This Friday evening, Victory Ranch has the honor of hosting a private advance screening of the Sundance Film Festival film, Gleason. Directed by J. Clay Tweel, the feature-length documentary chronicles the inspirational journey of Steve Gleason, former New Orleans Saints player and ALS activist. The private screening at Victory Ranch’s Freestone Lodge takes place a day ahead of Gleason‘s world premiere at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival.
Gleason’s story is one that has made him a hometown hero in New Orleans and an inspiration to people all across the world. In the Saints’ first game in the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina, Gleason famously made a crowd-roaring play, blocking a punt that resulted in a touchdown for the Saints. The monumental play marked the beginning of one of the Saints’ most successful seasons ever. Several years later, in 2011, Gleason was diagnosed with ALS at the age of 34.
After his diagnosis, Gleason began a video journal for his unborn child, not expecting to outlive his two year life expectancy. His video series serves as the basis for the feature-length documentary, chronicling his life with ALS.
“I am not sure I will ever be completely comfortable with some of these intimate and raw moments being public,” Gleason shared in an interview with the Associated Press. “At the same time, I believe that our greatest strength as humans is to share our weakness and vulnerability with each other.”
His wife, Michel, said the film provides “a good picture of how brutal the disease is and how difficult it is for the person who has the disease and also the people all around. At the same time, there’s lots of beauty in it and lots of friendship, family, love, laughter, happiness.”
Hollywood’s A-list and the world’s most influential individuals in film will descend upon Park City for the Sundance Film Festival beginning this weekend, and Victory Ranch members enjoy a front row seat to the prestigious event at our Park City lounge, 875 Main, set right in the midst of all the action.
Members can kick off Sundance at 875 Main on Friday, 6pm – 10pm, and enjoy live music along with beer and wine and charcuterie prepared by Victory Ranch Executive Chef Adam Price. Then, every night, from January 23 through January 30, 875 Main will host a “Sundance After Six” lounge from 6pm to 8pm. The invite-only reception is for Victory Ranch members and their guests.
