Monday, December 18, 2006

WILMINGTON, N.C. - Frank Capra, Jr. received his angel wings on Dec. 15 during the University of North Carolina Wilmington's ninth annual screening of his father's film, It's A Wonderful Life. Capra, Jr. and Wilmington humanitarian Derrell Clark were honored with the first Clarence Awards at the event.

Sponsored by the UNCW Department of Film Studies, the awards celebrate the work of unsung heroes who have emulated the vigorous community service of Clarence, the angel who gained his wings by guiding Jimmy Stewart's character in Frank Capra's classic.

Capra, Jr. received an Honorary Clarence Award. Film studies department chair Lou Buttino praised Capra, Jr.'s support of his community, saying, "Without his persistence and vision, in all likelihood, there would be no film studies department. He has graced our lives with his presence. He is a man who has earned his wings over and over again."

As president of EUE/Screen Gems Studio North Carolina, the largest motion picture studio east of Hollywood, Capra, Jr. has fueled the dreams of many on the east coast. He is recognized for his statewide success in acquiring a winning film incentive package for North Carolina. He is a UNCW distinguished visiting professor. Additionally, in February 2007, Capra, Jr. will be named the UNCW Alumni Association Citizen of the Year for his contributions.

During his acceptance, Capra, Jr. humbly honored his own father by remarking that his "60-year-old film" is still "loved by so many people all over the world."

Clark was also grateful for the honor, saying that his work as the executive director of the Brigade Boys and Girls Club, pastor of the First Church of the Nazarene, active member in the Wilmington Kiwanis Club, and guardian of three Hispanic children is "not something I have done, it's something we have all done together." He remarked, "There are more deserving people than I."

In addition to the film screening and Clarence Awards, UNCW's Center for Leadership Education and Service partnered with the Salvation Army to raise funds for their seasonal campaign. Col. Andy Anderson of the Salvation Army noted that in the previous year, contributions of money, clothes, and toys raised at the event were the largest one-night effort in the history of the local organization.

Media Contact: Caroline Cropp, UNCW Marketing and Communications, croppc@uncw.edu or 910.962.7109