AETN – the Arkansas Educational Television Network – and UALR Public Radio/KUAR FM 89 invite the public to a free screening of “For Once in My Life” as part of Community Cinema at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 31, at Roosevelt Thompson Library, 38 Rahling Road in Little Rock.

“For Once in My Life” features 28 members of the Spirit of Goodwill Band, all living with varying degrees of physical and mental challenges.

The pianist, Christian, is blind and autistic; lead singer Terry never fully recovered from being dropped by his father when he was 14 months old; and drummer Sam’s development was stunted by his mother’s efforts to hide her pregnancy.

With the enthusiastic encouragement of Dennis Pastrana, president and CEO of Goodwill South Florida, and their dedicated music director, Javier Peña, the members of the Goodwill Band have grown from one piano into an orchestra with voice, percussion, keyboards, and a brass section.

The film, directed by Mark Moormann and produced by Jim Bigham, explores the struggles and triumphs and the healing power of music as the bands members’ unique talents are nurtured to challenge the world’s perceptions. The film showcases unique band members and their journey to show the world their greatness – and killer soundtrack – within each of them.

Following the screening, a community discussion will be held with president and CEO Brian Itzkowitz of Goodwill Industries of Arkansas.  Attendees may register to win a free soundtrack of “For Once in My Life” that will be given away following the screening. “For Once in My Life” will air at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, on AETN-3 PLUS/World and 11 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 6, on AETN-1.