Long-time WFAA movie critic and newly-minted major motion film producer Gary Cogill, joined hosts Margaret and Lee Jackson, along with local supporters of the Arthritis Foundation for a special VIP screening of the new release “Words and Pictures” at the Magnolia Theater on June 8.  This heartwarming summer film, has something rare, perhaps never before seen, in a feature film – a leading character with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).  The event included a special conversation with Cogill, the film's producer and remarks by Margaret Jackson. Mrs. Jackson currently serves as the Board Chair of the Arthritis Foundation, South Central Region and she is also a member of the of National Arthritis Foundation Board. 

The Arthritis Foundation anticipates that the recently released film "Words and Pictures" will help increase understanding about the seriousness of rheumatoid arthritis and how it can have major impact on lives. Arthritis is a chronic disease that affects 53 million adults in the U.S., four million Texans and more than 25,000 children across the state.  The Arthritis Foundation serves as the voice of people with arthritis and as the go-to resource for people living with arthritis by promoting the tools, resources, programs and services that the organization provides.

 "Words and Pictures" opened earlier this month to wide release featuring Oscar Nominee Clive Owen and Oscar Winner Juliette Binoche. Prep school English teacher Jack Marcus (Clive Owen) laments his students' obsession with social media and good grades rather than engaging with the power of the written word.  A one-time literary star, Jack has not published in years filling his spare time with drink versus the art of language.

He meets his match in Dina Delsanto (Juliette Binoche) - an abstract painter and new teacher on campus, who was once celebrated for her art.  She has rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and that has had an impact on her pursuit of art.

With a performance review looming and his teaching job on the line, Jack hatches an inspired plan for galvanizing student interest in their studies; he declares a war between Words and Pictures, confident that the former can convey greater meaning than the latter.  Dina and her art students accept the challenge between Jack and his English students, and the battle lines are drawn. For a sneak peek visit: www.wordsandpitcturesthemovie.com  or click the link to see  trailer at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehQimFhQmQg.

About the Arthritis Foundation

Striking one in every five adults and 300,000 children, arthritis is the nation’s leading cause of disability. The Arthritis Foundation (http://www.arthritis.org) is committed to raising awareness and reducing the unacceptable impact of this serious and painful disease, which can severely damage joints and rob people of living life to its fullest. The Foundation funds life-changing research that has restored mobility in patients for more than six decades; fights for health care policies that improve the lives of the millions who live with arthritis; and partners with families to provide empowering programs and information.