Joni is a 1980 drama film directed by James F. Collier. It is based on the book of the same name and is the true story of Joni Eareckson Tada (played by herself), a seventeen-year-old girl who becomes paralyzed after a diving accident. Through her physical, emotional and spiritual struggles, Joni learns to trust in God. Billy Graham financed the film through his company World Wide Pictures and appears in a cameo. Plot In 1967, at age 17, Joni Eareckson is involved in a diving accident that leaves her a quadriplegic. As she attempts to come to terms with her new disability, her Christian faith grows. Cast Joni Eareckson Tada as herself Bert Remsen as John Eareckson Katherine De Hetre as Jay Eareckson Cooper Huckabee as Dick Filbert John Milford as Dr. Sherrill Jay W. MacIntosh as Lindy Eareckson Louise Hoven as Diana Michael Mancini as Don Bertolli Richard Lineback as Steve Estes Ernie Hudson as Earl Betsy Jones-Moreland as Mrs. Barber Release Joni premiered on October 24, 1980, in Los Angeles. It played in New York City on March 4, 1983. Reception Janet Maslin of The New York Times wrote the film is made more interesting and poignant by casting Tada as herself. TV Guide rated it 2/4 stars and called Tada "a natural actress". References External links 1980 films 1980 drama films American drama films American independent films Films about evangelicalism Films directed by James F. Collier Films about paraplegics or quadriplegics 1980s English-language films 1980s American films