From Joe Brancato

I have just seen your film....
I am moved and sobbing though smiling and inspired!
Thank you so much for this wonderful film. I wish you every bit of success with it.

Yes, my hope is to do a benefit screening for Penguin Rep a little theatre I built on a dream 30 years ago, now influencing film and stages across the country (FINDING NEVERLAND began as a play we commissioned and Kevin Spacey's production of COBB which he produced in NY and LA) All these years of believing in the power of theatre, therefore Mimi's love of theatre, words and life hits a chord.

I am certain Richard and I shall discuss a screening or two but I did want to offer you my personal congratulations, hoping to have a cup of joe when you are in NY and let you know if in any way I can be supportive of events and opportunities for you to share your film with others... I would be honored to help in any way I can.

Thank you thank you for introducing me to Mimi and an unforgettable 90 minutes.

My mother is my Mimi and I love her to pieces. She is a strong, beautiful 63 year old breast cancer survivor with a wild side and a heart of gold. I hope she lives as long as Mimi and with all that spunk!

My acting teacher, Wynn Handman, who will be 86 this May, is fabulous and world-renowned and STILL teaches two acting classes that meet six times a month (that's twelve classes!).

He still directs all the pieces of the Literature to Life series that go to various schools in the area. He can tell stories from fifty years of theatre here in New York when he was the Artistic Director of the American Place Theatre, and he can quote Shakespeare and sing songs better than some of his students. He is amazing and is just involved in his life (as opposed to being "older"). He is a wonderful inspiration.

Also my Dad - Joseph Brecka - will be 81 this April, 2008. He was a pilot in the Navy and flew jets off air carriers, helicopters and (way back) blimps. He has a Purple Heart and a Silver Star. He is my hero and is very active. He goes dancing several times a week as well as bowling on Thursdays, and he is looking into yoga. He is always on the go and socializing and doesn't think about "being old" - just about being alive. He is terrific and I love him very much.

My Mimi is named Barbara Jean. She passed two years ago ... she was ready to go after losing two dogs then going through Katrina. I hear people often who remind me of her and her spirit. She could get away with saying anything. I always know what she'd tell me to do even though she's gone. She always thought I could do more, expected more from me, saw something in me that I didn't see... she was my champion and I love her. She'd have lived longer but just had been through enough.