From Executive Producer Eva Longoria and Shine Global
THE HARVEST/LA COSECHA

DOCUMENTARY EXPOSES PLIGHT OF CHILD MIGRANT WORKERS IN THE UNITED STATES

“STRAIGHTFORWARD, INTIMATE and HEARTBREAKING.”Susan Linden, The Los Angeles Times

“In its modest way, calls to mind The Grapes of Wrath .”Mike Hale, The New York Times

WINNER
Outstanding Filmmaker
&
Audience Award – Best Documentary

San Antonio Film Festival
Coming to DVD and Digital Download Platforms on October 11, 2011
———————————————————————————–
LOS ANGELES, CA (September 7, 2011) – After a national theatrical run in July followed by screening events across the country, THE HARVEST/LA COSECHA will be broadcast nationally on EPIX, the multiplatform media service, and EpixHD.com on October 5, 2011 and then released on DVD and digital download platforms such as; iTunes, Amazon, Xbox, Playstation, Vudu, & Blockbuster on October 11, 2011. This Shine Global production, directed by U Roberto Romano and Executive Produced by Eva Longoria, examines the lives of child migrant laborers. The film focuses on three Latino youths; Zulema Lopez, 12, Perla Sanchez, 14 and Victor Huapilla,16, who are among the 400,000 children who work as migrant laborers on America’s farms.

Zulema Lopez, 12, thinks of nothing but working in the fields, and one of her earliest childhood memories is of her mother teaching her how to pick and clean strawberries. Having attended eight schools in the last eight years, she struggles to keep up and is afraid she may not make it to high school. When asked what her dreams are, she replies that she doesn’t have time for them.

Perla Sanchez, 14, travels with her large family to pick crops across the United States. She watches as her classmates forge special bonds that she will never share with them as they advance from one grade to the next and she is left behind. And just when it seems that her father has found a job that will allow them to stay in one place and have some stability, a decline in his health sends them back on the road. She dreams of becoming a lawyer so that she can help other migrant workers who struggle to make ends meet.

Victor Huapilla is a 16 year-old living in Florida. His family migrated to the US when he was young looking for a better life and is on the path to full citizenship. To help support his family, Victor has had to balance his time between harvesting and going to school and his education suffers. While Victor is often in the fields, he’s glad his younger sisters are still spared the ordeal of picking up to 1500 pounds of tomatoes a day. But the expenses of legally bringing his two older sisters to America bankrupts the family and they can’t afford to migrate for work.

Directed by award-winning photographer and filmmaker U Roberto Romano, THE HARVEST/LA COSECHA tells the stories of three adolescents who travel with their families across thousands of miles to pick crops in southern Texas, northern Michigan and northern Florida during the harvest season. Along the way, they face back breaking labor in 100-degree heat, physical hazards from pesticides, the emotional burden of helping their families through economic crises when work opportunities dry up, separation from their families and peer groups and dwindling hope for their educational and economic advancement.

Scenes from THE HARVEST/LA COSECHA have been presented to the US Department of Labor and members of Congress, including Rep. Roybal-Allard, who hopes that the film will raise public awareness of the issues surrounding young farm workers.

THE HARVEST/LA COSECHA is a production of Shine Global, Inc. in association with Globalvision, Inc., Romano Film and Photography, Inc., UnbeliEVAble Productions and EPIX. Albie Hecht and Susan MacLaury: executive producers for Shine Global, Inc. Eva Longoria: executive producer for UnBeliEVAble Productions, Rory O’Connor: executive producer for Globalvision, Inc. and producer. Alonzo Cantu and Raul Padilla, Executive Producers

ABOUT SHINE GLOBAL: Founded in 2005, Shine Global, a non-profit production company has given voice to some of the world’s most at-risk children, shared their stories and inspired millions of viewers. Their goal is to end the abuse and exploitation of children worldwide through the production of films. They have won more than 20 major film awards, including an Academy Award-nomination for the film War/Dance, two Emmys, and Best Director Documentary at Sundance.

