March 25 marks the birthday of music icon Elton John, born in 1947 in Middlesex, England. Over the course of more than five decades, Elton John has become one of the best-selling artists of all time, known for flamboyant stage costumes, unforgettable melodies and deeply personal songwriting.

Bursting onto the international scene in the early 1970s, Elton John teamed with lyricist Bernie Taupin to create a catalog of hits including “Your Song,” “Rocket Man,” “Tiny Dancer,” and “Crocodile Rock.” His blend of pop, rock and theatrical performance redefined what it meant to be a global superstar.

Albums such as “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” cemented his reputation as a musical innovator. Known for his dynamic piano performances and larger-than-life persona, Elton John became synonymous with arena-filling concerts and extravagant tours.

Beyond music, he has been a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and HIV/AIDS awareness through the Elton John AIDS Foundation, using his platform to promote philanthropy and social change.

In 2019, his life and career were dramatized in the biographical film “Rocketman,” introducing his story to a new generation. He also completed a multi-year farewell tour, closing a historic chapter in live performance history.

As fans celebrate his birthday each March 25, Elton John’s influence remains undeniable. From chart-topping hits to cultural impact, his legacy continues to sparkle as brightly as the sequined jackets he made famous.

Patricia Ann “Sissy” Reeves
Services held on March 22

Hugh Edwards “Butch” Phillips
Services held on March 23

Ronnie Lee “Heavy” Suenkel
Services held on March 24

Clara Faye Mitcham
Service:  Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 12 pm at L.A. Muhleisen & Son Funeral Home, 2607 Williams Blvd. in Kenner

Edith Genell Leach
Service: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 11 am at the First Baptist Church of Leesville

Donald Raymond Savant
Service: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 11 am at First United Methodist Church in DeRidder

Frances Sue Branch
Services held on March 24

Vernon Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or vpjnewsla@gmail.com. Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to vpjnewsla@gmail.com).

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Sheriff Sam Craft of the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office announces recent arrests made by VPSO.

March 17, 2026

Brianna Pier, age 24, of Natchitoches, was arrested on an out of jurisdiction Bench Warrant for Lafayette. Pier remains in the VPSO jail awaiting transfer to Lafayette.

Tonya Lynn Duke, age 49, of Anacoco, was arrested and charged with one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic. Bond was set at $3,500. Duke remains in the VPSO jail.

March 18, 2026

William Robert Sims, age 43, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Indecent Behavior with Juveniles. Bond has not been set and Sims remains in the VPSO jail.

Joey Blanchard, age 42, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Aggravated 2nd Degree Battery. Bond was set at $50,000. Blanchard remains in the VPSO jail.

ALL PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

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A Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement leader serving multiple parishes across Central Louisiana has completed advanced training through the FBI National Academy.

Capt. John Volentine graduated from the 297th session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, on March 18. He was among 253 law enforcement officers selected from across the United States and internationally to participate in the program.

Volentine serves as captain over enforcement operations across a large region that includes Sabine, Vernon, Natchitoches, Grant, Winn, LaSalle, Avoyelles, Rapides, Catahoula, and Concordia parishes. He has been with the LDWF Enforcement Division since 2005.

The FBI National Academy is known for its intensive 10-week training program focused on leadership, communication, and physical fitness. Participants are chosen based on their experience and leadership within their agencies.

During his career, Volentine has played a role in emergency response efforts during multiple major hurricanes, including Katrina, Rita, Gustav, Ike, and Harvey. He has also received recognition for his work in wildlife enforcement, including being named Waterfowl Officer of the Year in 2013 and 2014.

In addition to his enforcement duties, Volentine serves as an adjunct instructor at LSU of Alexandria, where he teaches criminal justice courses.

Officials say his completion of the FBI National Academy highlights continued investment in leadership and public safety across Central Louisiana.

