Sophie Ferron, President of GRB Media Ranch announced the acquisition of “Carol of the Bells” (1x100’), an innovative, touching Christmas movie directed by Joey Travolta as well as a documentary on the making of this unique film, “Carol of the Bells: Behind the Scenes” (1x25’). This film not only tells a heartwarming holiday story but also represents a significant step forward by demonstrating inclusivity, through the featuring of a cast and crew with a range of disabilities.
“Carol of the Bells” stars RJ Mitte (known for his role in “Breaking Bad”) portraying a young man with a troubled past who embarks on a journey to find his biological mother, only to discover that she is developmentally disabled. The film was produced by Inclusion Films in partnership with Futures Explored, Inc. and Options for All, with 70% of the crew members having developmental disabilities. The feature won the Audience Favorite Feature award at the San Diego International Film Festival in 2019.
In addition to the film, a behind-the-scenes documentary is also available, offering an in-depth look at the remarkable journey of the cast and crew. This emotionally uplifting documentary showcases how Joey Travolta’s Inclusion Films’ workshops started in 2007 in Bakersfield California with the aim of teaching the art of filmmaking to the developmentally challenged. The film highlights how this workshop is transforming lives and reshaping perceptions of individuals with disabilities. The workshops not only provide training but also empowers participants to contribute meaningfully to the film industry, illustrating the profound impact of inclusivity.
Ferron stated: “GRB Media Ranch is honored to bring ‘Carol of the Bells’ and its behind-the-scenes documentary to international audiences. It is not often that we come across a special film like this—entertainment with a purpose. This film and its making-of feature offer a powerful portrayal of individuals on the autism spectrum and reflect a message of inclusivity that will resonate globally. We are thankful to Joey Travolta for his dedication to this project and for sharing this inspiring story with us.”
Travolta commented: “We are thrilled to partner with GRB Media Ranch to present ‘Carol of the Bells’ and the accompanying documentary to viewers around the world. Our film and the behind-the-scenes look at our film camp in Bakersfield highlight a profound commitment to inclusivity. By employing 70% of our cast and crew from the autism community, we aim to foster a sense of belonging and challenge perceptions of disability. These efforts are rooted in the values of kindness and equality that my family instilled in me and continue to guide my work. We hope that this film and its documentary will inspire others and change the way we view and engage with individuals with disabilities”.