After that, the 74-minute-long film will to grow to being shown in select theaters across the nation.
DEADLINE:So, Larry, how did you get involved with the film?
LARRY MULLEN JR.:I was introduced to the film through Chris Farrell.
Left Behind documentary
And so thats how it started.
Its about a year and a half ago now.
Where are things at now?
(L-R) Chris Farrell, Larry Mullen Jr., Anna Toomey, Sian Edwards-Beal and David Beal at theLeft BehindFilm Premiere at Woodstock Film Festival on October 18, 2024 (Photo by Simon Russell/Getty Images)
ANNA TOOMEY:Its now in its second year.
The first year it had 67 students.
Now its 98, and they have just gotten approval to open a second location in Brooklyn next year.
Itd be a similar second grade, third grade school specifically for kids with learning disabilities, reading disabilities.
DEADLINE:Thats fantastic.
Which causes me to wonder what got you on this path with your feature film debut?
How do I make this into a story that will relate for people?
I came across an article inChalkbeatnewspaper, which just covers New York City Education.
I saw this article about five women who were setting out to start the first school for dyslexic kids.
And obviously that piqued my interest.
So, I figured either way, it would be a good story.
SIAN EDWARDS-BEAL:Well, the films going to show at Doc NYC, which starts next week.
Its in the Metropolis Competition there, which were very excited about.
DEADLINE:How did that deal come together, did they see it at Woodstock?
They really felt that it was something that spoke to them.
Theyre, as you know, boutique theatrical distributor, and they specialize in social activism and music.
So, it really couldnt be a better match.
MULLEN:Yeah, odd right?
Thankfully, last couple of months, I was able to get back at it.
DEADLINE:What was his reaction?
But really, I was inspired by him, and thats where the idea grew from with the music.
You know, its not the kind of film where I think a ballad would work.
It needed to be something that was a true experience.
DEADLINE:You did two songs for the film.
Did it end up with what you envisioned?
MULLEN:Dominic, theres always risk, you know.
Im a drummer, and theres risk when you do these things.
And, you know, its for film, its not for release.
Its notMission Impossible, but I think its a powerful piece.
DEADLINE:Yes..
MULLEN:Just one other thing.
Its really worthwhile mentioning Gayle, who came in very late to this.
And its just amazing that she did it.
How is the process of recovery?
MULLEN:Im recovering.
And yeah, Im anxious to get back, and this was a very good way back in.
You know, theres, theres plans to go back into the studio and that.
So, yeah, its exciting, but it is slow.
Thank you for asking, though Dominic.
DEADLINE:Of course, sir.
TOOMEY: (LAUGHS) I mean, I think there is.
I think when people watch this film, they are going to be moved to act, you know.
After watching it at Woodstock, it really deeply resonated with people.
Its we know what works for these children.
Out of the schools, and into the prisons?
I think there is a potential for sequel in the sense that theres still a lot to be solved.
Whats next for those people, for adults who are still struggling?
So, theres definitely potential for more.
This story already had that engine behind it.
So, we really saw the potential power there in that music, too.
That was really something that was very authentic.
It wasnt just layering in people from the outside.
There was something really organic about that growth, and I think that was something that was really exciting.
I think that this is a worldwide story, and you talked about a Part Two… You know, its a political movement in a kind of odd way.
DEADLINE:How so?
MULLEN:When you talk about the population in prison, its the same in Ireland, you know.
And, outside of that, my son fell through the cracks, and he didnt have access.
Thats the other part of this.
The difference here is that these women, all of them, managed to change and invoke change.