SYNOPSIS: Every year there are more than 400,000 American children who are torn away from their friends, schools and homes to pick the food we all eat. Zulema, Perla and Victor work as migrant farm laborers, sacrificing their own childhoods to help their families survive. THE HARVEST/LA COSECHA profiles these three as they journey from the scorching heat of Texas’ onion fields to the winter snows of the Michigan apple orchards and back south to the humidity of Florida’s tomato fields to follow the harvest. From the Producers of the Academy-Award® nominated film WAR/DANCE and Executive Producer Eva Longoria, this award-winning documentary provides an intimate glimpse into the lives of these children who struggle to dream while working 12-14 hours a day, 7 days a week to feed America. www.theharvestfilm.com | Facebook | Twitter |

SRP: $24.95 | TRT: 80 minutes
Street Date: 10/11/11 | UPC: 881394113527
Catalog: CLS 1135 | Genre: Documentary
DVD EXTRAS:
• Deleted scenes: Interviews with other child migrant workers – Crystal, James and Aaron – not featured in the film
• Educational tools
• Footage from the MALDEF Conference featuring Eva Longoria and the Shine Global co- founders Susan MacLaury and Albie Hecht

Hi-Res DVD Box Art: http://www.cinemalibrestudio.com/clscatalog/2011/Harvest_3D_HR.jpg
Low-Res DVD Bow Art: http://www.cinemalibrestudio.com/clscatalog/2011/Harvest_3D_LR.jpg

ABOUT CINEMA LIBRE STUDIO: Cinema Libre Studio is a leader in the distribution of social-issue documentaries and features by passionate filmmakers. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the Cinema Libre team has released over one hundred films including the Sundance Audience Award‐Winning FUEL, THE END OF POVERTY, and Oliver Stone’s SOUTH OF THE BORDER. The studio is developing John Perkins’ best‐selling memoirs, CONFESSIONS OF AN ECONOMIC HIT MAN, into a major motion picture. For more information and updates, please visit: www.cinemalibrestudio.com

For screener and interview requests contact:
Cassie Brewer, Publicity Coordinator at Cinema Libre Studio, 818.349.8822, cbrewer (at) cinemalibrestudio (dot) com

EYE OF THE FUTURE
Imaginative Documentary Inspires a Global Audience to Reduce our Carbon Foot Print.

COMING TO DVD SEPTEMBER 27, 2011

LOS ANGELES, CA (September 12, 2011) — The world’s climate activists are gearing up for Climate Week NYC (September 19 – 26), which will then lead to the United Nation’s Climate Change Convention in Durban, South Africa (November 28 – December 9). EYE OF THE FUTURE, a one-hour documentary directed and produced by educator, Catherine Cunningham and her company, Eikosphere, is set to inspire the world’s youth to become the guardians of Earth. Cinema Libre Studio will release EYE OF THE FUTURE, on DVD and digital platforms beginning on September 13, 2011.

EYE OF THE FUTURE shows audiences numerous ways in which we can individually and collectively be environmental stewards of the planet and reduce our carbon footprint. This documentary-drama features five children of UN Ambassadors, whom are all nine years old. As the “eyes of the future”, they are called upon by Earth to share their stories and further expand their visions into inspiring, game-changing global scenarios for reducing our global carbon footprint. They are challenged to reduce global carbon from 390 ppm (parts/million) carbon in the atmosphere to 320ppm by exchanging stories of real carbon-saving solutions from their home countries around the globe. The film introduces examples of clean technologies and sustainable design from around the world.

The children explore the growing solar industries in China, Spain and Australia, the latest wind turbine technology in Europe and the US, and greenhouses in the Middle East. They see the new eco-designed commercial complexes in China with rooftop gardens and how the people in Africa use bio- charcoal to nitrify the soil and produce energy. They learn about the programs in India and Brazil that convert waste into valuable resources and create “green jobs”. Ultimately, the children imagine what it would be like to live in Eco-Cities, where all energy, transportation, waste, and water systems are monitored and optimized; where the city thrives like a natural ecosystem. They envision these cities are built with dense, tall buildings, with light-colored surfaces to reduce heat. They imagine people happily commuting on fast and efficient Maglev trains and earning money by recycling. As the children’s stories accumulate, the Earth calculates their carbon savings to where they reach their goal, 320ppm. However, their challenge is not over yet, the Earth communicates to to them that their final challenge is to open the eyes of the future. Only then will they meet their goal.

