John Hancock Financial Announces Title Sponsorship of Boston Marathon Documentary

BOSTON, Dec. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- In its 31^st  year as principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon, John Hancock Financial today announced they will partner with LA Roma Films to be the title sponsor of BOSTON, the first ever feature-length documentary film about the Boston Marathon.

Directed by award winning filmmaker Jon Dunham, well known for his Spirit of the Marathon films, and produced by Academy Award nominee Megan Williams, the film documents the celebrated history of the Boston Marathon, from its origins in 1897 through the present day.

Dunham and Williams were granted exclusive documentary rights from the Boston Athletic Association to produce the film and to use the Association's extensive archive of video, photos and memorabilia. The film, currently in production, portrays the growth of the legendary race, including the triumphs and tragedies, and features many of the greatest marathoners ever to have raced over the Hopkinton to Boston route.

"We are pleased to partner with John Hancock as the title sponsor of BOSTON," said Dunham. "John Hancock's long time affiliation with the race and their support of our production brings us a giant step closer toward completing the film, which will preserve the history of this iconic sporting event for future generations."

Three-time American Olympian Deena Kastor is an executive producer on the project and is featured in Dunham's acclaimed Spirit of the Marathon, where she is shown setting the U.S. marathon record. Kastor won a national marathon title at the 2007 Boston Marathon and her passion for the race and for the sport of marathon running prevails.

"This just may be the most socially significant documentary of our time," said Kastor. "Running is a common thread allowing people of all ages and abilities to get the best out of themselves and contribute to a better world. The Boston Marathon is the most prestigious race for every runner to aspire to running. For many, getting to the starting line is a victory in itself. For others, winning the event places them permanently among the world's most accomplished runners. This race has such a rich history and the film looks to share that story to inspire and encourage all current and future runners and pay homage to all those who have shaped this glorious event."

Robert Friedman, head of Sponsorship and Event Marketing at John Hancock, welcomes the partnership with LA Roma. "The Boston Marathon is the oldest annually run and most historic marathon in the world," said Friedman. "We are excited to support Jon and Megan as they create a world class documentary. This event touches the lives of millions of people each year and whether you are here in Boston or watching the race from across the globe, you can't help but be swept up in the extraordinary emotion that is the Boston Marathon. This film will certainly capture all of the moments that have made, and will continue to make, this race unlike any other."

To view a trailer of the film, please visit https://vimeo.com/120689532.

For more information about the documentary, set to be released in Fall 2016, or to help sponsor the film, please contact Megan Williams at megan@laromafilms.com.

About John Hancock Financial and Manulife

John Hancock Financial is a division of Manulife, a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. Operating as Manulife in Canada and Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, our group of companies offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Assets under management and administration by Manulife and its subsidiaries were C$888 billion (US$663 billion) as at September 30, 2015. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '945' on the SEHK. Manulife can be found on the Internet at manulife.com.

The John Hancock unit, through its insurance companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States. John Hancock offers and administers a broad range of financial products, including life insurance, annuities, investments, 401(k) plans, long-term care insurance, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at johnhancock.com.

Video - http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/PRNA/ENR/292746-John-Hancock-Financial-Boston-Film-Trailer.mp4

SOURCE John Hancock Financial