To encourage cross-cultural community building and mutual understanding, the contest defined “climate” in the broadest sense to encompass the people, places, and relationships that affect our daily lives. Contestants were challenged to relate their own actions or actions of others to make a positive difference in a local community and thus contribute to a better world. The contest attracted nearly 9,000 new members to the ExchangesConnect online community; membership grew to over 23,250, from 14,330 prior to the contest.

ExchangesConnect community members representing 50 countries submitted 168 eligible videos. That community voted on the video entries and an expert panel of judges ranked the “top 40” videos, based on Originality, Creativity, Effectiveness, and Production Quality.

ECA selected two international and two American winners (one in each of the two age categories: 14-17; 18 and older) to receive one each of four Grand Prizes: an all-expense-paid two-week exchange program. International winners will travel to the United States and American winners will travel abroad. The School of Cinema and Performing Arts (SOCAPA), one of the premier visual and performing arts programs for young people, has generously supported the contest by providing a two-week summer camp experience for the young international winner. Flip Video™ provided Flip Video™ Camcorders as additional prizes during the contest to spur community engagement.

The contest Grand Prize winners are:

1. Bruna Monteiro do Nascimento, age 17, of Recife, Brazil, for New Eyes;

2. Gints Amoli?š, age 25, of Riga, Latvia, for [?] CYCLE;

3. Rebekah Austin, age 17, of Mill Valley, California, for Souls of Sol, and;

4. Lan Li, age 21, of Los Angeles, California, for Living Beyond Landscapes.

The winning videos and more information are available at ExchangesConnect: http://connect.state.gov/.

The contest judges, all ECA exchange program alumni, were Jay Craven, Independent Filmmaker; Vassilios Karamitsanis, President, Platforma International Film Festival and Urban Cultural Company; Rodolfo Molina, Coordinator, El Salvador’s Biennials of Visual Arts events; and, Hind Shoufani, Writer and Filmmaker.

“Rules” is inspired by a true story, based on a night life style in the biggest cities of the world. What does the American Dream mean today? With its dark horror-crime underworld storyline and outlandish martial arts action, Rules is an offbeat action film: it tells the story of a mysterious Italian, nightclub security guard Pietro Reed Giordano (Zak Lee Guarnaccia), who is not so fresh off the boat from Italy, and hoping he can escape his past. Is it too late to make a change or is he destined for ultimate destruction? When all he really wants is to be heard!

This Special Limited Edition Collector’s DVD includes: 35 percent off the normal price for the first 200 pre-ordered; individually numbered, limited edition beanie to showcase that YOU can Rule; individually numbered, limited edition poster signed by the director; be on the VIP list Invitation at DVD Release Party Red Carpet Event in Los Angeles; and enter the free sweepstakes to win “Rules” Collector’s Original Showcase Knife engraved with “Rules” logo and YOUR name. See Website for full info.

During the tough times, and in a moment of desperation, Zak considered acting in adult films, but as much as he loves the ladies, this was the only time he didn’t have enough guts to go through with it. As Zak reached several times the rock bottom of his life — losing everything, but not his will, health or happiness — with his dream of filmmaking he’s now committed to helping others. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the “Rules” DVD will benefit the Homeless Not Toothless Organization founded by Dr. Jay Grossman in 1992, Homeless Not Toothless is a 501c(3) non-profit program providing free dental care to the homeless and under-served. Along with actress Sharon Stone, Homeless Not Toothless is committed to building a dental and medical clinic for the 28,000 children in foster care. Learn more about HNT and the way to support its effort at www.homelessnottoothless.org .

This unique, Independent filmmaker resembles a super hero coming out from a comic book to keep a close eye, braking the rules, telling his personal story and the making of his action film with a few thousand dollars; but is not a hero, as heroes follow rules. Zak is an award winning actor and has been nominated for “best fight choreographer” at the AOF-Film Festival 2009. He is also a martial arts world champion and fitness expert with several successful exercise videos on the market.

Follow Zak’s personal Blog about his powerful true story, the making and the releasing of this exceptional film “Rules” – http://myultimate60daysfilmmakingchallenge.blogspot.com/ .

Zak Lee Guarnaccia spent six years in the Academy of Art and studied photography in Italy. Zak has appeared in numerous films and television series and he is well experienced on both sides of the camera, having a strong, functional understanding on how to construct action. With his unique and inventive way, he will continue work in acting and collaborate as a fight choreographer and stuntman to develop films and TV projects. “Rules” is Zak’s debut as director. He is also an accomplished screenwriter and has produced numerous short films and entered several film festivals.

