Four-time NBA Champion Stephen Curry produced and narrated “Sentenced,” a documentary about literacy in America — here’s how Hoosiers can see it.
Presented in partnership with Indiana Sports Corp, Indy Reads, and the Children’s Literacy Project, “Sentenced” premieres on March 11 at the IMAX Theatre at the Indiana State Museum. The documentary blends stories of adults and children who never learned to read, highlighting the “transformative power of literacy and its ability to break cycles of generational poverty,” according to a press release.
“Literacy is a primary indicator of social wellbeing that dramatically improves employment opportunities and generational outcomes, spanning health, housing, safety and community participation, to name a few,” Ruba Marshood, CEO of Indy Reads, said in a statement. “This film powerfully captures the human side of the literacy crisis.”
In Indiana, one in six adults reads below a fifth-grade level, and 13% of adults in Marion County do not have a high school diploma, according to a press release. Literacy remains one of the most critical indicators of social and economic well-being, and Marswood said she’s grateful to the partnership with Indiana Sports Corp for not only helping raise awareness of an issue that impacts thousands of Hoosiers but also for “bringing our community together to invest in solutions.”
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Ashleigh Newbold, vice president of engagement at Indiana Sports Corp, said she hopes the screening and subsequent discussion inspire Indianapolis leaders, businesses and residents to invest in the city’s future.
“Championing access and education through sport is central to who we are, and literacy is one of the most foundational issues facing our community,” Newbold said in a statement. “‘Sentenced’ puts a human face on a crisis affecting one in six Indiana adults, and we’re honored to partner with Indy Reads to turn that awareness into action.”
Community members, corporate partners and literacy advocates are invited to enjoy a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception prior to the screening, in addition to a post-film discussion with the film’s producers and special guests, according to a press release. Proceeds from the event will directly support Indy Reads in its mission to “advance social equity through literacy” in Central Indiana.
The “Sentenced” premiere screening event takes place from 4-7 p.m. on March 11 at the IMAX Theatre at the Indiana State Museum. Individual tickets are $35 and can be purchased at Eventbrite.com.
For more information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Raquel Ravinet at Indy Reads at 317-384-1496 or rravinet@indyreads.org.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
