News
Family Film The Mighty Macs Opens October 21
PHILADELPHIA – Oct. 5, in the year of our Lord 2011
– THE MIGHTY MACS—an inspiring, family-friendly sports
Cinderella story—premieres nationwide Oct. 21 riding a wave of
excitement for family films across the country with continued
strong showings by such pictures as COURAGEOUS and DOLPHIN TALE.
And in a case of life imitating art, THE MIGHTY MACS—an underdog
story about the first U.S. women’s basketball championship—is
becoming an inspiring underdog story itself. Initially scheduled
to premiere on 250 screens nationwide, that count jumped to
1,000—and growing—as theater operators saw advance screenings
and shared test-audience excitement.
Additionally, across the country various organizations are
lining up to support the film, ranging from universities to
church groups.
“We’re thrilled but not surprised because THE MIGHTY MACS has
been touching advance audiences deeply for months,” said Tim
Chambers, director, screenwriter and executive produce of his
feature debut. “The story of Coach Cathy Rush and her team of
non-scholarship athletes entertains, inspires and uplifts. It’s
a perfect family film.”
From Quaker Media and Ocean Avenue Entertainment, THE MIGHTY
MACS tells the inspiring and true story of Hall of Fame Coach
Cathy Rush. In 1972, just out of college herself, she took a
rag-tag team of overachievers from Immaculata College, a small,
all-girls Catholic school, to the first collegiate women’s
basketball championship. What they did there is only slightly
more incredible than how they got there. Starring Carla Gugino,
David Boreanaz and Academy Award-winner Ellen Burstyn, THE
MIGHTY MACS vividly brings to life what can happen when we
believe in our dreams.
With October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, there is
a moving “story behind the story” of THE MIGHTY MACS as well.
Not only is Cathy Rush a cancer survivor, but Katie Hayek, a
young featured actress in the film, was diagnosed with cancer
the day filming started. With Tim Chambers’ support, Katie
continued working on THE MIGHTY MACS through her chemotherapy
treatments, turning in a stirring performance as Trish, the
Macs’ best player.
In addition to the increased screen count, some theater
operators are adding earlier show times to accommodate school
groups. And other groups are getting on board:
At prestigious Rice University in Texas, a business professor is
using the film to teach sales and marketing techniques as
student teams offer discount tickets.
At Notre Dame University, an exclusive on-campus advance
screening led to a commitment by one university administrator to
buy out an entire screening of THE MIGHTY MACS when the film
opens Oct. 21.
At the University of Arizona, the women’s basketball team
committed to a 150-ticket purchase and to hosting a pre-show
event.
“We’re so gratified by the support, but we know these groups
will be repaid many times over by the positive message of this
G-rated film,” said Chris Bueno, president of Ocean Avenue
Entertainment. “The impact of THE MIGHTY MACS is remarkable. For
anyone who ever had a dream, this is a must-see film.”
For those interested in “Backing the Macs,” the website,
TheMightyMacs.com offers show times and locations, ticket
sales information, group sales information and discounts, and
opportunities to support the film locally.