“365 Days: A Year in Happy Valley” takes audiences on a fascinating journey into the heart of one of the world’s most beloved university towns to reveal whether the crimes of one man will redefine not only the way the world views it, but how those who live there or cherish it feel about how they are perceived.
The film explores issues of conformity as part of human nature, the quest for justice, the role of the media in shaping public perception, and the collateral damage of a rush to judgment.
All across America, in November 2011, people were transfixed as decades worth of child sexual abuse at the hands of Jerry Sandusky were revealed. National outrage grew as events spiraled out of control. What most people didn’t realize was that what the media firestorm reflected, and to some extent created, told only a fraction of the story.
The award-winning crew of “365 Days” spent more than a year living and working in and around State College. The film reveals a divided group of people striving to redefine the community, find healing and determine its future. During this journey, the filmmakers identified a new flashpoint for this small town’s greatest struggle: to survive.
The film’s bookends are the first home football games of the 2012 and 2013 seasons, the latter, celebrated the fortieth anniversary of the undefeated 1973 team which is credited with putting Penn State University on the map.
Emotionally engaging, “365 Days: A Year in Happy Valley” will make you cheer and leave you contemplating complex issues about conformity and the search for truth as you realize complacency is no longer a comfortable option. The film also explores the concept of forgiveness as a way for individuals to heal from unimaginable adversity.
IF YOU GO:
What: “365 Days: A Year in Happy Valley”
When: 4 and 7:30 p.m. Jan. 13-17 and 19; 4, 7:30 and 10 p.m. Jan. 18
Where: State Theatre, 130 W. College Ave., State College
Click HERE for more information or to buy tickets or call (814) 272-0606.
