On March 26 the Angelika Film Center - Plano (The Shops at Legacy, 7205 Bishop Rd) will host an Advanced Special Pre-Release Screening of the Documentary PARAGOLD, from award-winning Filmmaker, Ron Davis, that follows four Paralympian equestrians as they qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Games that took place in 2021.

 

The film screening is sponsored by The Andrea-Mennen Family Foundation and will benefit DFW’s ManeGait Therapeutic Horsemanship, a nonprofit that serves individuals of all ages with a wide range of disabilities, including military veterans and first responders experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

 

 

 

PARAGOLD features Roxy Trunnell, Rebecca Hart, David Botana, and Sydney Collier on their quest to represent the United States on the podium at the 2020 Paralympic Games. As each rider has their own unique disability it is through their sheer determination, hard-learned skills, love of sport, teamwork, and the bond with their equine partner that they can set aside their physical limitations and compete on a level playing field.  

 

“The film will be an inspiration to all ages who are setting out to achieve dreams,” said event producer, Chey Reynolds.

 

For Davis, who has dedicated his film career to telling the stories of people who break down stereotypes, a focus on para-dressage for his latest documentary was a natural fit.

 

“The timing of PARAGOLD is important,” says Rebecca Hart. “As the world shifts to embrace differences in people. People are beginning to realize that what makes us different is what can also make us strong.”

 

Both Ron Davis and Paralympian, Rebecca Hart will be in attendance to participate in an audience Q&A following the film screening.

 

PARAGOLD trailer:

 

 

 

Founded in 2007 by business and community leaders Bill and Priscilla Darling and their daughter, Landon Darling Schneider, the nonprofit community center focuses on equine therapy and brain-building programs for individuals with disabilities with the support of 26 skilled therapy horses and 1,200 active volunteers.

 

“Just like the Paralympians in the documentary, ManeGait riders move beyond their boundaries through equine-assisted activities that contribute positively to their cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well-being. Demand for ManeGait programs has led to a waitlist of over 400 children and adults. Funds raised through the ParaGold pre-release screening will help bring awareness and support to ‘The Beacon Project,’ a capital expansion on ManeGait’s existing site in Collin County, that will more than double program capacity,” said ManeGait Executive Director, Patricia Nelson.

 

 

Learn more at http://ManeGait.org.