Zak Lee Guarnaccia, as an independent, restless entrepreneur of the entertainment industry is the Owner/Executive of a new production company: LightRow Pictures (www.LightRow.com) and currently has seven feature films in development, to be completed over the next four years. The first two projects slated are a perfect showcase for Zak’s talent. “The Next Big Hit” is a unique and brilliant concept of a martial arts musical comedy. It already has notable celebrity interest: Mr. Russell Wong from “The Mummy,” “Romeo Must Die” and “Joy Luck Club”; and Lou Ferrigno (the Hulk). “The Cook and The Thief” is a fast paced slapstick family action comedy, and will reveal Zak as an Italian Jackie Chan. Preproduction for the first film is scheduled for mid 2010.

LightRow Pictures will introduce and promote all seven films throughout 2010 and 2011 in several film markets and events. The titles are CHAOS-REMO KAN action/adventure/sci-fi/comic, ARTNET action/crime/mystery/thriller, ANONYMOUS action/drama/thriller, RULES 2 action/drama/thriller, FULL BLAST action/thriller, THE NEXT BIG HIT and THE COOK AND THE THIEF.

“Rules” on DVD will be released on March 1, 2010, and is already available to pre-order on www.rulesfilm.com, Amazon.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

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The program aims to provide insight into the American film industry, including its historical evolution, current trends, and the impacts of new technology. Participants will gain a sense of the diversity and scope of American filmmaking ­ from Hollywood to independent and ethnic cinema organizations ­and will explore the contributions of American culture and society in film, and the role of film as a vehicle for free and independent expression.

The program includes visits to Washington, DC (January 11 – 14), and New York, New York (January 14 – 20), before the participants form teams to visit, respectively, Austin, Texas; Jacksonville, Florida; and Kansas City, Missouri (January 20 – 23). They will regroup in Los Angeles, California (January 23 – 27) and conclude their program at the Sundance Film Festival in Salt Lake City, Utah (January 27 – 30).

This exchange initiative, arranged by Meridian International Center, is part of the Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ International Visitor Leadership Program http://exchanges.state.gov/ivlp/ivlp.html that annually brings approximately 4,500 participants from around the world to the United States to engage with their professional counterparts and to experience U.S. culture and society firsthand.

The film begins its theatrical run on November 20 at Los Angeles’s prestigious Laemmle Theatres Sunset 5, 8000 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90048. For show times, check local listings or visit www.laemmle.com.

In recent days, NFL injuries and the “safety” epidemic have caught the attention of Congress, the media, and the nation at large, with outlets such as 60 Minutes, the New York Times, and New Yorker Magazine devoting intensive coverage to the controversial congressional hearings attacking the NFL for its negligence towards its star employees.

Roman Phifer, three-time Super Bowl Champion and Assistant Coach for the Denver Broncos, and his business partners Rico McClinton and Joe Ruggiero, produced BLOOD EQUITY, a hard-hitting film that focuses on the issues facing former NFL Players following their retirement, including their ironic struggle against the NFL Player’s Union and the team owners they made rich.

The film features intense, passionate interviews with such notables as Mike Ditka (Player Super Bowl V, VI; Coach Super Bowl XX), Harry Carson (Super Bowl XXI), Willie Wood (Super Bowl XXIV), Cyril Smith, Donnie Green, Tony Dorsett (Super Bowl XXXVII), Darryl Johnston (Super Bowl XXX) who share heartfelt and personal testimonies of living their dreams as NFL players, as well as the dark side of that life and some of the unforeseen nightmares.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of BLOOD EQUITY benefit the Gridiron Greats. The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation, established to provide financial assistance and coordinate social services to retired NFL players in dire need of support. To learn more about the GGAF and ways to support its efforts, contact Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, info@gridirongreats.org or www.gridirongreats.org/donate/.

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The film will be released on DVD and Blu-ray December 1st, 2009, and is already available to pre-order on Amazon, Netflix, Facebook, and many others. It will debut on iTunes and Hulu shortly thereafter.

More information on BLOOD EQUITY: www.walking-shadows.com/bloodequity .

Whitacre is the subject of the already-heralded Oscar contender movie starring Matt Damon, which premieres in New York City on September 15 at the legendary Ziegfeld Theater and begins a roll-out to theaters nationally on September 18. The movie tells the story of Whitacre’s horrific experience from company man, to corporate whistleblower and FBI undercover informant, to convict. But the movie ends where Whitacre’s real life begins. His prison sentence marked the beginning of a remarkable 180-degree turn from his focus on corporate greed to a life as an “agent of change.”