A Hornbeck man has been arrested following an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving two juveniles, according to the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Sam Craft reported that Clarence David Burlison, 66, was taken into custody on March 19, 2026, after an extensive investigation into allegations of inappropriate sexual contact. Authorities said the incidents involved two victims who were between the ages of 4 and 13 at the time the abuse occurred.

Investigators conducted forensic interviews with the victims, during which details of the alleged abuse were disclosed. Detectives also interviewed Burlison, who admitted to the abuse during questioning, according to authorities.

Burlison has been charged with two counts of first-degree rape involving victims under the age of 13. He remains in the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office jail, and bond has not been set.

The investigation remains ongoing.

FORT POLK, La.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Corvias has completed a major energy modernization initiative across its military housing community at Fort Polk, converting approximately 3,600 homes to high-efficiency ground source heat pump (GSHP) technology.

The project replaces legacy HVAC systems with geothermal heating and cooling for more consistent indoor comfort, quieter operation, and improved efficiency. It builds on prior energy enhancements at the site, including advanced metering and optimized hot water systems. The upgrades are expected to reduce annual electricity consumption across Fort Polk’s military family housing community by 30 percent, generating more than $2.6 million in annual utility and operational cost savings.

Strengthening Military Housing

“Energy modernization is a key part of our long-term partnership with the U.S. Army and reflects our commitment to listening to residents and delivering tangible improvements that matter in their daily lives,” said Kolby Stobbe, SVP, Property Operations, Corvias. “At Fort Polk, we’ve delivered a community-wide transformation that increases resident comfort and strengthens long-term housing performance and resilience.”

The milestone is part of a $92 million investment in infrastructure improvements to the Fort Polk military family housing community, including:

• Full interior renovations of approximately 140 homes
• Exterior upgrades to nearly 1,000 homes, including new siding, paint, trim, and gutters
• Roof replacements and structural improvements
• Updated kitchens with modern appliances and finishes
• Improved lighting, fixtures, and flooring
• Neighborhood playground enhancements and refreshed community spaces
• Utility and drainage upgrades to support long-term performance

A Model for Whole-Community Modernization

As one of Corvias’ long-standing public-private housing partnerships with the U.S. Army, the Fort Polk military family housing partnership demonstrates how sustained reinvestment can elevate the resident experience while also driving local economic impact. Together, these improvements transform legacy U.S. Army housing into refreshed, modern neighborhoods that better reflect the expectations of today’s service members and their families.

The Natchitoches Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated recently partnered with Vernon Parish Middle School to celebrate Dr. Seuss Day and promote literacy among students.

During the event, sorority members worked with students to highlight the joy of reading and the importance of education. Activities focused on encouraging creativity and helping students build strong reading habits.

Organizers say the effort reflects their commitment to empowering young minds and supporting educational initiatives throughout the region.

Gallery One Eleven in the Leesville Main Street District will host an opening reception on Saturday, April 4 at 6 p.m. for a new exhibit featuring oil paintings by Alexandria artist Tony Forrest.

The exhibit will showcase a collection of Forrest’s latest work, including large still life pieces created using traditional oil techniques. The exhibit will remain on display through May 30 and will also be featured during the ART of the EAT IV event on April 18.

Forrest, a longtime figure in Central Louisiana’s art community, has built a career as an artist, educator, and business owner. Originally from Greensboro, North Carolina, he transitioned from a career in construction in 2006 to pursue art full-time.

His work has been inspired by landscapes across his home state, including the Smoky Mountains, rural farmlands, and coastal regions. Among his notable achievements, Forrest was commissioned by the North Carolina Bar Association to create a portrait of Andrew Jackson for a bicentennial celebration. The painting is displayed in the Guilford County Courthouse. He has also completed commissioned work for various clients, including professional tennis player John Isner.

Forrest and his wife now reside in Alexandria, where they operate a custom framing business and remain active in the regional arts community.

The public is invited to attend the April 4 reception and view the exhibit.

Ruthie Ann Prickett
Service: Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 11 am at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville

Vernon Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or vpjnewsla@gmail.com. Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to vpjnewsla@gmail.com).

