The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Film critics, business leaders salute Dan Cathy
AAFCA presents CEO of Chick-fil-A with Film Icon Award for 2017.
Chick-fil-A Chairman and CEO Dan Cathy, a famous figure in the business world, was honored on Tuesday for his pivotal role in another arena: the state’s booming film industry.
The African American Film Critics Association saluted Cathy with the 2017 AAFCA Film Icon Award at a luncheon at the Swan Coach House, an event that included a video featuring tributes from some of Atlanta’s most prominent business, civic and political leaders.
A key investor in the Pinewood Studios facility in Fayette County, Cathy and his partners last year unveiled plans for Pinewood Forrest, a new $700 million mixeduse community on the studio’s doorstep, and he was on hand for the launch of the Georgia Film Academy’s on-site teaching soundstage.
“I’m having the time of my life thinking of things we can do to attract artists to our community,” said Cathy, noting plans for a graffiti artist-in-residence and a tattoo parlor.
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, former Atlanta Mayor and U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young, Atlanta Falcons owner and Home Depot co-founder Arthur Blank, Former Home Depot Chairman and CEO Frank Blake and CocaCola Co. Chairman and CEO Muhtar Kent all appeared in the video offering congratulations.
AAFCA President Gil Robertson
ticked off a number of Marvel movies that have filmed at Pinewood, including “Captain America: Civil War,” “Guardians of the Galaxy 2” and “Spiderman.” Currently filming is the Marvel project “Black Panther,” with Chadwick Boseman in the title role, Ryan Coogler directing and Michael B. Jordan and Lupita Nyong’o in the cast. All are African American.
“None of this would be possible without Mr. Cathy’s vision and leadership,” Robertson said.
“These films have not only brought much-needed jobs to the area but have also served as an industry-wide blueprint on how diversity in front of and behind the camera benefits us all.”
In addition to his role in all that’s happening at Pinewood, Cathy is committed to investing in underserved communities, particularly those near the Falcons’ new stadium.
“We’re going to have to build a lot of bridges in Atlanta,” he said.
“The digital age is accelerating the knowledge gap in communities. This gap is getting bigger. We’re going to have to take a more aggressive approach. Let’s work together.”