EYE OF THE FUTURE is the feature length directorial debut for Catherine Cunningham, founder of Eikosphere, LLC, a multi-media company that creates educational content focused on sustainable solutions by assembling leading artists, scientists, and technologists from around the world.

SYNOPSIS: Five children of UN ambassadors from around the world are called by Earth to imagine a new sustainable future for our global society. As they are playing happily in the UN gardens, they discover a magic portal that draws them into an adventure where they must work together to reduce the global carbon footprint. Soon they learn that the only way they can succeed is to share their stories about how their cultures and communities save carbon; and how they can collectively take those clean energy solutions to scale. Just when they are about to reach their carbon-savings goal, the carbon counter starts to tick in the wrong direction. Earth tells them that to avert a climate crisis they must also communicate globally the importance of protecting our forests and oceans from further degradation. Join us as the eyes of the future meet the greatest global challenge we face today.

SRP: $19.95 | TRT: 45 minutes
Street Date: 9/13/11 | UPC: 881394113428
Catalog: CLS 1134 | Genre: Documentary/ Environmental

DVD EXTRAS:• “Re-work the World” featuring international leaders at the 5th GLOBAL YES CONFERENCE.
• “World Wisdom on Climate Change”, features other global leaders and their perspectives on how to transition to a New Sustainable world.
• Featured speakers include:
o Barak Obama, President of the United States
o Gordon Brown, Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
o Ricardo Lagos, former President of Chile; former Director Club of Madrid, UN Envoy on Climate Change
o Dir Han Seung Soo, Former Prime Minister of South Korea, UN Envoy on Climate Change
o Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland, VC Club of Madrid, Dr. Ethical Globalization Initiative
o Dr. Rajendra Pachuari, Chair of the IPCC, DG of TERI, India
o Herbert Girardet, Co-Founder, World Future Council
o Dr. Jacqueline McGlade, Executive Director, European Environment Agency

HI-RES BOX ART: http://www.cinemalibrestudio.com/clscatalog/2011/EyeOfTheFuture_3D_HR_RGB.jpg

LOW-RES BOX ART: http://www.cinemalibrestudio.com/clscatalog/2011/EyeOfTheFuture_3D_LR.jpg

ABOUT CINEMA LIBRE: Cinema Libre Studio is a leader in distributing social-issue documentaries and features by passionate filmmakers. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the Cinema Libre team has released over one hundred films including the Sundance Audience Award‐Winning FUEL, THE END OF POVERTY, and Oliver Stone’s SOUTH OF THE BORDER. The studio is developing John Perkins’ best‐selling memoirs, CONFESSIONS OF AN ECONOMIC HIT MAN, into a major motion picture. For more information and updates, please visit: www.cinemalibrestudio.com

For screener and interview requests contact:
Cassie Brewer | Publicity Coordinator | Cinema Libre Studio | cbrewer (at) cinemalibrestudio (dot) com

FROM THE ACADEMY-AWARD® NOMINATED DIRECTOR RACHID BOUCHAREB
LITTLE SENEGAL

“Evocative soundtrack…complements the lush imagery in this intelligent and intriguing look at some quintessentially American themes and problems.”- Variety

AVAILABLE ON DVD AUGUST 30, 2011

LOS ANGELES (August 19, 2011) – From the multi- award winning director and three-time Oscar® nominee, Rachid Bouchareb, comes the heart-breaking drama about an African man who heads to America in search of his past and his future. LITTLE SENEGAL is the second Bouchareb release from Cinema Libre Studio and will be available on DVD and digital platforms on August 30, 2011.

Shot in the Senegalese community of Harlem in New York City, LITTLE SENEGAL tells the story of Alloue (Sotigui Kouyaté), a slave museum tour guide who journeys on a pilgrimage from Africa to the United States in search of his relatives — those whose ancestors were taken as slaves. Through his search, he ends up in the projects of New York City. In this film, Bouchareb touches on themes of racism and discrimination between African- Americans and their native African cousins, the pursuit of the American dream while adapting to the cultural differences and the desire for family and community. Originally released in France in 2001, and never released in the U.S., it was an official selection to the Berlin International Film Festival and received numerous Jury Prizes for Best Film and Best Actor.

