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April 12, 2002/Nisan 30, 5762, Vol. 54, No. 30
'Journey' to success
Young director lends film to fund-raiser
LEN GUTMAN
Jewish News Correspondent
Like millions of college graduates before him, Eric Saperston had absolutely no idea what to do with his life after getting his degree in Speech Communications from San Diego State University. He planned to take some time off to follow the Grateful Dead and maybe work a ski season in Aspen.
But what Saperston lacked in direction, he made up for with bravado. He set out on what would turn out to be a life-altering journey, and along the way he had the audacity to ask everyone from former President Jimmy Carter to real-life "horse whisperer" Monty Roberts to actor Billy Crystal if they would meet him for a cup of coffee and share their advice on what's important in life. The result is Saperston's award-winning film "The Journey," which makes its Phoenix premiere April 18.
Along with a laptop computer, a journal, a video camera, and his Golden Retriever Jack, Saperston, who turns 34 this month, traveled the country in a rickety 1971 Volkswagen bus. His friend Dave Murcott quit his job to join him, as did friend Paige O'Brien. When they picked up MTV cinematographer Kathleen Kelly along the way, the foursome was complete.
Soon Saperston's relentless phone calls, made mostly from pay phones, led to interviews with the likes of Carter, UPS Chairman Oz Nelson and former Coca-Cola President Donald Keogh. An interview with former Texas Governor Ann Richards led to a meeting with actor/producer Henry Winkler, who then arranged for Saperston to meet Crystal ... and on and on it went. Saperston said he initially had no intention of making a movie, but as the film's promo says: "Sometimes you take a trip, sometimes the trip takes you."
"My whole experience on this journey was to be a conduit and to bridge the generation gap ... as I meandered across America and spoke with people they pretty much guided my journey in a lot of ways," says Saperston.
Saperston says his generation has a tough time asking for help. A common theme in his movie and in his work since the making of the movie is about the value of young people seeking out elders for advice. He's just as passionate in his belief that elders have a responsibility to give something back.
This month it's Saperston who is doing the helping. The Phoenix premiere of "The Journey" came as the result of his friendship with Maggie King, President and CEO of the Volunteer Center of Maricopa County. King was Saperston's boss and mentor when he was with VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) back in San Diego, and when the nonprofit decided to drop its usual fund-raiser Saperston offered to donate the film for the cause.
Proceeds from the April 18 premiere at the Orpheum Theatre will benefit the Volunteer Center, which works with more than 950 nonprofit and public organizations throughout the state and energized more than 36,000 community volunteers in 2001.
"The whole premise of the film is about realizing your talents and your strengths and understanding what is a successful life," says King. "Giving back is definitely part of that."
"The Journey" will continue its Phoenix run beginning April 19 at the AMC Esplanade, 24th Street and Camelback Road, Phoenix.
Visit www.thejourneyfilm.com.
Details
- What: "The Journey"
- Who: Volunteer Center
- Where: Orpheum Theatre, 200 W. Washington St., Phoenix
- When: 6:30 p.m. reception, 7:30 p.m. movie, Thursday, April 18
- Cost: $75
- Call: Volunteer Center, 602-263-9736 or Phoenix Civic Plaza Box Office, 602-262-7272
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