Jane Goodall film coming to Rockford Sept. 27

Staff Report

The film Jane’s Journey (2010) is coming to Rockford for a one-night-only viewing. The film is a documentary about Dr. Jane Goodall, who is well known for her research of the chimpanzees in Gombe in Tanzania. Dr. Goodall is recognized as one of the world’s leading experts on conservation, animal rights and environmental issues. She travels more than 300 days a year on a mission to spread the message of hope for future generations.

The film details the life of Dr. Goodall. There are appearances by Angelina Jolie, Pierce Brosnan and Kofi Annan (former Secretary General of the United Nations) and more. The film has a Rockford connection. Dr. Goodall’s close friend, Gary Haun, is also featured in the film. A film crew traveled to Munich, Germany, to film Gary and Renee Reynolds at Rock Valley College. Gary is a blind magician whose stage name is the Amazing Haundini. Dr. Goodall remarks in the film, “My two biggest inspirations in life are Nelson Mandela and Gary Haun.”

In 1995, Gary brought Dr. Goodall to Rockford to give a presentation. At that time, Gary gave Dr. Goodall a funny-looking stuffed animal and told her it would bring her hope and look after her on her journeys. Dr. Goodall named the animal “Mr. H.” after Gary. Since that time, “Mr. H.” has become Dr. Goofall’s constant travel companion. “Mr. H.” has been around the world several times and has been touched by more than 3 million people. In the film, Angelie Jolie gives “Mr. H.” a kiss. The “magic” of “Mr. H.” began on Rockford and is now known by millions of people around the world.

The film will be shown at 7 p.m., Sept. 27, at the AMC Rockford 16 Theater, 8301 E. State St.. There will be a 10-minute biography of Dr. Goodall before the film and a 40-minute question and answer (from pre-submitted questions) period after the film.

From the Sept. 21-27, 2011, issue