Tara Conley, Ed.D., assistant professor in the School of Media and Journalism, is being recognized for her documentary “Dry Bones” in coverage from Ideastream and The Chronicle-Telegram after Karamu House and The Greater Cleveland Film Commission hosted a sold-out screening of the film.
“Dry Bones” highlights the story of Elyria native Ike Maxwell, his football career and life after the death of his brother.
Though Ike could not attend the showing, multiple family members attended, praising Conley’s work.
“I am very excited, we have heard these stories my entire life, but to be able to see them in a movie is a good thing. It will bring it all together,” Angela Maxwell, Ike’s daughter, told The Chronicle.
Conley, also an Elyria native, expresses her special relationship to the city in this documentary.
“It's a love letter to the city that I grew up in and the families that I knew and helped raise me, and my family as well,” Conley told Ideastream.
The sold-out screening highlights the deep partnerships and industry connections Kent State faculty maintain within the regional media landscape.
“Dry Bones” has been selected to be featured at the 2026 Little Venice Film Festival in London.
Read the full article "'Dry Bones' gets public premiere in Cleveland" at The Chronicle-Telegram.