A Movie Worth Your Time -- Stream It This Week Only

Last week, Rick and I had the privilege of attending a wonderful new documentary film at its local premiere. You won't see it in a movie theatre (at least not for awhile) or on TV or YouTube. It's making the film festival circuit right now. But if you have the chance to watch it (and you can -- read on), it will touch your heart. (Streaming and camp links at the end of this post.)

"Camp RicStar" is about a music camp for those of all ages with special needs. The camp, which is in June (and filling up fast for 2024), is open to those with any type of disability and of any age. Scholarships are available for those with financial need.

The film chronicles this camp, which was established twenty years ago by my friend, the writer Judy Winter ("Breakthrough Parenting for Children With Special Needs.") and her husband, Dick. Judy and Dick's second child, Eric, was born after a traumatic birth and with cerebral palsy. Throughout his brief, twelve-year life, he was fed via feeding tube and was not ambulatory. 

These disabilities are daunting but Eric had something one would hope every kid would have -- a marvelous smile and engaging personality and a family that focused on ability and was willing to fight for their child's rights and foster his interests. And one passion Eric had was for music. So, Dick and Judy enrolled him into Michigan State University's music therapy program, led by the energetic Cindy Edgerton.

After Eric's untimely death at age twelve, Dick and Judy wanted to carry on his legacy in a way that their son would love. With the music therapy program and MSU's Community Music School, they established Camp RicStar. 

The documentary chronicles the advent of this camp and follows many of the participants at home and at camp during its 20th year. We meet them -- children and adults -- and their parents, all of whom share their experience and the critical effects of engaging in music and how that has helped them on their journey. The stories are poignant but there is much joy to be had in the the film. 

Equally joyful at the screening was seeing many of the people who had participated in the film, as well as director Sam McConnell and Dick and Judy, who responded to audience questions in the talk back after the show.

"Camp RicStar" is dedicated not only to Eric Winter but to past campers and to Jessica Emery Schneider, whose brother, Ben -- the leader of the indie group Lord Huron -- appears in the film. It has already received the Kaiser Thrive Award at Cinequest Film Festival and it is well deserving. 

The Cleveland International Film Festival is streaming "Camp RicStar" from now through April 21. Tickets for the stream are $14 and available at this link. You can find more information about the film, visit here.  If you would like to know more about the camp itself, here's the link. 

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