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Sheriff Sam Craft of the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office announces recent arrests made by VPSO.

March 14, 2026

William Darrell Forney, age 36, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Criminal Trespass. Bond was set at $ 750.00. Forney posted bond and was released.

March 16, 2026

Misty Brinlee, age 47, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Terrorizing and one count of Resisting an Officer. Bond was set at $ 5281.00. Brinlee remains in the VPSO jail.

ALL PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

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Robert Brevelle is the 2026 recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Baton Rouge Genealogical and Historical Society. In presenting the award, last year’s recipient and board member, Emily Dowden-Wilcox stated, “It is with great pleasure we bestow this honor onto Robert in recognition of his lifelong contributions to Louisiana history, genealogy, and culture. Robert has spent decades researching, promoting, and teaching our unique history. Many refer to him as “Mr. Louisiana” not only for his knowledge of Louisiana history, but also for his passion in sharing it as a speaker and author.”

“Few things in life have captivated me as profoundly as our state’s history, and at it’s heart are  the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of its people,” said Robert. “This little place on the map we call home tells the epic stories of our resilient ancestors who experienced the tragedy and salvation of religion, the rise and fall of the old empires, and the forging of our state and country. A country which continues to be an unprecedented, brilliant beacon of hope and freedom for the entire world. I am honored and humbled to receive this recognition from so many people I deeply admire. May God bless and keep you in the great state of Louisiana.”

Robert continues to make his own mark on Louisiana history. He is a recipient of the Evangeline Lifetime Achievement Award, the NRA’s Endowment and Ring of Freedom award, and a fellow of the Louisiana Genealogical and Historical Society. Last year, he was inducted into the Order of Cavelier Sieur de La Salle, the Louisiana society’s highest honor. He serves on the Tribal Council of the Adai Caddo Indian Nation and on the boards of multiple organizations across the state. For the past decade, he has been named to “Top 10” investor lists in the U.S. and Europe, and showcased in publications of The Top 100 Innovators and Entrepreneurs Magazine. The Dallas Business Journal featured Robert on its cover for transforming the oldest startup incubator in the South into a world class venture capital firm achieving a top 10 national ranking. He lead the firm to become the number 1 ranked Business-to-Business accelerator in the world and developed the Department of Homeland Security’s accelerator program for first responder technology. His list of accolades includes awards for innovation and engineering from NASA and the Department of Defense.

Robert is a graduate of Leesville High School. He attended the Illinois Institute of Technology on full scholarship graduating summa cum laude in a simultaneous engineering program with a bachelors and master’s degree. While working full-time in various Fortune 500 companies, Robert graduated with additional degrees and professional certifications from the University of Texas at Dallas, Southeastern, Southern Methodist University, and Cornell all while on full scholarship.

Robert is a life member of the VFW in Leesville, Leonidas Chapter of the AUSA at Fort Polk, Leesville High School Century Club, National Guard Association in New Orleans, the National Rifle Association, Baton Rouge Genealogical and Historical Society, Sons of the American Revolution in Natchitoches, Louisiana Genealogical and Historical Society, and Mensa.

“My love of history and genealogy was born from the teachings of my father, who was a part-time librarian at Fort Polk and amateur archaeologist,” said Robert. “We spent countless weekends at museums and battlefields. We would hike and canoe to historic sites. Impassioned history teachers and the Vernon Parish Library further nourished my interests and studies. But what I enjoyed more than anything was listening to the stories of my aunts, uncles, and the weathered tribal elders as they regaled me with a time and way of life whose remnants were vanishing right before my eyes. Nothing has sparked my imagination or my passion to defend it more.”

You can still find Robert fighting for Louisiana. He regularly works with the government and historical societies to preserve local French, Spanish, Creole, and Indigenous history. Earlier this year, he made headlines for a decisive victory in a 5 year legal battle to stop an illicit Home Owner’s Association (HOA) from destroying Indigenous sites and stealing land from disabled veterans and Native Americans.

