In the lead-up to Sunday’s 87th Academy Awards, Brentwood News caught up with Susan Disney Lord, proprietor of Bel Air Bar + Grill – and producer of the Oscar nominated film, “I’ll Be Me.” The film is nominated for Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song.
Susan, tell us about your movie.
“Glen Campbell, I’ll Be Me,” is a documentary following Glen Campbell on his final tour after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. My mom died of Alzheimer’s three years ago, I serve on the local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, and became a producer of the film in the interest of getting the message out about the need to remove stigma, get funding for research, and funding for care.
How’s it going?
We just screened the film last Tuesday in Sacramento for 640 government employees including 20 elected and appointed officials. It was a huge success. We solicit donations to the Alzheimer’s Association on our restaurant charge receipts, every penny of which goes straight to the association.
Glen’s last song, “I’m Not Going to Miss You,” won a Grammy for Best Country Song earlier this month. It is also nominated for an Academy of Country Music award, and it is nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song. I was so shocked to be mentioned in the thank you speech that Julian Raymond made as I had nothing to do with writing the song! Glen’s wife Kim speaks very eloquently too.
Wow. Good for you and everyone involved.
Glen and his family have such heart, such love, such strength, it’s a very inspiring film. You will laugh more than you cry when you watch it because Glen is such a character, and though he is suffering from Alzheimer’s you would never know it when he picks up a guitar and starts to sing, it’s the same old Glen, such a talent!
I am honored to be associated with this remarkable film and the people who made it, James Keach and Trevor Albert. The film is also backed by Volunteers of America, Leading Age, and the Mayo Clinic to name a few. These institutions saw the value of educating the public about the epidemic among and impending financial impact of aging Baby Boomers.
Where can we learn more?
You can see Rosie O’Donnell talk about it here: http://bit.ly/1vCC3fG.
You can see a bit on “Access Hollywood” here: http://bit.ly/1MuyG5d.
You can see a bit on “Entertainment Tonight” here: http://et.tv/1Elqrmk.
The film will be available on DVD and On Demand sometime later this year, it already has a short run in theaters last fall. We’re hoping Glen’s song wins the Academy Award, it’s good exposure for the film even if it doesn’t win. Tim McGraw will sing it live on the awards show!
