Film focuses on the life and legacy of Ike Maxwell, an Elyria High School football standout

Ike Maxwell, left, was honored on Aug. 28, 2021. in a ceremony at Ely Square for his contributions as a running back for the Elyria Pioneers football team on “Ike Maxwell Appreciation Day.” (Morning Journal file)

The documentary, “Dry Bones,” directed by filmmaker Tara L. Conley, will be screened Feb. 6 at Karamu House, 2355 E. 89th St. in Cleveland

It will feature a reception, film screening and a live question and answer session with Conley.

The evening will begin with a reception and community gathering at 5 p.m., followed by the screening of “Dry Bones” from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

A discussion with Conley will take place immediately after the film.

The film focuses on the life and legacy of Ike Maxwell, an Elyria High School football standout, and explores issues of leadership, perseverance, disability experience and community impact.

Support for the screening and related programming is being provided by the Greater Cleveland Film Commission.

Juli Johnson, the Greater Cleveland Film Commission’s development and communications manager and an Elyria High School alum, is assisting with coordinating the event.

While the Cleveland screening highlights the film’s regional connections, “Dry Bones” continues to receive international recognition.

According to Conley, the documentary has been selected for an upcoming international film festival.

“Dry Bones” officially was selected for the Little Venice Film Festival in London in April 2026.

“It will be up for consideration in the highly competitive category of Disability Experience in Documentary Film,” said Conley, who serves as the film’s director and executive producer.

In addition to the London festival selection, the documentary is scheduled for overseas screenings this summer, she said.

Community outreach and promotional efforts for the Feb. 6 event are being supported through partnerships across Lorain County and Northeast Ohio to encourage public participation, Conley said.