Robert can trace his ancestry to the founding families of Louisiana. He is a lineal descendant of 1720s French explorer Jean Baptiste Brevel and his Native American wife, Anne des Cadeaux. Isle Brevelle, the birthplace of Creole Culture, is named for their son, Jean Baptiste Brevel II.

Founded in 1981, the Baton Rouge Genealogical and Historical Society was established to research, preserve and share genealogical and historical information of the people and communities of the greater Baton Rouge area. The society is a registered Louisiana non-profit and hosts seminars, classes, and events throughout the year for members and guests.

Residents in Vernon Parish can expect a steady warming trend and plenty of sunshine over the coming days, with temperatures climbing from the upper 50s into the mid-80s by the weekend.

Sunny skies are forecast for today, with highs reaching the upper 50s. Winds will be light, starting from the northeast before becoming variable later in the day.

Conditions will begin to warm midweek, with mostly sunny skies on Wednesday and highs rising into the lower 70s. South winds between 5 and 10 mph will accompany the warmer temperatures.

By Thursday, the warming trend continues with sunny conditions and highs expected in the upper 70s. Light southwest winds will persist.

From Friday through Monday, the forecast calls for mostly clear skies and significantly warmer temperatures. Highs are expected to reach the mid-80s, while overnight lows will hover around 60 degrees.

The extended stretch of dry, sunny weather is expected to provide favorable conditions for outdoor activities across the parish.

If your current security team’s primary strategy is to “observe and report,” you are essentially paying for a professional witness.

By the time an unarmed guard observes a threat, dials 911, and waits for local law enforcement to arrive, the damage to your property, your people, and your corporate reputation is already done. In the high-stakes worlds of energy infrastructure, commercial real estate, and industrial logistics, minutes of downtime cost millions of dollars.

Waiting for an incident to escalate is no longer just an outdated strategy; it is a massive corporate liability.

The End of Reactive Security

Across Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Tennessee, enterprise-level businesses are waking up to a harsh reality: standard security is failing them. The new mandate is proactive deterrence.

Fidelis Protective Services, an elite risk management firm headquartered in Louisiana with a massive four-state operational footprint, is actively replacing the outdated “observe and report” model with specialized, high-impact capabilities designed to neutralize threats before they paralyze your operations.

The Ultimate Deterrent: Specialized K-9 Teams

You can argue with a standard security guard. You cannot argue with a highly trained K-9 detection team.

Fidelis achieves a higher standard of safety by deploying specialized K-9 units alongside highly disciplined security personnel. These elite teams provide mission-critical advantages that standard guards simply cannot match:

• Unmatched Visual Deterrence: The physical presence of an FPS K-9 and a disciplined handler provides an undeniable, non-verbal statement of capability. It forces bad actors to immediately de-escalate or abandon their target.
• Rapid Post-Incident Stabilization: Whether responding to a bomb threat at a corporate campus, an arson risk at a petrochemical plant, or targeted violence at a distribution hub, a FPS K-9’s advanced detection skills allow for the rapid, precise clearing of an environment.

[ WATCH: The Fidelis Standard in Action ] See exactly how the FPS K-9 Division executes proactive threat deterrence and rapid environmental stabilization.

K-9 Tactical Breakdown  “A stabilized environment, when it matters most, requires specialized capabilities,” says Fidelis Protective Services CEO, Lee J. Taylor. “We aren’t just placing a uniform at a desk. By deploying proactive teams across the region, we are actively assessing threats and stabilizing high-risk scenarios so our clients can keep their businesses running.”

Protecting the Infrastructure of the South

From the relentless operational tempo of Oil and Gas facilities in Texas to the complex access control required at major shipping ports in Tennessee and the Gulf Coast, your security strategy must match your operational footprint.

Stop paying for a reactive presence. Invest in a partner that brings elite deterrence, specialized capabilities, and a multi-state standard of excellence to the facilities that power the South.

