Longtime resident Martin Sheen has teamed up with actress Mischa Barton for the awareness-raising film “Bhopal: A Prayer For Rain.” The two helped kick off the seventh annual Kat Kramer’s Films That Change The World series.
The cinematic showcase was founded by Kramer with a mission to highlight socially significant, message-making films. The series began with “Bhopal,” a vivid depiction one of the worst industrial disasters in history. It takes place at Union Carbide in Bhopal, India and follows the aftermath and the calamity it caused.
“Bhopal: A Prayer For Rain” was directed and co-written by Ravi Kumar. It’s based on the true story leading up to when a pesticide leak at Union Carbide located in Bhopal, Central India killed thousands of people in just a few hours and caused serious health problems for countless others.
Starring Martin Sheen, Mischa Barton, Kal Penn, Rajpal Yadav and Tannishtha Chatterjee, the film examines what is still considered by many to be the world’s worst industrial disaster. Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actor Martin Sheen plays the role of Warren Anderson.
Martin has appeared in more than 65 feature films, including acclaimed performances in “Apocalypse Now,” “Wall Street,” “Ghandi,” “Catch Me If You Can,” “The American President,” “The Departed” and “The Subject Was Roses.”
As for TV, he is widely recognized for his award-winning role as President Josiah Bartlet on NBC’s long running hit “The West Wing.”
Martin has been a busy guy of late. His upcoming projects include “Badge of Honor,” a still to be named Warren Beatty film, “Grace and Frankie,” “The Vessel” and “Revenge of the Whale.”
Quite a schedule for someone half his age!
He was also perfectly suited for Kramer, who told Malibu Seen, when it comes to selecting films to highlight, she looks for something extra special. “I am not just looking at actors,” she said. “I am looking for actor activists like Martin Sheen, Ed Begley Jr., George Clooney, people who walk the walk and talk the talk.”
The film screening and following panel discussion took place in Hollywood and had special honors for Marsha Hunt.
In 1947, during the House on Un-American Activities investigation of Communist influence in motion pictures, Marsha was one of a group of Hollywood actors who appeared in Washington, D.C. to speak up in support of The Hollywood Ten. As a result, she was blacklisted for a decade in the prime of her career as an actress.
Her accomplishments both as an actress and as a social activist influenced positive changes for the many causes she has championed during her lifetime. Long past due, she received a rousing standing ovation.
Year after year, the series is a wonderful way to honor and remember Hollywood’s, past, present and future.