It was during the early part of his incarceration that Whitacre says his life actually took a turn for the better. “For me, it took going to prison to figure out what really matters in life,” says Whitacre. “I thought money and success would bring me happiness, but I was fortunate enough to figure out by losing it all that the only thing that really matters in life is serving others.”

Whitacre’s primary focus now is helping others, namely generating awareness of cancer prevention. His employer, Fresno, CA-based Cypress Systems, Inc. (www.cypsystems.com), manufactures a branded selenium ingredient, SelenoExcell(R), which has been shown to reduce prostate, colon and lung cancer by as much as 63 percent. Whitacre’s Ph.D. work at Cornell University focused on the health benefits related to the biochemical role of selenium, making his new profession a natural transition for him.

His new Web site, www.healthyodds.com, serves as a platform to help him spread the word about health, cancer prevention, and how people can manage their own health by becoming educated and informed. The Web site features tips and information for people on the importance of and how to adopt a healthy lifestyle, as well as resources for information on cancer and cancer prevention from experts and advocacy groups.

Whitacre’s authorized biography, “Mark Whitacre Against All Odds” (ISBN-13: 978-1441541338) was recently published and provides an intimate snapshot of his and his family’s journey through his life before, during and after incarceration, and his very personal sharing of the lessons learned through his experiences.

Commenting on his redemptive transformation and the effects it has had on his life and career, Mark reflects on his path: “I would not be alive today if not for my wife, Ginger. She has always focused on serving others and that is why she forced me to blow the whistle on the cartel in order to protect consumers. From her, I learned that serving others is the only way to bring true happiness into our lives. I am also incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve others by using my education and professional career at Cypress to further the critical cause of cancer prevention. Advocation became my vocation.”

For more information about Mark Whitacre visit www.markwhitacre.com and www.markwhitacreagainstallodds.com .

About Cypress Systems, Inc.

Cypress Systems, Inc. is a manufacturer of premium food forms of organically bound minerals and nutritional yeast products, which are distributed throughout the global nutraceutical, functional food and animal nutrition markets. CEO/President Paul A. Willis founded Cypress Systems, Inc. in 1995 with the primary goal of developing a specialty fermentation, biotechnology and nutritional yeast company. For more information about the company, SelenoExcell(R), our Branding Partners and how to become one, and the Excell Health Campaign, visit www.cypsystems.com .

Directed by award-winning director Stephen Low and his team of in-water and airborne cameramen, Ultimate Wave Tahiti captures the power, majesty, and danger exhibited by ocean waves reaching their crescendo. Newly developed camera equipment was used to bring the theater-goer into the heart of these giant waves, capturing for the first time the energy and sounds familiar only to a handful of surfing’s best.

The film’s treatment of Tahiti’s historical relevance to the sport provides an engaging look into the people of this lush tropical paradise. Van Bastolaer, whose ancestors have surfed Tahitian waters for generations, brings a unique familiarity to the story-telling that is punctuated by Slater’s acknowledged mastery of wave formation. The two surfers bond together as they lead viewers to discover how the ocean’s waves influence not only geography, but the people whose Polynesian lifestyles are built on an ancient platform-part fact and part mythology.

Low’s camera team also delves deeply into the crystal blue waters to investigate and communicate the importance of the endemic sea life that populates Tahiti’s offshore reefs.

But, the true star of Ultimate Wave Tahiti is “that” wave. Teahupoo has challenged surfers for years-from the time men fought their way into it, until today’s more common use of personal watercraft to be towed into its towering strength.

The surfer committed to riding this type of wave is greeted with an upwelling of choppy water and the sting of sand vacuumed from the sea floor and fired from the wave. The noise is at times deafening, and the released energy sufficient to rocket the escaping surfer up and out of the wave trough, sometimes to heights of over 20 feet. Both Slater and Van Bastolaer bring this experience to film.

“Where waves come from and what causes their occurrence – the ocean science of waves – is the foundation for our film,” said Low. “The information is dramatically captured through the surfers’ interaction with this force of nature. The challenges of producing this unique glimpse inside and under some of the planet’s most treacherous water are unparalleled,” he said.

The production team and participating surfing professionals are quick to acknowledge that Ultimate Wave Tahiti is not a surfing movie.

“We considered how best to educate a viewing audience about the natural science of wave creation and its importance to the overall ocean ecology. To make these points as dramatically and effectively as possible, the combination of advanced IMAX film technology and the world’s best surfer challenging Teahupoo’s incomparable power was a tableau better than any other,” Low added.

