Vegas Buzz

(Brooklyn New York Friday November 13th 2008) NY Senator Kevin Parker District 21 braved through the afternoon rain to visit the autistic children at the Hear Our Voices School and International Center for
Autism Research and Education (also known as Icare4autism). He met with
Founder and President Joshua Weinstein and received a firsthand look at the
new sensory room at the Hear Our Voices School and the International Center
for Autism Research and Education.

Founder & President of Hear Our Voices school and Icare4autism Mr. Joshua Weinstein left with NY Senator Kevin Parker right

His main purpose for the trip was to visit children with autism, view the soon to be debuted sensory and perception room (room cost $100,000+) and view the rooftop area for the "Raise the Roof Campaign." This campaign focuses on adding two more floors to the currently 2-story building.

Senator Kevin Parker told Founder & President, Mr. Joshua Weinstein, "The
work that you do transcends this community. the work that needs to be done
is also for the neediest populations"

The International Center for Autism Research and Education (ICARE) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to finding a cure for autism. The goal of ICARE is to conduct research while engaging in collaborative programs among similar institutions to build consensus and strengthen the approaches surrounding issues and best practices with a similar goal − to prevent autism ( www.icare4autism.org) 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Public Relations Contact:
Nicole Holland
702 361 1430
Fax: 702-361-6309
www.nyfilmvideo.com

“THE NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL RETURNS TO NYC FOR 8 DAYS OF 180 SCREENINGS, RED CARPET PREMIERES, CELEBS, PARTIES, PANELS AND AWARDS CEREMONY”

FEATURING THE TALENTS OF: Liam Neeson, Rosanna Arquette, Ed Asner, Vincent Pastore, Carmen Electra, Rachel Blanchard, Lydia Lunch, Regis Philbin, Danny Aiello, Lainie Kazan, Pat Cooper, Joyce DeWitt, Julie McNiven, Nick Mancuso, Ray Abruzzo, John Savage, Kathrine Narducci, Steven Bauer, Tanya Clarke, Anthony Wong, John Lloyd Young, Jai Rodriguez, Bruce Vilanich, Keir Dullea, Eli Wallach, Julie Strain, Topmodel Venantia Otto, Tom Atkins, Russell Means, Talbot Perry Simons, Isaach de Bankolé

“The Voice of Indie Film”
October 22^nd-29^th, 2009

***

New York, NY [September 29th^th, 2009] -- New Yorkers in need of an affordable yet satisfying indie film fix will be happy to hear that The New York International Festival (NYIFF) has announced their slate of films and red carpet premieres. NYIFF runs from October 22^nd-29^th in Manhattan and will showcase a diverse range of features, shorts, documentaries and animations from all over the globe. The opening night kick-off party takes place at BLVD (199 Bowery at Spring St.) from 6-10pm. Film screenings begin October 23rd on 2 screens at City Cinemas Village East (181 2nd Avenue at 12th Street).

More than 180 films from around the world will be in competition. Genres include Romance, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Animation, Music Video, Social Satire, Historical, Drama, Black Comedy, Mystery, Suspense, Action, Horror, Thriller, Experimental, Educational, War, Crime, Fantasy, Inspirational, Gay, Transgender, Rockumentary, Romance as well as a compelling slate of top-notch documentaries. 34 countries will be represented including: France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Japan, Canada, Australia, Belgium, Argentina, UK, Brazil, Austria, India, Greece, Nepal, Mexico, Slovakia, Ireland, Norway, Singapore, The Netherlands, Belarus, Denmark, Slovenia, Colombia, Malta, Czech Republic, New Zealand, Ghana, China, Sweden, Finland, Israel and all over the US.

FILM HIGHLIGHTS:

Oy Vey! My Son is Gay!
A romantic, heartwarming and inspirational family comedy featuring a Jewish family who struggle coming to terms with their son's non-Jewish and gay boyfriend. When the gay couple adopts a child and it makes headline news, their families come to defend them and realize how much they love them. Starring: Golden Globe, Emmy and Tony Award nominee Lainie Kazan, Saul Rubinek, Carmen Electra, Vincent Pastore, Tony Award winner John Lloyd Young and Emmy Award winner Jai Rodriguez and Emmy Award winning comedian/writer Bruce Vilanch.
Directed by Evgeny Afineevsky. 91 min. Romantic Family Comedy.