ABOUT FIDELIS PROTECTIVE SERVICES

Fidelis Protective Services is an elite, multi-state security firm specializing in high-level asset protection, tactical K-9 deployments, and comprehensive risk management solutions. Operating across Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Tennessee, Fidelis sets the standard for proactive security operations in the commercial, healthcare, and energy sectors.

Connect with an FPS Operational Specialist for a custom risk assessment:

• Phone: 833-257-3888
• Web: fidelisprotectiveservice.com
• Email: info@fidelisgroupla.com
• Connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/fidelis-protective-services-la
• Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/FidelisProtectiveServices
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@FidelisProtectiveServices

The Vernon Parish Police Jury recognized the Pitkin Lady Tigers following their achievement as the 2026 Class B State Champions.

Officials hosted the team during a recent meeting, honoring the Lady Tigers for their successful season and championship performance. The recognition highlighted the team’s hard work, dedication, and representation of Vernon Parish on the state level.

The Pitkin Lady Tigers’ championship run marks a significant accomplishment for the program and the community, as the team earned the Class B state title in 2026.

Pickering High School’s powerlifting program will be represented by nine student-athletes at the upcoming state powerlifting meet, continuing a strong tradition of success under Coaches John Daugherty and Katy Neighbors.

Now in their fourth year leading the revived program, Daugherty and Neighbors have helped build steady momentum, with more than 50 Pickering athletes qualifying for the state meet since 2003. The program has also achieved national success, winning the past two USPA High School National titles and hosting several competitions.

This year’s group is led by experienced lifters returning from last year’s state meet, aiming to improve their standings and contend for medals.

The girls team will compete Thursday, March 26, and includes regional champions Layla Anthony and Zanyah Walker, along with Alyssa Brown and Laila Pete.

The boys team will take the platform Wednesday, March 25, led by regional champion Xavier Mitchell. He is joined by seniors Braden Ford and Israel Araiza, as well as brothers Hunter and Landon Noel.

All of the qualifiers, except Laila Pete, who is competing in her first year, bring prior state meet experience. Ford stands out as the only remaining lifter from Daugherty’s first state squad and will be making his fourth consecutive appearance. His previous finishes include fourth place in 2023, third place in 2024, and a runner-up finish in 2025.

The state powerlifting meet will be held at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner.

Vernon Parish 4-H participants delivered an impressive showing at the Central Region Commodity Cookery Competition, highlighted by Julia Chiasson earning the Overall Grand Champion title.

The annual event featured 95 contestants preparing a total of 117 dishes across multiple divisions and commodity categories, highlighting the creativity and culinary skills of Louisiana 4-H youth using locally grown ingredients.

Vernon Parish competitors earned numerous placements across categories, demonstrating strong performances throughout the competition.

In the beef category, Garrison Higginbotham placed third in Beef – Any Dish, while Julia Chiasson earned a red ribbon in the same division.

In Egg – Dessert, Easton Evans secured first place and James David Richmond received a red ribbon. In Egg – Other, Zeppelin Boone placed third, and Julia Chiasson earned a blue ribbon.

The pecan division saw Mary Claire Ratliff earn a blue ribbon in Pecan – Dessert, with James David Richmond receiving a red ribbon. In Pecan – Other, Autumn Jeane earned a blue ribbon and Zeppelin Boone received a red ribbon.

In Rice – Any Dish, RaeLynn “Rain” Miller earned a blue ribbon, and Sophie Kay received a red ribbon.

In the sweet potato categories, Zeppelin Boone earned a blue ribbon in Sweet Potato – Dessert, while Sophie Kay received a red ribbon. In Sweet Potato – Other, Julia Chiasson claimed first place, and Layton Jarrell earned a red ribbon.

Overall, Vernon Parish 4-H members were recognized across a wide range of categories, reflecting both their hard work and the strength of the parish’s program in promoting Louisiana agriculture.