The film benefits from the significant involvement of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other experts, including the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. NOAA scientists from a variety of relevant disciplines are consulting on the science content in the film, as well as its related educational outreach materials.

Ultimate Wave Tahiti will serve as an educational resource for those with an interest in the ocean and its dynamics.

It will also provide viewers with a combination of thrills and intense beauty never before seen on the giant screen.

Executive produced and distributed by K2 Communications, Inc., El Segundo, Calif., the film is produced by The Stephen Low Company of Canada. American Suzuki Motor Corporation is the film’s presenting sponsor, Tahiti Tourisme North America is the supporting sponsor, with Quiksilver, Inc. providing strategic partnership involvement.

Additional information: www.ultimatewavetahiti.com.

“Although a fantasy, this is hardly a fairytale,” said Calvo. “It’s much more about despair than anything else. I’m looking to explore dark romanticism as it relates to modern culture. I realize some might find my interpretation a bit disturbing,” he says. “This is not your mother’s Snow White.”

A.D. Calvo is not new to controversy; several years ago he produced a short expose on celebrity shock sculptor Daniel Edwards, the same artist who sculpted the nude Britney Spears giving birth. Calvo’s short films, including “The Several Severed Heads of Daniel Edwards,” have received over one million views on YouTube and have been covered by major new sources including CNN and NPR. Edwards will be contributing some of his work to Calvo’s film. One of his pieces, entitled Snow White’s Meth Lab, is already in production.

“The announcement of Snow White is resonating much stronger than I expected. There’s already a solid fan base growing within the Facebook community, specifically within the alternative, industrial, and Goth culture,” said Calvo.

His first feature, “The Other Side of the Tracks” – starring Brendan Fehr (BONES, CSI:MIAMI), Tania Raymonde (COLD CASE, LOST), Chad Lindberg (THE FAST & THE FURIOUS), and Oscar-nominated Shirley Knight – was completed in 2008 and has already garnered a variety of film festival awards.

“Snow White” is scheduled to be released in 2010, shortly after Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland.”

More information is available at:
http://www.goodnightfilm.com/snowwhite .

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Snow-White/83236834984 .

http://www.theothersideofthetracksmovie.com .

All trademarks and service marks are the property of the respective parties.

Send2Press(R) is the originating wire service for this story, Copr. 2009.

In addition to U2, Kenny Stoff was reunited with Interscope Records’ artist Eminem to create a 30 minute program of original content for the making of his new video. “We Made This” is the lead single from his latest LP, Relapse, and is currently appearing on MTV and M2. Stoff and Eminem previously collaborated on the MTV hit “Making the Ass” which featured the puppetry of Crank Yankers and performances by Sarah Silverman and Jimmy Kimmel.

“We know we can rely on Kenny Stoff and the Mutiny Pictures team for great creative with quick post production turnarounds,” remarked Michelle An of Interscope Records. “We trust them with our most prominent artists and they continue to impress.”

Stoff also directed the music video “New Classic” for Razor & Tie Records’ Selena Gomez and Drew Seeley. The track is from the soundtrack of Disney’s “Another Cinderella Story” and has, to date, attracted over 500,000 views on YouTube.

Company directors Stephen Brown and Erin Brown also teamed up to direct the music video for The Strange Familiar and their song “Courage Is.” The music of The Strange Familiar is currently being featured on the ABC show “Secret Life of An American Teenager.” The music video takes a subtle, heartfelt and credible approach to teen pregnancy and the adversity of life.

Added Pierce: “It’s exciting to work with such a wonderful group of artists and I’m extremely proud of the work Kenny Stoff, Erin Brown and Stephen Brown have created. I am looking forward to the second half of 2009 and continuing to push the limits of traditional and new media.”

About Mutiny Pictures

Mutiny Pictures (www.MutinyPictures.net) is a turnkey production through post-production solution for film, television, commercials and title sequence needs. The company offers a unique pairing of experienced directors and high-end visual effects and post production. Client accounts include J. Walter Thompson, McCann Erickson, ABC, Sony BMG and Universal Music Group, T-Mobile, GM, Lexus, BBDO, Team One, David and Goliath, and DDB.

The NRLC review of the documentary goes on to say, “The DVD does an excellent job summarizing Terri’s life and the titanic legal struggle that eventually broke out between the Schindlers and Terri’s husband…even for the viewer who only casually watches The Terri Schiavo Story, it is clear just how unjust was the death sentence meted out to Terri.”