*Screening Thursday, October 29th at 8pm, Screen 7

Growing Op

A teenage boy 'rebels against rebellion,' embodied by his ganja-growing, home-schooling, fugitive parents by resolving to go to high school for the first time. Heartfelt and hilarious, Growing Op is a sly satire of classic 80's teen films, delivering contemporary twists on family drama and youth comedy. Starring Rosanna Arquette, Rachel Blanchard, Steven Yaffee, Wallace Langham.

Directed by Michael Melski. 95 min. Comedy-Drama.

*Screening Sunday, October 25th at 6:15pm, Screen 6 

Resting Places

A global phenomenon is spreading. Opponents want it stopped. Oscar nominated
actor Liam Neeson narrates this thought-provoking documentary about the
growing controversy surrounding roadside memorials throughout the world.

Directed by Melissa Villanueva and J. Michael Kipikash. 48 min. Documentary.

*Screening Monday, October 26th at 5:45pm, Screen 7 

The Last Gamble

Elizabeth Heaton enjoys a successful psychiatric practice in upper Manhattan, while Joe Goode, one of Elizabeth's patients, battles a serious gambling addiction which threatens both his job and his reputation. Starring John Savage, Nick Mancuso, Ray Abruzzo (The Sopranos, The Practice), Kathrine Narducci (The Sopranos), Steven Bauer (Scarface), Tanya Clarke (As The World Turns, A Beautiful Mind), Johnny Williams

Directed by Joe Goodavage. 75 min. Drama.

*Screening Saturday, October 24th at 10pm, Screen 7 

Failing Better Now
Mia, a flaky failed writer with a penchant for lying loses her sister's perfect cat. While she's looking, she meets and falls for a surprisingly sincere aspiring rockstar who joins her on her wild search through the East Village and challenges her to take on writing the story of her own life. Can she get it together before she has to move back in with her  mother in New Jersey and become a florist? Starring Joyce DeWitt (Three's Company), and Julie McNiven (Mad Men).

Directed by  Keren Atzmon. 93 min. Romantic Comedy.

*Screening Saturday, October 24th at 8:10pm, Screen 6 

The Triumph of William Henry Harrison
Journalist Amanda Delacourt works to expose the true story of William Henry Harrison, America's 9th President: that he never died in office, but faked his death and rose from the shadows to become the most powerful man in the world. Narrated by Ed Asner.
Directed by Daniel Califf-Glick. 80 min. Mockumentary.

*Screening Wednesday, October 28th at 10pm, Screen 7 

Just Laugh!
Just Laugh! is an informative and entertaining documentary focusing on the many health benefits of laughter. Discover how a good belly laugh increases blood circulation, reduces stress, and builds the immune system. Features Regis Philbin, comedian Pat Cooper (Analyze This), Doris Roberts (Everybody Loves Raymond), preacher Joel Osteen, Danny Aiello, Eli Wallach (Mystic River, The Good The Bad & The Ugly).
Directed by Anton Evangelista. 70 min. Documentary.

*Screening Friday, October 23rd at 8:15pm, Screen 6

For The End of Time
For The End of Time is a film about the mind, about the body, and the inability to merge these two entities which are shaping a form of civilization known under the name of 'human'. Narrated by Lydia Lunch.
Directed by Ema Kugler. 127 min. Arthouse Documentary.

*Screening Thursday, October 29^th at 1:45pm, Screen 7

Crooked Business
Small-time hustler Elmo & his best mate 'Stand-up' Stevie are just a couple of knockabouts trying to make an easy buck on the Gold Coast. Life is sweet, until Stevie finds himself in hot water for selling a dodgy watch to biker Russian Tony. You see, Stevie never did understand the rules of Crooked Business - 'if you're gonna do Crooked Business, you've gotta do it straight!' Features: Anthony Wong (The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions), Firass Dirani (The Marine, Power Rangers Mystic Force, The Black Balloon), Jay Laga'aia (Star Wars Episode II, Star Wars Episode III, Daybreakers)
Directed by Chris Nyst. 95 min. Comedy/Action.

*Screening Sunday, October 25th at 10:15pm, Screen 7 

Trapped

Trapped is the story of a carefully planned high-stakes business swindle and murder plot that goes terribly wrong. Or does it? Starring Corbin Bernsen (L.A. Law, Major League),Tom Atkins (My Bloody Valentine, Lethal Weapon)
Directed by Gavin Rapp & Ron Hankison. 93 min. Crime Drama. 

*Screening Sunday, October 25th at 8:15pm, Screen 7

Machetero
A French journalist (Isaach de Bankolé, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, Miami Vice) interviews an imprisoned "Puerto Rican terrorist" (Not4Prophet) about using violence to free Puerto Rico from US colonialism. As they speak, a ghetto youth (Kelvin Fernandez) is encouraged by a mentor (Dylcia Pagan) to grow into the next Machetero.
Directed by Vagabond. 98 min. Drama.