Life has so many variables out of our control that makes navigating our daily situations difficult. But in some instances, there are a few things we can control and it’s up to each of us to make it happen. 

One thing we have zero control over is who our parents are. We as individuals have zero say on the DNA we are blessed with, nor the people it came from. Even though we are who we are, we do have the ability to become the person we truly want to be. In most cases, we can pave our own path to success or failure with the skills we have been blessed with. 

Even with bad DNA flowing through our bodies, we still have the task of shaping our lives into whatever we want to be. But only if we as individuals take control and ownership of who we are will our direction in life be confirmed. 

I learned at a very early age that the good Lord above had blessed me with good athletic abilities. I figured out before the age of 10 that it would be through sports, with hard work and determination, that I could possibly have some success. Sports gave me a purpose!

That’s what we’re all looking for … a purpose! Even if it goes against the beliefs of the people who raised us, we have to take control of our own destiny at some point.

Even when the odds are against us, there are also times when we have to accept the consequences of our actions. We have to make decisions that not only affect ourselves, but those around us.

Sometimes this means hurting the ones we love the most because the direction they want us to go may not be the same as the destination we had in mind. 

By the time we reach 17 or 18 years old, most people know who they are and possibly what direction or path they might want to take. They start to see things in a different light than, say, their parents. But as parents, we must recognize that even though we think we know what’s best for our children, that may not always be the case. We must allow them to spread their wings and continue to grow even if they make a few mistakes along the way. It’s called growing up! 

I’ve always heard the excuse that he or she was a product of the environment in which they were raised. Sometimes this can be true, but it doesn’t always have to be that way. 

For example, my stepdad was a wife beater and treated women like they were worthless. Even though I witnessed many of these incidents first-hand at a young age, I always knew in my heart that this was wrong, and I made a conscious decision to never be that kind of person.

I always felt that God instills in each of us the ability to know right from wrong when we are born.  He gave all of us a brain and the ability to reason when we see things that are not right. 

Just because you grow up in a house with little to no guidance doesn’t give you the excuse to ignore what is right. Subconsciously we still know right from wrong and it’s up to each of us to make good decisions and do the right thing. 

We all need direction in our lives, which was lacking early in my childhood.  Hopefully, we have those we can turn to for advice like a parent or maybe a grandparent, aunt, uncle, preacher, teacher or maybe a coach. No matter who it is, it should be someone we trust. A person who has our best interest at heart. 

Bottom line is this — at some point in our lives we must take control over our destiny no matter what our background is. But when we make a decision, we must accept the consequences for our actions. This is what we call accountability! 

“Are you finding it harder to set and enforce rules around your children’s screen time and social media use? How do you balance keeping them safe while giving them enough freedom to learn responsibility?”

 See what Ida says 

On March 18, 1944, the romantic wartime drama Casablanca took center stage at the 16th Academy Awards, winning three Oscars including Best Picture.

Starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, “Casablanca” tells the story of an American expatriate torn between love and sacrifice in the shadow of World War II. Set in unoccupied Morocco, the film blended romance, suspense and patriotism at a time when global audiences were living through the war itself.

The film’s win for Best Picture cemented its place in Hollywood history. Director Michael Curtiz also took home the Oscar for Best Director, and the film earned a third award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Though not initially predicted to sweep the ceremony, “Casablanca” resonated with audiences and Academy voters alike. Its themes of duty over desire and moral courage struck a chord during wartime America.

The film’s dialogue has since become iconic, with lines like “Here’s looking at you, kid” and “We’ll always have Paris” embedded in pop culture for generations. Bogart’s portrayal of Rick Blaine transformed him into a lasting symbol of cinematic cool, while Bergman’s performance remains one of the most celebrated in classic film history.

Over the decades, “Casablanca” has consistently ranked among the greatest films ever made, frequently appearing atop lists from the American Film Institute and other organizations.

March 18 marks not only a major milestone for a beloved film but also a reminder of Hollywood’s enduring power to capture emotion, history and hope on screen.