Korey’s Courage: Inspiring Stories at MA Film Fest

Worcester, MA – 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—diagnosed with bone cancer at age 12. The documentary was spawned by a book by local authors that profiles 16 people from all walks of life—many of whom live in Central Massachusetts (including Abby’s House founder, Annette Rafferty.) Tom Ingrassia, one of the books authors tells Talk of the Commonwealth of the journey to turn it into a film.

In 2013 Hank had the pleasure of speaking with Tom Ingrassia and Jared Chrudimsky about their book One Door Closes: Overcoming Adversity By Following Your Dreams. Now, ten years later, it has been turned into an award winning documentary and will be playing the Massachusetts Independent Film Festival April 25th-28th. The movie had its premiere at the Hanover Theatre in October and is now playing on the film festival circuit. Sponsored by The Shawna Foundation, the Mass IFF will take place from April 25 to 28, with in-person screenings at the Hilton Garden Inn and Clark University, as well as in Southbridge. For the first time this year, the Festival also is offering a virtual screening option—One Door Closes: Korey’s Courage will be available to screen online for Festival ticket holders, via The Shawna Foundation’s Patreon site.