A Ripple of Hope

A meticulously-researched and very moving account of Robert Kennedy's famous speech in Indianapolis on the night Martin Luther King was killed. By tracking down and interviewing participants and eyewitnesses, Boggs captures an extraordinary and often-misunderstood moment in American history.

A Ripple of Hope (2008)

*** 1/2 (out of 4)

Very good documentary taking a look at the events on April 4, 1968. The day started off to the tragic events of Martin Luther King, Jr. being assassinated and the news of this set off violence in countless cities. While this was going on Robert Kennedy was in Indiana giving a speech about who whites and blacks need to be more peaceful with one another. After the speech and hearing the news of King's death, Kennedy then had to give perhaps the biggest speech of his career. A RIPPLE OF HOPE is an extremely good documentary that captures an important moment in history, although this story probably isn't one known by too many. What's so great about this is that the speech Kennedy would give in Indianapolis is considered by many to be his greatest and it's also important to note that no violence broke out in the city. A lot of the people who were at the event are on hand to discuss the impact this speech had on them and how Kennedy was showing real courage just by showing up. The documentary does a very good job at showing how tense the event was and how Kennedy was in possible danger just by being there. The actual speech given is shown here and it's certainly one that you won't forget. The events that would follow with Kennedy's own assassination are also covered.

Family and Friends of Robert Kennedy gathered in New York City last week to view this moving documentary film about the man they knew and loved.

"An extraordinary documentary. … Made with such integrity and sensitivity. I am delighted to see it and to bring my children to see their grandfather in that light."

--Kerry Kennedy, Human Rights Activist, Daughter of Robert F. Kennedy

"To watch him (Robert F. Kennedy), to hear that voice, I wept through most of the film just to see those images again. I was deeply moved and equally inspired. This is very powerful. "

--Martin Sheen, Actor

" A really important work of history because it puts into focus one of the most important utterances of a significant American political figure. This film is a really significant piece of history." --Jeff Greenfield, CBS Senior Political Correspondent

"I loved the film, I thought it was terrific. A very important documentary in an essentially important time in our history, and it tells it from a point of view we haven't seen before." --Pat Mitchell, President & CEO, The Paley Center for Media. Former President, PBS.

The event, sponsored April 1st, 2009 at the Paley Center for Media included a panel discussion panel discussion following the screening and featured the film's creator • Dr. Donald Boggs, the film's creator (General Manager of Covenant Productions and Chair of the Department of Communication Arts at Anderson University) • Kerry Kennedy (Human Rights Activist; Author, Being Catholic Now; and daughter of Robert F. Kennedy) • Rory Kennedy, (filmmaker and daughter of Robert F. Kennedy) • Harold Ford, Jr. (Professor of Public Policy, Vanderbilt University) • Jeff Greenfield (Senior Political Correspondent, CBS Nightly News).

The screening was also attended by Ethel Kennedy as well as actors Martin Sheen, Charles Grodin, and Robert Walden. Ripple continues to pursue broadcast and cable opportunities. For more information visit www.rippleofhopemovie.com