Charles Rivkin Remarks for A Wrinkle in Time Screening

Remarks as Prepared for Delivery

Good evening and welcome.

I’m Charlie Rivkin, Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America. I am so pleased that you have joined us for this exciting event.

We are fortunate to partner with the National Archives and host this evening’s festivities in such an iconic setting. Some of you may know that the MPAA’s historic home at 1600 Eye Street is under renovation…we look forward to hosting you in our brand-new theater in 2019.

One of the things I love about MPAA’s screenings is that they bring together so many leaders from different constituencies across Washington. Members of Congress, Ambassadors, innovators from Washington’s creative community…welcome all.

Regardless of location, the MPAA has always screened the most thought-provoking films, and offered a glimpse of how the magic happened behind the scenes. It is our opportunity to bring the creative energy of our industry to all of you.

Tonight, we continue that storytelling tradition.

The transcendent author Maya Angelou once said, “If one is lucky, a solitary fantasy can totally transform one million realities.” I had the great honor of meeting Maya Angelou when I was Ambassador to France. Her writings carry such meaning and emotion. They have touched the lives of so many around the world…and, if you can believe it, she was even more graceful and inspirational in person. Her words could not be more fitting for tonight’s event.

In 1962, Madeleine L’Engle introduced us to her solitary fantasy…a unique novel called A Wrinkle in Time. Rejected by 26 publishers before finally making it to the bookshelf, it has now sold more than 15 million copies. That is at least 15 million realities touched, by Maya Angelou’s math. I count myself as one of them, as A Wrinkle in Time is one of my all-time favorite books.

And we are so fortunate to have Madeleine L’Engle’s granddaughter, Charlotte Jones Voiklis, with us tonight. Charlotte, your grandmother’s work is so timeless and we thank you for joining us for this celebration of her vision.

But the influence of A Wrinkle in Time…and all films…does not stop at the theater. Beyond the screen, production of films…and television shows…empowers communities and creates economic opportunities. During 200 days working on location in Los Angeles and Humbolt County, A Wrinkle in Time generated $110 million for the California economy. The production paid $40 million in total wages to local cast, crew, and support staff.

Wherever film production goes, thriving creative economies follow. It is the lasting impact of our industry and the real-world result of bringing fantasies like A Wrinkle in Time to life.

Tonight, we will hear more about just how this timeless story journeyed from script to the screen.

Following the film, we will see the passion that went into this project, when I have the pleasure of speaking with Producer Catherine Hand. Catherine’s decades-long journey to make this film could be a movie itself. Please remain in your seats after the film, as our conversation will begin immediately following the credits.

Now, as we being the show, let me leave you with the words of Wrinkle’s outstanding director Ava DuVernay, who said, “My overall vision for the film was to create, with the fantastic team of artists and craftspeople, something visually stunning, something that reverberates in you when you see it…”

Let’s see what reverberates with you.

Please enjoy A Wrinkle in Time.