Creative Access Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June, 1999 - CJ Jones' Movie Premiere a Hit in Philly

PHILADELPHIA, Pa - In his mainstream movie debut, internationally-renowned Deaf entertainer CJ Jones came through with an impressive performance in The Ride. Featuring Jones, actor John Flanders (who has appeared on Days of our Lives) and the music of singer/songwriter Chris Smither , The Ride is a powerful story of two men connecting under the most trying circumstances.

Flanders plays Jack, a musician whose romantic troubles cause him to lose his inspiration. Taking to the open road, he comes across Vincent (Jones), a deaf hitchhiker. In the resulting struggle to connect with each other, to find a common ground, Jack finds a spark he once thought was gone forever.

The movie's premiere, shown in the brand new Prince Movie Theater in downtown Philadelphia, was a hit with both deaf and hearing members of the audience. The event was made possible thanks to a successful collaboration between two highly respected organizations, Creative Access and the Philadelphia Festival of World Cinema. Among the dignitaries present was Philadelphia Mayor Ed Rendell, who presented an award of recognition to Creative Access founder Carol Finkle. The award acknowledged Creative Access' continuing efforts to bring accessible entertainment events to the Deaf community. realize that Jones' was portraying a quiet, introverted character. All of us, to one extent or the other, were waiting for him to crack jokes, pull pranks, and generally throw co-star Flanders for a loop. A rubber chicken, a whoopee cushion, anything. It did not happen.

Instead, Jones opened another dimension, showing his versatility by successfully playing a serious role. The film started slowly, gradually picked up momentum, and then boom, Flanders and Jones succeeded in getting across a very profound, powerful message. Simple yet complex, The Ride touched everyone who watched it.

After the showing of The Ride, Smither gave a sign-interpreted concert featuring songs from the movie. Shortly afterwards, Jones and Flanders joined him onstage for a question and answer session. All in all, it was a magical evening. Not only did the deaf and hearing worlds of Jack and Vincent come together in the movie, but the same thing happened in the real-life audience.

Mark Drolsbaugh
DeafNation
June, 1999