Born in Paris to an immigrated Algerian family, Bouchareb was long seen as a curio within French cinema. In 1987, with his friend Jean Bréhat, he founded 3B Productions and together they have produced eight films, three of them receiving Oscar® nominations for Best Foreign Film. His first nomination was in 1995 for DUST OF LIFE (Poussieres De Vie). In 2006, DAYS OF GLORY (Indigènes) earned him a second Oscar® nomination and his most recent film, OUTSIDE THE LAW (Hors La Loi), was his third nomination and also in Official Competition at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.

SYNOPSIS: After many years as a tour guide in the slave museum in Senegal, Alloune, 65, a widower living alone, decides to go to America in search of his ancestors who were taken away from his village 200 years ago and sold as slaves in the New World.
From Charleston to Little Senegal in New York, he searches for his relatives and also for an ideal vision of an African family. He soon discovers the tensions between the African and the African-American communities embodied by his nephew Hassan, a cab driver, his girlfriend Biram, an African with modern views on love and marriage and Ida, an older woman faced with seeing her pregnant grand-daughter destroyed by hard life on the street.

SRP: $19.95 | TRT: 93 minutes
Street Date: 8/30/11 | UPC: 881394112124
Catalog: CLS 1121 | Genre: Drama/ Foreign

Hi-Res Box Art: http://www.cinemalibrestudio.com/clscatalog/2011/LittleSenegal_3D_HR.jpg

Low Res Box Art: http://www.cinemalibrestudio.com/clscatalog/2011/LittleSenegal_3D_LR.jpg

Link to Trailer and Clips: http://www.vimeo.com/album/1671012

ABOUT CINEMA LIBRE: Cinema Libre Studio is a leader in distributing social-issue documentaries and features by passionate filmmakers. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the Cinema Libre team has released over one hundred films including the Sundance Audience Award‐Winning FUEL, THE END OF POVERTY, and Oliver Stone’s SOUTH OF THE BORDER. The studio is developing John Perkins’ best‐selling memoirs, CONFESSIONS OF AN ECONOMIC HIT MAN, into a major motion picture. For more information and updates, please visit: www.cinemalibrestudio.com | Updates | Facebook | Twitter |Affiliate Programs

For screener and interview requests contact:
Cassie Brewer, Publicity Coordinator
Cinema Libre Studio
818.349.8822
cbrewer (at) cinemalibrestudio (dot) com

For screenings, grassroots and educational use contact: screening (at) cinemalibrestudio (dot) com

A COMPELLING DOCUMENTARY SUPPORTING THE LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA
A NORML LIFE

“Penalties against drug use should not be more damaging to an individual than the use of the drug itself. Nowhere is this more clear than in the laws against the possession of marijuana in private for personal use.” – President Jimmy Carter

AVAILABLE ON DVD AUGUST 16, 2011
LOS ANGELES (July 20, 2011)- The war on drugs has been an uphill battle for decades but recent legislation, which was modeled after the Repeal of Alcohol Prohibition, could very well end prohibition against marijuana. The National Organization of the Reform for Marijuana Laws, also known as “NORML”, has been a forefront leader on this issue along with many of its standout supporters. On August 16, 2011, Cinema Libre Studio proudly releases A NORML LIFE on DVD which tells the story of the advocates fighting for the legalization of cannabis.

A NORML LIFE, directed by Rod Pitman and produced by Doug Ross, is based on the same principals that the nonprofit organization, NORML, holds. The documentary presents the case that the use of medicinal marijuana is effective and that it is a safe alternative to pharmaceutical medicine. Through first hand interviews with physicians, patients suffering from chronic illness and a great amount of evidence provided by clinical case studies—the filmmakers prove that there are in fact both physical and psychological benefits produced by marijuana that dramatically affect a patients condition.

