The documentary looks back at a life as tumultuous as those of the characters he created for some of Martin Scorsese's most well-known works. Among their many collaborations are "Mean Streets," "New York, New York" and "Raging Bull." "Raging Bull" was recently ranked fourth on AFI's list of the 100 greatest movies of all time.

"Mardik: From Baghdad to Hollywood" details his life, beginning when he immigrated to the U.S. as a young man and later graduated from and went on to teach screenwriting at New York University. It was here that he began his famous career with director Martin Scorsese.

With candid input from Scorsese himself, along with other Hollywood visionaries, this intimate portrait is a lionhearted tale of redemption and courage. The film demonstrates one man's will to pull through the muddied waters and once again sail in the sun.

Earlier on April 19, Martin will lead a panel discussion on films, screenplays, and life of a filmmaker. Joining Martin in the conversation are Gil Kofman ("The Memory Thief"), Stephane Gauger ("Owl and The Sparrow") and Scott Nadelson (Oregon Book Award winning writer and visiting Assistant Professor of English at Willamette University).
Willamette University Professor of English and Film Studies, Ken Nolley will moderate the discussion.

The panel will be held at the Hallie Ford Museum on the Willamette University campus.  It is free to the public and begins at 2 p.m. on Saturday.

For a complete line-up of the third annual Salem Film Festival, visit salemfilmfestival.com.