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Film Screening: Because of Sam - 50 minute documentary film at 1 pm
-Doors Open at Noon
-Following the film, all who attend the screening are invited to stay for a brief Q & A and audience discussion with Filmmaker Renee Warmack and star Sam Piazza.
This enhanced version of Because of Sam includes an added scene with Thaddeus Bullard aka WWE Superstar Titus O’Neil (pictured with Sam Piazza above) that has never been shown at Tampa Theatre.
Movie overview and tickets: https://tampatheatre.org/movie/because-of-sam/
Because of Sam is an uplifting, independent documentary film about the inspirational life of Tampa native and PDQ (People Dedicated to Quality) Team Member, Sam Piazza, who was born with Down syndrome. The film transforms how the world views people with disabilities and inspires everyone to pursue their dreams.
Because of Sam was produced in Tampa by Tampa native and University of South Florida alumna, Renee Warmack, who discovered Sam in the Tampa Tribune when he won Homecoming King at Gaither High School in 2009. The film premiered at Tampa Theatre in 2019 to a sold-out crowd and received a standing ovation, has won Tampa’s Downtown Partnership Urban Excellence People’s Choice Award, and made its TV debut on WEDU-PBS.
Sam began his stardom as a United Way Brand Ambassador at the age of four, has a black belt in karate, led his Best Buddies chapter in high school, and has worked at PDQ for eight years. Sam’s family, friends, and local organizations such as United Way, Gigi’s Playhouse, the YMCA, Best Buddies, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, Special Olympics, and United Cerebral Palsy, are featured in the film.
Sam and Renee use the movie to inspire others and help organizations understand the ABILITIES of people with disabilities, and the importance of empathy and inclusion in the workplace.
This special screening is being held in July to raise awareness for the anniversary of the enactment of the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) that took place in July, 1990.
Renee says, “Because of Sam touches hearts and changes minds, which helps people be more willing to support the ADA laws, and subsequently, be more inclusive of those it is intended to protect.”
Following the film, all who attend the screening are invited to stay for a brief Q & A and audience discussion with Filmmaker Renee Warmack and star Sam Piazza.
For more information, visit BecauseofSamTheMovie.com
Testimonials:
Ruth Piazza, Sam’s Mother, says, “Well done, exceptional, inspiring… It turned out beautifully. From our hearts, thank you for telling our story.”
Jane Castor, City of Tampa Mayor, says, “…it will certainly inspire others to be accepting, encouraging, and inclusive of everyone.”
Nick Reader, PDQ CEO and Co-Founder, says, “Sam is a wonderful young man who is an amazing representative of our brand, and we are proud to partner with him, his family, and Renee.”
Bob Basham, PDQ Co-Founder, says, “To other employers, I would say, look at Sam, and look at what he has meant to our company.”
WWE Superstar Titus O’Neil says, “Be prepared to be wowed… because it’s something very special and something much needed, especially in the world today.”
Andi Allen, State Director, Best Buddies, Florida, says “Congrats to Sam and the team behind this incredible movie that will remind people how capable we ALL are!”
Kelley Parris, Executive Director, Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, says, “I applaud Renee and Sam for their determination to bring this story forward for the greater good. Because of Sam is not only a beautiful story but one that can change lives and families forever.”
Presented by McGriff Insurance Services
Get Tickets at: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/2662905/because-of-sam-2019-tampa-tampa-theatre
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Tampa Theatre, 711 N Franklin St, Tampa, United States
Tickets