Moms' Weekend-Out at Castleton Square Mall

What were these three moms from northern Hamilton County doing at Castleton Square Mall this weekend? They were NOT there to shop. They were NOT worried about the financial crisis. Also, they were NOT worried about their families either. They were actually getting away from it all for the weekend. They were on a different mission.

Linda, Laura, and Rona were busy studying their schedule to make sure they had made no mistakes. However, the stores were not on their schedule. Probably stores were far from their minds except to purchase extra tissues.

These moms were here at Castleton Square Mall to see as many movies as possible at the 17th Annual Heartland Film Festival. I was there for the premiere showing of "Auschwitz: If You Cried, You Died" and "A Ripple of Hope" on the Saturday morning. I realized they were veterans of past Heartland Film Festivals as they sat and discussed the times of the different movies. They had mapped out the day!

This year was Laura's seventh year. She had first brought her son 7 years ago when he was in 7th grade. And Linda and Rona each had three years under their belts.

They were armed with popcorn, drinks and plenty of napkins. And they sat near the door for a quick exit in the second row.

They were here to see all the "tear-jerker" movies scheduled on Saturday and Sunday. This was their day-off. Today, there were no school buses to meet, games to attend, or homework to check.

Both movies were heart-stopper and tear-jerkers. It sounded like a room full of sinus suffers. Everyone had wet eyes!

They attended the short post-show question and answer period with Marty Moore, the director for "Auschwitz: If You Cried, You Died" and Don Boggs, director of "A Ripple of Hope". However before the moderator could complete "thank you for coming", they were making a mad dash for the door. As I reached the door, I said goodbye to them while they were standing in line for their next movie.

They were here for the "Truly Moving Pictures"!