The Giver Earns Heartland Film Award
Lois Lowry’s novel The Giver is the latest young adult fiction to come to theaters. The movie, set to release August 15, tells the story of a young boy who lives in a seemingly ideal world where everyone conforms to the rules of society. It is a world without war, pain, differences or even color. Then the young boy is chosen to receive the collective memories of the “real” world from an elderly man known as The Giver.
Bringing this book to the big screen has been a 20-year project for Jeff Bridges who originally planned to direct his father Lloyd in the lead role of The Giver. Luckily for Bridges, the journey to the film has allowed for even more people to read the book giving the movie a larger fan base.
The Weinstein Company has also launched an intensive campaign online and through social media to promote the upcoming film. One of their strategies includes an immersive site where viewers are able to play the part of the Receiver while Bridges portrays the Giver. The studio also brought Bridges to a recent Comic-Con event to promote the movie.
Lowry, who wrote three sequels to The Giver, was also at the event and was asked about the possibility of a franchise.
“There has been talk of it, but that decision won’t be made until we see how the audience responds to this movie,” said Lowry.
Meanwhile the film is gaining accolades from other sources. The Heartland Film organization recently awarded the movie the Truly Moving Picture Award. This award from the nonprofit group honors entertaining films that do more than just entertain.
“The Truly Moving Picture Award jury felt The Giver was a strong film filled with interesting messages,” said Heartland Film’s Artistic Director, Tim Irwin. “A provoking conversation starter, the film was a powerful adaption of Lois Lowry’s classic novel. Jeff Bridges and Brenton Thwaites give excellent performances as The Giver and Jonas.”
Co-producing partner Walden Media has been behind the project for over a decade. “We’re excited to introduce The Giver to moviegoers and are proud to add the film to the list of other great book to film adaptations we have produced which have also won the Truly Moving Picture Award,” said Chief Operating Officer Frank Smith. Among the studio’s other award winners are Holes, Charlotte’s Web, Bridge to Terabithia, Because of Winn Dixie, Ramona and The Chronicles of Narnia.