*Screening Thursday, October 29th at 8pm, Screen 6 

A Happy Man

At 65, Pierre Martin (played by Pierre Richard), quantum physicist, inherits an inn in Canada. He leaves Paris with his daughter Catherine (Sylvie Testud) and ends up in the dead of winter in Sainte- Simone-du-Nord, a typical tiny village in the Saguenay, a remote region of Québec. Away from Parisian life, Pierre sees an opportunity to pass on to his daughter the quality he values most: happiness.
Directed by Robert Menard. 106 min. Comedy.

*Screening Saturday, October 24th at 6:05pm, Screen 6 

Still the Drums

Many of our veterans are haunted by secrets and memories that they have buried deep in their hearts and minds forever! Never to tell their stories, until now! Full of surprises, Still the Drums is a great American story about friendship, patriotism, heroism and post-traumatic stress disorder. After thirty-nine years, three ex-marines break their silence and question their service to their country after attending a military funeral for a best friend. An explosive and captivating edge of your seat mystery!
Directed by Talbot Perry Simons. 79 min. Drama/War/Anti-War/Mystery

*Screening Saturday, October 24th at 8:15pm, Screen 7 

The Battle for Whiteclay
The film follows Native American activists for 5 years in their campaign to end alcohol sales in the village of Whiteclay, Nebraska, which borders the dry Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Features Native American activist & actor Russell Means (The Last of The Mohicans, Natural Born Killers, Pathfinder).
Directed by Mark Vasina. 113 min. Documentary.

*Screening Wednesday, October 28^th at 4pm, Screen7

Marathon

Marathon tells the true story of two poets, young and old who survive devastating illness through love, courage and endurance.  The film explores the relationship between Richard Harteis and William Meredith, former US Poet Laureate and winner of virtually every major American award for poetry including the 1988 Pulitzer Prize.

Directed by Biju Viswanath. 91 min. Drama.

*Screening Thursday, October 29^th at 6:10pm, Screen 7

For the complete film festival schedule, visit www.nyfilmvideo.com

Confirmed red carpet premieres, talent attending and panels will be forthcoming. After parties will take place at a variety of venues around Manhattan. Single tickets can be purchased in advance at www.nyfilmvideo.com for $12 and $15 at the door. Package tickets and all-access V.I.P passes are also available. Media credentials can be obtained by faxing a request to 702-361-6309 on company letterhead no later than October 9^th, 2009. For all interview and review requests, please contact Nicole Holland at (702) 361-1430 or via email at nicolefilms1@aol.com . Keep checking www.nyfilmvideo.com for daily updates.

Official Sponsors for the 2009 festival include Roomorama.com, BLVD., City Cinemas Village East, Ecotulum Resorts and Spa, Azulik.com, Bollywood Acting & Film Institute (BAFINY) www.bafiny.com , Dark Twisted Karma, Mark7 Studios, 20th Century Wolf Horror Films, ITN Distribution, Inc., Independent Film Quarterly (IFQ), Boonie Productions and JT Talent & Casting. The New York International Film Festival has teamed up with Roomorama.com to provide "home-away-from-home" accommodations for filmmakers and attendees. Filmmakers and Festival attendees can receive a special discount when they use the discount code "Indie" when booking. Visit www.roomorama.com

Celebrated Stage and film actor turned multi award-winning filmmaker Talbot Perry Simons today announced that his latest film ”Still the Drums” has been selected to screen as part of the prestigious New York International Independent Film and Video Festival (NYIIFVF). The film will play at 8pm on Saturday October 24^th at the Village East Cinema. This compelling film has already been well received by critics and won two awards at their Los Angeles sold out world premiere during the summer. Still the Drums was selected by the NYIIFVF Jury as “Winner of Best Feature Directorial Debut” and Winner of Best Screenplay.

Written, produced edited and directed by Perry Simons in conjunction with his Production Company, American Patriot Pictures. Still the Drums is a post Vietnam war mystery about friendship, patriotism, heroism and post-traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD) This is the compelling intense story of four childhood friends sent off to fight in Vietnam. One does not return. Thirty-nine years later, his body is found and an ensuing mystery begins to unfold. As memories flood back into life the comradeship of these old best friends are put to the ultimate test. This film will delight lovers of good old fashion drama and mystery films. It’s already been called by audience members “One of the best motion pictures about veterans every made” The film had moments that reminded film critic Don Haderlein of “Coming Home” and “The Best Years Of Our Lives” mixed in with flashbacks of childhood as rich as “Stand By Me”.

Still the Drums focuses on friendship, loyalty and morality. Although the film is about Vietnam audiences find that it can apply universally to any war. The film makes the point that for all veterans; their war is never really over.Taking its title from “The Illusion of War,” a poem by Richard Le Gallienne, at the end of the American Civil War "Still the Drums" approaches its explosive subject from a new perspective. The poem is about the lure of the music and how easily our spirits are captured by the false illusion created by the beat of the marching drum and joyful sounding fife as the parade goes passing, thus causing us to forget what the real horror of a march off to war truly means. Still the Drums will also be shown at a private industry screening for distributors at the American Film Market in Santa Monica November 2009.

In a recent interview with Independent Film Quarterly Talbot Perry Simons says, “Still the Drums” is a revealing story about the suffering of soldiers who have kept their deeds, guilt and war experiences buried in their hearts and minds forever. Never to tell their stories….Until now!” The project has taken Mr. Simons over 14 years to make, but he adds “I’m thrilled with the profound impact this film has made already. It was a real struggle to get it all done , but one well worth the journey to direct, edit, produce, write original music and act in this film that has now touched so many people and will continue to do so as we are now starting to get several offers for distribution both domestically and worldwide.”

The film takes place mainly in Melford NY with flashbacks to Vietnam and boast stunning cinematography and lighting with a compelling original soundtrack with prestigious musicians including three time MVP and Emeritus award recipient from NARAS (National Academy for Recoding Arts and Sciences) jazz bassist, Jim Hughart who has been the bass player for every major recording artist in the last fifty years. He’s toured with Ella Fitzgerald, Fran Sinatra, etc., etc. and tours with Tony Bennett today. Guitarist and composer John Chiodini, who has recorded and toured with Peggy Lee, Natalie Cole, Nina Simone, Barbara Streisand and Celine Dion. Award winning composer Miloangelo Adamo’s “Jack E’s Theme” (ASCAP) and the new song “Nobody's Fault But Mine the P.T.S.D. Blues" (BMI), which was written and performed by Mr. Simons and has been signed for representation with publishers Alpha Music Inc.

Here’s what the critics are saying –

“Still the Drums will blow your heart mind to Kingdom come!”…Tony Bull Bua - (President of the Here’s To Life Foundation, United Nations Award Recipient.)

“This is a movie that every American needs to see!”…Robert Radabaugh (Former Executive Director of the Walt Disney Company.)

“A Suspenseful Tour de Force! One of the most patriotic movies that I have ever seen!”…Don Haderlein - (Award winning film producer, director.)

“A riveting story told in a compelling manner! The audience never saw the ending coming. Wow!”…Jack Lassen (President of EuroPacific Securities.)

“A choice between morality and loyalty.”…Nancy Buchanan (Faculty, Cal Arts - School of Film and Video.)

“The film succeeded on many levels -- casting, acting, directing, photography, editing, etc.The lighting and the photography was apparent and appropriate. Take a look at the films shot by the great Gordon Willis”

Basil Hoffman, ( Award winning Actor Author, and Acting Teacher . The United States State Department has designated  Mr Hoffman  Cultural Envoy to Lebanon to teach acting and directing in various prestigious universities in Beirut Lebanon at the University of Balamand's Academie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts (ALBA), the Lebanese University (LU), Notre Dame University (NDU), and St. Joseph University's Institut D'Etudes Sceniques Audiovisuelles et Cinematographiques (IESAV)

"I am very impressed by Still the Drums It’s the most poignant and moving patriotic anti war film that I’ve seen in awhile and a remarkable achievement by Talbot Perry Simons. The acting performances are phenomenal. The film also has superb production value, wonderful soundtrack, a clever script and a great cast. Talbot Perry Simons is talented, passionate and not certainly afraid to take risks. Audiences will enjoy the film and we really look forward to giving the film the exposure it richly deserves." - Stuart Alson (Publisher of Independent Film Quarterly magazine.)