As the fourth anniversary of her death approaches, the ethical and cultural implications of Terri’s case are still being felt throughout society and continue to spark debate. Just last year during the Democratic debates, President Obama said one of his “regrets” as a Senator was voting for Congress to intervene to save Terri’s life. Hosted by author and speaker Joni Eareckson Tada, who became personally involved in the case in 2005, The Terri Schiavo Story sheds new light on the controversial decision that led to the death of a 41-year-old disabled woman.

In 1990, at the age of 26, Terri Schindler Schiavo suffered a mysterious cardio-respiratory arrest for which no cause has ever been determined. She was diagnosed with a neurological injury caused by lack of oxygen to the brain. Terri was placed on a ventilator, but was soon able to breathe on her own and maintain vital function. She remained in a severely compromised neurological state and was provided a PEG tube to ensure the safe delivery of nourishment and hydration. On March 31, 2005, Terri Schindler Schiavo died of marked dehydration following more than 13 days without nutrition or hydration under the order of the Pinellas-Pasco’s Sixth Judicial Court.

So what did the mainstream media overlook? Several things, according to the film’s producer and director Ken Carpenter of Franklin Springs Family Media. “I think most people thought Terri was in a vegetative state with no prospects of improving,” says Carpenter. “The truth is the doctors believed Terri was a candidate for rehabilitation, but her treatment was withheld. Additionally, we uncovered that only one judge ruled on the facts of the case. All the other judges looked at procedure issues and not the original facts.”

Joni Eareckson Tada, herself disabled after a diving accident which left her a quadriplegic in a wheelchair, says what happened to Terri continues to affect disabled citizens. “There are countless people like Terri whose lives are in grave danger because of unclear custody and guardianship laws,” says Tada. “Plus, more states under futile care policy directives are quietly removing the feeding tubes from brain-injured people when families abandon their responsibilities. Feeding tubes are providing basic care, not medical treatment.”

Terri’s brother, Bobby Schindler, was interviewed at length in the documentary and is now involved in helping families in similar circumstances through The Terri Schindler Schiavo Foundation. Schindler believes the truth about his sister’s death has been distorted and hidden – until now.

“Our hope is that people will learn the truth about what happened to Terri,” says Schindler, “and realize the atrocity that it was and that anyone who claims that her death was ‘peaceful’ and ‘painless’ is lying. I believe that if the public had been allowed to witness Terri’s suffering first hand, the outcry would have deafened Florida and the world.”

The Terri Schiavo Story was recently honored with the Jubilee Award for Best Documentary at the San Antonio Independent Film Festival.

National Right to Life exists to protect innocent human life, including the unborn and the medically- vulnerable from threats such as abortion, assisted suicide and euthanasia. NRL was formed in 1973 as an umbrella organization – a non-profit, non-sectarian organization that could coordinate right to life activities in Washington, D.C., and in the states. NRL’s strength lies in its direct connection with the state and local grassroots pro-life movement through its board of directors and various programs. Visit http://www.NRLC.org for further information.

For more information and to view a trailer for the new documentary, visit: http://www.TheSchiavoStory.com. For more information on Franklin Springs Media, visit: http://www.FranklinSprings.com.

The evening surrounds the premiere of the thirty minute feature film, “American Identity,” and benefits the Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund (CFSRF). The event will be held at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences in Beverly Hills. The televised red carpet arrivals will include military in dress uniform aligning both sides of the red carpet, and military vehicles, including two M-1 Abrams tanks, taking over Wilshire Blvd along the carpet with an aerial flyover salute.

Expected celebrity attendee guests, entertainment industry VIPs, political dignitaries, senior members of various branches of the United States Armed Forces, members of the USO, uniformed military, wounded veterans and family members who have suffered the loss of a loved one will attend. In addition, this day is national “Congressional Medal of Honor” day recognizing the recipients of this distinguished honor and in attendance will be several of the medal recipients.

“American Identity” follows the lives of two soldiers and best friends, who are sent to Afghanistan following the attacks of September 11th and portrays the impact on their families as these tragic events unfold. While the film serves as a highlight of the event, it is the message of the incredible service and dedication provided by our nation’s military that will be the true star of the evening. Along with the USO and CFSRF, the event aims to bring awareness and assistance to all of the families, especially the children, who have sacrificed so much.

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On the day of the event, a flag will be flown over the United States Capitol Building signifying “American Identity Day.”

“American Identity” was written and directed by Stephen Rollins and produced by Lightning Pictures (www.lightningpicturesllc.com) and Presidio Pictures.

[tags]Lightning Pictures, director Stephen Rollins[/tags]