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Chch
Independent Film Invited to Premiere in LA
Tuesday,
25 October 2005, 8:58 am Press Release: Palmtree Films
Palmtree
Films Christchurch Independent Film Invited to Premiere
in LA
A
slice of New Zealand will be on show in the US at one of
the world’s most prestigious International Film Festivals
at the end of October.
“Meet
Me in Miami”, a Christchurch produced independent film starring
New Zealanders and two of the biggest names in the world
of Latino film and television, has been invited to take
one of the prime spots at the opening of the Los Angeles
Latino International Film Festivals on Saturday October
29th.
‘Meet
Me in Miami’ is a romantic comedy about true love and its
ability to last, even through years of separation. It stars
Carlos Ponce (pron: Ponse Eh), who is a celebrity in the
world of Latin entertainment, well known as a singer, songwriter,
actor, television host (‘Entertainment Tonight’) and producer.
Carlos has recently finished a film with Hollywood actress
Lyndsay Lohan. Teaming up with Carlos is Eduardo Verástegui
(pron: Ver Arse T Gee (hard ‘g’). Eduardo has danced in
the Jennifer Lopez music video 'Aint it Funny' and has had
guest-acting spots on CSI: Miami, Karen Sisco and Charmed.
Christchurch based Lisa Abbott (Palm Tree Productions) produced
“Meet Me in Miami” and is passionate about the family-friendly
film.
“It
is a light, feel good film about hope and love that endures.
It is sweet, lighthearted and funny. Yet it gives you hope
about not giving up on your dreams, fighting for what you
believe in, no matter how hard that may be,” she says.
Lisa Abbott says she hopes to make more movies in Christchurch.
“I
had great joy in filming in Christchurch, and believe it
is a wonderful city for the film industry. For me it was
important to show off our beautiful city and bring business
to our country. I was so impressed by the crew, the helpfulness
of the city itself, and how businesses donated so much to
us. It is commendable,” South Island iwi, Ngai Tahu, has
presented Lisa Abbott with six Taonga for the actors, including
one for Jennifer Lopez who it is understood will be attending.
It is hoped these can be presented on the red carpet, outside
the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, before a large gathering
of entertainment journalists from all over the world.
“The
Taonga are beautiful. It is wonderful to be able to present
a bit of our culture and tradition to the other side of
the world, with the blessing of Ngai Tahu,” Abbott says.
It is a huge honour for ‘Meet Me in Miami’ to be included
at the LA Latino International Film Festival where it will
be up against some of the very best Latino films in the
world.
“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 says.
The Christchurch actors include Brigid McClelland, lawyer
Richard Burtt (whose family home was a key location in the
film), Nicholas Bollen and Claire Bruce; Brigid will be
heading to LA for the premiere as well dressed in haute
couture from Christchurch award winning couturiere, Robyn
Cliffe.
Lisa Abbott hopes to secure a distribution deal for ‘Meet
Me in Miami’ while in LA, with a view to opening in New
Zealand theatres early next year.
‘Meet
Me in Miami’ is produced by Lisa Abbott, and directed by
Eric Hannah and Iren Koster. The original music for ‘Meet
Me in Miami’ was written by award-winning composer Misha
Segal, who wrote the film’s title song, as well as an additional
featured song performed by Carlos Ponce.
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