NZ
film takes on Latin world in LA
31
October 2005
The
city of Christchurch featured at an international film festival
in Los Angeles yesterday when an independent New Zealand
production went up against the best Latino films in the
world.
Meet
Me In Miami, produced by Palm Tree Productions in Christchurch,
and starring two of the biggest names in the world of Latino
film and television, had its world premiere at the Eygptian
Theatre at the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival.
Christchurch
resident Lisa Abbott, who produced the film – her first
ever – said it was "a huge honour" to be chosen for inclusion
by the festival board, which includes such luminaries as
actors Anjelica Houston and Andy Garcia.
"Rarely
are comedies invited to compete in this competition so I
am thrilled Meet Me In Miami has been considered for this
year's festival, and is nominated for the competition awards,"
she said.
The
"family-friendly" romantic comedy stars Carlos Ponce and
Eduardo Verastegui, two of the hottest names in the Latin
entertainment world. The Christchurch actors include Brigid
McClelland, Richard Burtt (whose family home was a key location
in the film), Nicholas Bollen and Claire Bruce.
Ms
Abbott hoped to secure a distribution deal for the film
while in Los Angeles with a view to opening in New Zealand
theatres early next year.
"I
believe it is a great city for the film industry," she said.
South
Island iwi Ngai Tahu presented Ms Abbott with six pounamu
carvings for the actors who will be attending, and another
for American entertainer Jennifer Lopez, who was expected
to attend the screening. Results are expected today.
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