Jim Hanon
Jim Hanon is an award-winning narrative and documentary filmmaker who has filmed on every continent but Antarctica. With an extensive background in illustration, art directing and advertising as a vice president at Leo Burnett in Chicago, Jim transitioned to a more community-driven street cinema style of filmmaking, now mature in his Rhode Island-based artist film studio, Minus Red. Jim is the writer/director of the Crystal Heart Award-winning theatrical release End of the Spear, as well as several international documentaries that feature original soundtracks by Kirk Whalum.
Kirk Whalum
Kirk Whalum is a Grammy Award-winning musician and recording artist whose rich tenor saxophone has graced worship and gospel albums, pop covers, movie soundtracks and over 25 solo recordings to date. He has collaborated with some of the most influential voices in the industry, including Bob James, Barbra Streisand, Al Jarreau, Luther Vandross, Larry Carlton, Quincy Jones and, most notably, Whitney Houston, with whom he toured for seven years and performed the sax solo on her megahit “I Will Always Love You.”
“I am captivated by Kirk Whalum’s personal journey and how his message and art resonates with young musicians from all parts of the world who continue to struggle for equality. In their journey together, I saw a picture of what MLK described as ‘the Beloved Community.’ It is a privilege to bring that picture to a global audience. I believe it can provide us all with a renewed hope in each other.”
Fundamental to Scientology is a humanitarian mission of extraordinary scope, now extending to some 200 nations. Included therein are programs for human rights, human decency, literacy, morality, drug prevention and disaster relief.
For this reason, the Scientology Network provides a platform for Independent filmmakers who embrace a vision of building a better world.