposed their brilliance while often living in the shadows of deep emotional struggle. Two-Time Academy Award winning filmmaker Barbara Kopple's newest documentary focuses on Mariel Hemingway, a granddaughter of the legendary writer Ernest, as she explores her family's disturbing history of mental illness and suicide. As a child, Mariel grew up on the Hemingway family farm in Idaho, the same place her famous grandfather took his own life months before she was born. The youngest of the three sisters, Mariel followed her older sister Margaux into acting and modeling, while her oldest sister Muffet struggled with mental illness and drifted in and out of mental hospitals. Kopple's bold film intertwines haunting archival footage of the three Hemingway sisters with scenes from Mariel's life today as she seeks to live a rigorously healthy lifestyle to combat what appears to be a difficult family birthright. Mariel's courageous journey of introspection and reflection allows her to view her family that has shaped her life through new eyes and, for the first time strive for peace and acceptance.
"Mariel courageously shares her family's personal story with both heart and dignity in this extraordinary film told through the powerful lens of filmmaker Barbara Kopple," said Sheri Salata, president, OWN. "Not only is it a compelling and inspiring film, but we also hope it can help encourage important conversations around the topic of mental illness and suicide prevention."
"'Running from Crazy' gave me the incredible chance to delve into the rich and complex history of the Hemingways, a family who has left such an enduring mark on literature and culture. My hope is that this film changes perceptions of the family, and also, more importantly, elicits a new compassion and understanding in how we treat those grappling with suicide or mental illness," said Kopple. "For me, it's a moving and powerful story that offers up hope and the sense that none of us are alone in our struggles."
"Mental illness is overwhelmingly misunderstood and creates fear for so many. I'm hoping 'Running From Crazy' gives people permission to share their stories and know that they are not alone. Perhaps by sharing my life with others they will feel supported in speaking out and getting help," said Hemingway.
"Running from Crazy" is produced by Cabin Creek Films for OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. Produced and directed by Barbara Kopple. Produced by David Cassidy. Executive producers are Barbara Kopple, Erica Forstadt, Lisa Erspamer and Oprah Winfrey.
To watch the trailer for "Running From Crazy," click here:
www.oprah.com/RunningFromCrazy
To follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RunningFromCrazy
About OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network
OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network is the first and only network named for, and inspired by, a single iconic leader. Oprah Winfrey's heart and creative instincts inform the brand - and the magnetism of the channel. Winfrey provides leadership in programming and attracts superstar talent to join her in primetime, building a global community of like-minded viewers and leading that community to connect on social media and beyond. OWN is a singular destination on cable. Depth with edge. Heart. Star power. Connection. And endless possibilities. OWN is a joint venture between Harpo, Inc. and Discovery Communications. The network debuted on January 1, 2011 and is available in 85 million homes. The venture also includes the award-winning digital platform Oprah.com.
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