The film is a presentation by John Hancock Financial in association with The Kennedy/Marshall Company
Now entering its 33rd year as the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon, John Hancock has announced that this year it is also the title sponsor of a new film about the history of the Boston Marathon. Simply entitled, BOSTON, the feature-film length documentary chronicles the history of the Boston Marathon, from its origins in 1897 thought 2014’s “triumphant race.” In addition, the film will showcase many of the great marathoners who challenged themselves on the Hopkington to Boston route.
We are proud to sponsor a film that captures all the extraordinary moments that have made the Boston Marathon the world’s most admired race for more than a century and to support Martin’s Park through the Premiere,” said Robert Friedman, head of Sponsorship and Event Marketing at John Hancock. “The Boston Marathon belongs to all of us and whether you are a runner determined to cross the finish line, or a fan, volunteer or organizer supporting this event, you know the legacy of this race inspires us to be our best both on and off the roads. Attending the World Premiere of BOSTON will be an emotional journey, well worth the taking.”
The director and producer were granted exclusive documentary rights from the BAA
Adding to its cache, BOSTON is directed by the award winning filmmaker/marathoner Jon Dunham, best known for his Spirit of the Marathon documentaries. It is produced by Academy Award nominee Megan Williams and executive produced by Academy Award nominee Frank Marshall. The film is narrated by Matt Damon.
“This has been an incredibly special film to make,” said Dunham. “I am honored to have been entrusted with telling this epic story. We look forward to this very special premiere event and to sharing BOSTON with the world.”
In order to provide as comprehensive overview as possible of the marathon’s history, the Boston Athletic Association also granted both Dunham and Williams exclusive documentary rights to produce the film and to use the Association’s extensive archive of video, photos and memorabilia.
“In choosing a filmmaker for the first-ever documentary of the Boston Marathon, we wanted to be sure the spirit of the event, and some of its most historic, memorable, and inspiring moments, would be shown in a meaningful and accurate way,” said B.A.A. Chief Executive Officer Tom Grilk. “We’re very pleased with the thorough work Jon and Megan have put forth and we’re excited to see the finished product.”
The film is narrated by Matt Damon
“Matt is the ideal narrator for this outstanding documentary about the Boston Marathon,” said “BOSTON” executive producer Frank Marshall, who ran Boston in 1980. “We are delighted to have him join the production.” Damon’s role as producer of Boston-centric “Manchester By The Sea” led to six 2017 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. The film received two Oscars: Best Original Screenplay (Kenneth Lonergan) and Best Actor (Casey Affleck).
As noted in the announcement of Mr. Damon’s participation in the film, his heart has always belonged to the city of Boston and its iconic race. As he wrote in the introduction he gave to John Hanc’s book, The B.A.A. at 125: The Official History of The Boston Athletic Association 1887-2012: “Some of my most vivid childhood sports memories took form … by the side of the road near the fire station on Commonwealth Avenue in Newton …. as enervated runners from around the world confront the historic Heartbreak Hill(s). I’ll never forget standing there in the crowd with my brother, Kyle, as we looked first for Bill Rodgers, and then, in the very same race as some of the most talented runners on earth, our smiling (and grimacing) 40-year-old dad.” According to the film’s press release, Mr. Damon’s brother, Kyle, and their father, Kent, have each run Boston four times.
As such, all who participated in the making of the film agreed that his role as narrator for “BOSTON” perfectly complements director Jon Dunham’s vision for the movie as an everlasting record of the race.
The new film will have its world premium on April 15, 2017
On April 15th, the World Premiere event of BOSTON will be held at the Boch Center Wang Theatre at 8:00PM. The event will also feature a special performance of the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, conducted by Emmy Award winner Jeff Beal who wrote the original BOSTON film.
The World Premiere also will honor One Boston Day by partnering with the Martin Richard Foundation. As such a portion of every ticket sold to support Martin’s Park. Martin’s Park is named in honor of Martin Richard, the eight year old boy tragically killed at the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013.
According to the foundations plans, Martin’s Park will be built in Boston’s Fort Point Channel in 2017 and will be a park that is “universally accessible to families and visitors of all abilities.”
In addition the title sponsor, John Hancock, the World Premiere also will include a live show that will be hosted by WBZ-TV, a sponsoring partner of the event. The show, which will air live from 7:00 – 8:00 PM from the Boch Center Wang Theatre, will be hosted by anchors Lisa Hughes and David Wade. The show will highlight both live and pre-produced pieces that showcase some of the film’s storylines. The anchors will capture the excitement of the event as celebrity guests and Boston Marathon legends arrive to meet attendees.
“WBZ-TV is thrilled to support their invaluable partner, John Hancock with BOSTON, the first documentary film about the history of the Boston Marathon,” said Mark Lund, President and General Manager of CBS Boston’s WBZ-TV and WSBK-TV. “WBZ-TV has been carrying the Boston Athletic Association’s iconic Boston Marathon in its entirety for the last 33-years, the only station to have aired 33-years of complete, live, local coverage of the region’s most prestigious sporting events, said Lund. “We are honored to help share BOSTON with the world.”
Tickets for the Event
Tickets for the World Premiere are limited and will be available starting Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 10:00AM at bochcenter.org, by calling 800-982-2787, or by visiting the Boch Center Box Office (270 Tremont Street, Boston, MA).
In addition to the World Premier event, and in conjunction with Fathom Events, “BOSTON” will be shown in movie theaters nationwide on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices.
See a clip of the new feature film here: