Latino Producers Present 9/11 tribute film during LA Shorts Festival on 9/11

?Hollywood, CA [Septmber 5th, 2007] Following on the heels of a successful World Premiere at Festival De Cannes in France, Latino Producers Henry K. Priest and Jesse Garcia are proud to announce the much anticipated Los Angeles Premiere of the 9/11 tribute film “American Identity” during the 11th Annual LA Shorts Festival at 5:15pm on Tuesday, September 11th, 2007 [AMC Burbank Town Center 6, 770 N. First St., Burbank, CA 91502] The events of September 11, 2001 changed us as a nation forever. American Identity is dedicated the heroes of 9/11 and the men and women in uniform who give all in our defense. American Identity is a story of two best friends serving in the US army. Their family lives are explored to see how the tragic events of September 11th changed their lives forever. These two families were affected by these events as both men are sent to battle… one came home while one didn’t. American Identity is a journey of hope, love, and the triumph of the human spirit. This dramatic story will warm your heart and remind us of how precious life truly is. This feature short film produced under a Screen Actors Guild agreement runs thirty-nine minutes but has a big budget feel of a blockbuster feature. The outstanding cast who provided their professional services in support of the project includes Allen Nabors as Arlington Simpson (Ugly Betty, Las Vegas), Jesse Garcia as Bobby Freeman (2006 Sundance award winning film Quinceanera), Jodi Lyn O’Keefe as Lyndsey Simpson (Halloween H20 and Whatever it takes), Illena Oliver as Jenny Freeman, Todd Allen as Mst. Sgt Wilkens (The Apostle, and Collateral Damage) and Marshall Teague as General Farmington (Armageddon and The Rock). The film is produced by Stephen Rollins, Jesse Garcia, Henry K. Priest and Todd Allen. The Los Angeles premiere of American Identity presents the work of two emerging American Latino filmmakers alongside the works of the best filmmakers across the globe. Upcoming Latino actor Jesse Garcia plays a lead character in the film but also leads the production as he steps into a producer’s role for the first time. In 2006 Garcia gained international exposure with his lead role in the Sundance winner “Quinceanera.” Since then he has been busy working constantly. His current projects include “The Comebacks” (2007) featuring Dennis Rodman and Carl Weathers. Former works by Garcia include many commercials and several independent films. He can be seen on television in F/X’s “The Shield”, Teen Nick’s “Unfabulous”, and HBO’s “Walkout,” directed by Edward James Olmos. Priest has received awards at the national conference presented by the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP). In 2004 he was the Video Slam winner with the film “UnderDOG”, in 2005 he was the NALIPsters on View winner with “Sunday Evening Haircut” starring Reginald Vel Johnson (Family Matter, Die Hard), and earlier this year he was a winner in the Documentary Pitch Competition with his animated pitch of a documentary feature film titled “Veritas.” Priest has been an advocate for Latinos in the film community as he is the creator of the American Latino Film Festival, an event presented by Nosotros, the Latino arts advocacy organization founded by Ricardo Montalban to improve the image and provide resources for Latinos in the Performing arts. He also serves on the Screen Actors Guilds’ Ethnic Employment Opportunities Committee. Priest also serves on the board of the Silverlake Film Festival and has been recently named as director of the new Downtown Los Angeles Film Festival. THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY American Identity is a film with a purpose. The film was given birth as a result of the events of September 11, 2001. Writer, director and producer Stephen Rollins had a personal connection to the events as his friend David and wife Lynn Angell were on American Airlines Flight 11 from Boston to LA, the first plane that hit the north tower. David Angell was well known television community as he was the co-creator of the hit television series “Cheers” and creator of the series “Frasier.” American Identity is dedicated to David and Lynn, the heroes of 9/11 and the men and women in uniform who give all in our defense. Although the film’s story centers on the lives of two military families the film serves no political agenda. The creation of this film has it’s own story as told by Steven Rollins. “My birthday is September 10th, and my friends threw me a surprise birthday party at Windows of the World atop WTC tower #1, the North tower on September 10th, 2001. That evening, David Angell and his wife called me to sing happy birthday, from where they were visiting David’s mother in Boston. They were heading back to LA the next day to prepare for the Emmy awards, and asked me to come see them soon. The next morning, I awoke to the events of 9/11. A friend and I rushed to WTA few minutes later, as I tried to understand what I was seeing, the second plane hit the south tower. After seeing the people jumping, we left and went to Times Square and watched with everyone else on the large screens. After the second tower fell, my friend and I returned to the site to see if we could volunteer any help. A few hours later, I received word that my friend David and his wife were on American Airlines Flight 11, the first plane that hit the north tower, just below Windows of the World. I wanted to honor my lost friends, to pay tribute to all the victims, and to do it in a way that would not exploit the situation. Because I had family that were military, I chose to write a story that would pay tribute not only to those lost that day, but to the military personnel lost in response to the attacks. I am not a political person, and there’s no political message, only a story of how our lives were suddenly affected by these events. This film is my way to give back.” STANDING OVATION AT FESTIVAL DE CANNES Earlier this year, American Identity had its’ world premiere at the prestigious Festival De Cannes in France. Founded in 1939, Festival De Cannes is widely considered to be the world’s most prestigious film festival as it presents the best in world cinema. Hollywood Reporter acknowledged that Cannes is the “granddaddy of all film festivals.” American Identity quickly became a festival favorite as it screened throughout the private film festival in the Short Film Corner where invited attendees had the opportunity to review the film in private viewing booths. With a buzz about the project stirring about, American Identity was screened over 1,000 times. With over 2,000 films being showcased, the film received a first place finish with the most views and had an average rating of 9.4 out of 10. Because of the success in the Short Film Corner, festival directors decided to showcase the film in a special presentation as the closing short film. In it’s world premiere, American Identity played to a full audience in the Grand Debussy Theater and received a standing ovation. Following on the heels of success at Cannes, American Identity will compete in various film festivals around the world. A win at a festival accredited by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences will secure the films eligibility for Oscar contention. NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT Because of the sensitive topic it explores, the American Identity has garnered national and international support. Thanks to many sponsors, organizations and individuals donating time and services, the film has the look and feel of a big budget feature. The film features an original music score by the Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra composed by Ben Goldberg. Academy Award winner Solange of Hollywood served as sound designer. Donations include Paramount Studios back lot, production equipment by Warner Bros., Fotokem, Cinefilm processing, Kodak film, sound stages by Monkeyland Audio, Wigit Post, US military equipment and personnel and production crews working on deferment in Atlanta, Alabama, northern Californi
a and Los Angeles. ABOUT LA SHORTS FEST LA Shorts Fest is the largest short film festival in the world and is accredited by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences. In past years, 25 participants have earned Academy Award nominations, with 8 filmmakers actually taking home the Oscar. The festival has honored some of Hollywood’s legends of the past such as Charles Chaplin, Harold Lloyd, and Robert Wise; along with actors Martin Landau, James Woods, Gary Oldman and directors Tim Burton, Bryan Singer, Jan de Bont and Paul Haggis. The Festival annually attracts more than 15,000 moviegoers, filmmakers, entertainment executives and filmgoers. Press pictures and the movie trailer can be found at http://www.MySpace.com/American_Identity”>www.MySpace.com/American_Identity For tickets visit LA Shorts Festival online at http://www.LAShortsFest.com www.LAShortsFest.com Interested parties are encouraged to forward this email to our American heroes and others interested in supporting our film and the victims of 9/11.?