Trailer for NY Premiere on Oct 24^th 2009

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Glf2TmOje0M

LIVE Audience Reactions from world premiere in L.A. on Aug 1st 2009 

The much-anticipated New York Fall edition of The NYIIFVF will run from October 22^nd-29^th at the Village East Cinema 189 Second Ave New York NY 10003. NYIIFVF is a competitive event that screens the latest indie films from all around the globe. Still the Drums will be screening on Saturday evening October 24th 8:15pm. Film Tickets are priced at $12 can be purchased at www.nyfilmvideo.com.. Tickets will include an exclusive after party with free cocktails and appetizers and a live DJ. Press and distributors can obtain an all-access pass by faxing a request on company letterhead to (702) 361 6309 or via e-mail at Nicolefilms1@aol.com - Attn. Nicole Holland.

For all interview and review requests, and invitation to the New York premiere of "Still the Drums!", please contact publicity manager Renata Lorenc at 917 690 1275 or email her at renata@rulapr.com .For further information about "Still the Drums” , please go to www.stillthedrums.com or contact Talbot Perry Simons at 818 761 6170 email at 23talbot@sbcglobal.net

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NYC Public Advocate joins Advisory board to help New York Independent Film producers at Mark 7 Studios

MARK7 STUDIOS complex in the NYC area opened its doors for a private Red carpet Star-studded party last week on Friday August 28th. The newly, fully upgraded MARK7 STUDIOS is a HD FILM PRODUCTION & Live HDTV BROADCASTING STUDIOS (45,000 sq.ft.) complex  ( - former CNBC TV & UNIVISION TV) is partnering with SONY in expansion of this complex with most advanced High-Definition Film & Television broadcast technologies. This facility was built by the engineers who designed the studio for Jay Leno's “The Tonight Show” and Lucas Films. The intention of this high profile event was to launch the pre-production of the much anticipated psychological horror feature/thriller DARK TWISTED KARMA which is being developed & produced by 20th Century Wolf Horror Films, represented by A. Werner, M. Anthony and M. Peter. http://www.darktwistedkarma.com 

Dark Twisted Karma will be directed by award-winning Director David Karges and is slated to be shot this October 2009 at the newly renovated Mark7 Studios. Attached Producers are Renata Lorenc and A. Werner. Talent attachments include horror industry stars and icons Debbie Rochon (FINALEXAMINATION,CHICAGO MASSACRE: RICHARD SPECK), Robyn Griggs (ABC's ONE LIFE TO LIVE,CRAIG, NOVEMBER SON) and  Seregon O' Dassey (GHOST WATCHER 2, ONE LIFE TO LIVE), STEVEN BAUER (Co-Star with Al Pacino in SCARFACE), and BRUCE CAMPBELL (Evil Dead: Regeneration).The horror feature will have principal photography take place at the state of the art studio.

Debbie Rochon stars as B movie scream queen Karma in Dark Twisted Karma

DARK TWISTED KARMA is the story of a B-movie scream queen who after experiencing a complete memory loss of a celebratory "night out on the town", begins to encounter  bizarre inconsistencies in her reality that slowly reveal a shocking truth that takes her from horror film heroine to real life antagonist. Karges was confident that Rochon, having appeared in over 150 thrillers in diverse roles worldwide, would be able to accurately portray the complex and emotionally disturbed lead character, Karma. Griggs appeared in two prior short horror features written, produced and directed by Karges. He stated "I knew I wanted Robyn to play the role of Rhiannon, the repressed and submissive co-dependent friend who ends up emerging as an outspoken and confident dominant force in the film's finale". In the tradition of MEMENTO, SAW and HIGH TENSION, DARK TWISTED KARMA incorporates current factual ground breaking research in the field of psychology that adds to the unnerving realism sure to please even the most discerning fans of the genre.

 20th Century Wolf Horror Films is the production company of this thriller. This company was created by Mark7 Studios management and private investors out of their interest in financing and producing cutting-edge horror thrillers with award-winning producers, directors, actors that would reach wide audiences. 20th Century Wolf Horror Films plans on a limited theatrical release of DARK TWISTED KARMA and foreign and domestic distribution in ancillary markets. The film's release date is 2010. 

For more information about the movie Dark Twisted Karma and 20th Century Wolf Horror  Films go to: http://www.darktwistedkarma.com, e-mail: info@darktwistedkarma.com

For more information about MARK7 STUDIOS go to: http://www.mark7studios.com, or

call (201) 537 9573, e-mail: anton@mark7studios.com

CELEBRITY RED CARPET EVENT AT MARK 7 STUDIOS

Actress Seregon O'Dassey and Producer A Peters of Dark Twisted Karma

Producer Michelle Barry at Red Carpet launch of Dark Twisted Karma at Mark 7 Studios

Actor Steve Bauer, Actress Saskia Slaaf, A Peters and  Actress Seregon O'Dassey at Launch Party of Dark Twisted Karma