'The Lego Movie,' lauded for its message, wins Truly Moving Picture Award

"The Lego Movie," from Warner Bros. Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures and LEGO System A/S, has been recognized with the Truly Moving Picture Award by nonprofit arts organization Heartland Truly Moving Pictures.

"The Truly Moving Picture Award jury has recognized 'The Lego Movie' for its ability to inspire moviegoers of all ages," said Tim Irwin, Heartland's artistic director. "Combining a unique premise with humor and an engaging cast of characters, the film presents a great message for its viewers."

The first full-length theatrical Lego adventure, "The Lego Movie" opened in theaters today. It stars Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Nick Offerman, Alison Brie and Charlie Day, with Liam Neeson and Morgan Freeman. Its original 3D computer animated story follows Emmet, an ordinary, rules-following, perfectly average Lego minifigure who is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person and the key to saving the world. He is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant, a journey for which Emmet is hopelessly and hilariously underprepared.

"The Lego Movie" was directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, who also wrote the screenplay, from a story by Dan Hageman and Kevin Hageman and Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, based on Lego construction toys. Chris McKay also served as animation co-director. Learn more at TheLEGOMovie.com.

"The Lego Movie" is rated PG-13 for mild action and rude humor.

Heartland Truly Moving Pictures, a nonprofit arts organization, seeks to inspire filmmakers and audiences through the transformative power of film. Its flagship event, the Heartland Film Festival, launched in 1991 and runs each October in Indianapolis, screening independent films from around the world. Each year, the festival awards more than $115,000 in cash prizes and presents its Festival Awards to the top-judged submissions. Heartland has awarded more than $2.6 million to support filmmakers during the past 23 years.

The organization's Truly Moving Picture Award was created to honor films released theatrically that align with Heartland's mission. By bestowing this award seal to honored films, the award allows studios and distributors to inform audiences of a film's transformative power and appeal. Heartland is also dedicated to cultivating youth, and thus created the Heartland Institute to provide innovative educational and outreach programs that enrich the minds and lives of youth and aspiring filmmakers. Heartland also shares inspiring films year-round in the community through the Heartland Roadshow. For more information, visit TrulyMovingPictures.org.

"The Lego Movie." Lego, the Lego logo, the minifigure and the brick and knob configuration are trademarks of The Lego Group. ©2014 The LEGO Group. Used with permission. All rights reserved.