The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “Raising the Bar: The Story of Alma Richards” showing Aug. 29-Sept. 4 at the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre.

“Raising the Bar: The Story of Alma Richards” tells the inspiring, true, David vs. Goliath story of an Olympic hero from the tiny town of Parowan, Utah.

In 1908, Eighth grader Alma Richards quits school. He doesn't see the point in going when he could be working as a ranch hand. Growing up in Parowan — a tight-knit town of 1,100 people in 1910 — Alma's athletic talents were nurtured in the countryside, where he spent his days chasing jackrabbits and leaping over fences for fun.

A chance encounter with a Michigan State Professor sets Alma back on the road to education, which in turn leads him to more than he's ever dreamed of including a trip to the Stockholm Olympics competing in High Jump for a Gold Medal.

His path to the Olympics began as a way to earn an education. Little did he know he was destined to leave a lasting mark on sports history.

"Raising the Bar" is a heartwarming chronicle that resonates with small-town values, highlighting the triumphs of perseverance and dreams.

“Raising the Bar: The Story of Alma Richards” will be shown at the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre Aug. 29-Sept. 4. Showtimes will be Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, Aug. 29, 30, 31 and Sept. 1 at 6:30 p.m.; and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 2, 3 and 4 at 3:30 p.m.

Tickets are $12, or $9 for Film Festival members. For tickets and more information, please call 928-282-1177. Both the theatre and film festival office are located at 2030 W. Hwy. 89A, in West Sedona. For more information, visit: www.SedonaFilmFestival.org.