In the film we meet NORML founder R. Keith Stroup, ESQ and NORML’s Executive Director Allen St. Pierre whom are both widely known in the media as leaders in the movement for marijuana policy reform. Jodie Emery, the activist and wife of the “Prince of Pot” Marc Emery, appears in the film leading the “Free Marc” campaign and fighting to appeal her husbands conviction for marijuana trafficking— while carrying on Marc’s mission to “Plant the Seeds of Freedom and Overgrow the Government”. This is in hopes that one day people will be able to grow their own cannabis for medicine. We also see Independent candidate for Governor of Kentucky, Gatewood Galbraith, whose determination and strive is a force for cannabis advocates everywhere. Other personalities from all walks of life share their views on the benefits of marijuana and the challenges they face to legalize it.

-MORE-

Rod Pitman has produced television shows, music videos and the recently released film HEMPSTERS: PLANT THE SEED, also distributed by Cinema Libre Studio. Doug Ross, founder of Honolulu Municipal Television, is a recognized video professional who has worked on acclaimed projects such as Global View series on History Channel International and China: Engineering an Empire on History Channel. These two men, who have known each other for approximately 50 years, collaborated on this project to carry out the repeated message from the personal stories of these activists: when western medicine fails and the only solution to end pain and suffering is medicinal marijuana then something needs to be done to end the war on drugs.

SYNOPSIS: NORML or National Organization of the Reform for Marijuana Laws has long advocated for the decriminalization of cannabis for over 40 years. Its founder, current leaders and nationwide chapter representatives describe the patchwork of state and municipal laws that allow the sale of medical marijuana, while the federal government still regards cannabis as a dangerous narcotic.

Voters in the U.S. are increasingly recognizing the positive aspects of accepting and controlling medical marijuana in their communities for its medicinal benefits, as well as for its potential to generate needed tax revenue.

Hear personal stories and testimonies to the efficacy of medicinal marijuana from those who are suffering from chronic illnesses. To what extent should we allow the government to legislate over personal freedoms and liberties with regard to our health and treatment?

SRP: $19.95 | TRT: 60 minutes
Street Date: 8/16/11 | UPC: 881394113329
Catalog: CLS 1133 | Genre: Documentary/ Health

DVD SPECIAL FEATURE:
Interview with Ray Manzarek, Co-Founder and Keyboardist of The Doors
plus an introductory video, “About NORML.”

Hi-res 3d box art: http://www.cinemalibrestudio.com/clscatalog/2011/NormlLife_3D_HR.jpg

Low res 3d box art: http://www.cinemalibrestudio.com/clscatalog/2011/NormlLife_3D_LR.jpg

Find updates at: www.anormllifethemovie.com | Facebook | Twitter
ABOUT CINEMA LIBRE: Cinema Libre Studio is a leader in distributing social-issue documentaries and features by passionate filmmakers. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the Cinema Libre team has released over one hundred films including the Sundance Audience Award‐Winning FUEL, THE END OF POVERTY, and Oliver Stone’s SOUTH OF THE BORDER. The studio is developing John Perkins’ best‐selling memoirs, CONFESSIONS OF AN ECONOMIC HIT MAN, into a major motion picture. For more information and updates, please visit: www.cinemalibrestudio.com | Updates | Facebook | Twitter |Affiliate Programs
For screener and interview requests contact:
Cassie Brewer, Publicity Coordinator
Cinema Libre Studio
818.349.8822
cbrewer@cinemalibrestudio.com

In inquire about film’s availability for NORML chapters and at specialty retail accounts:
Stephanie Bishop
Heart Brain Media
(206) 697-2374
Stephanie@heartbrainmedia.com

LIFE AFTER DJANGO REINHARDT
100 GUITARISTS GATHER IN A TRIBUTE TO THE ULTIMATE JAZZ IMPRESARIO

COMING TO DVD AUGUST 16, 2011
LOS ANGELES, CA (July 22, 2011)—Django Reinhardt was a jazz pioneer known for creating an idiom of jazz called “Gypsy Jazz” or “Gypsy Swing”. He was the original “guitar hero” in the sense that he invented a radical new way to play guitar, commonly known as “hot guitar.” This film celebrates the 100th birthday of Django Reinhardt by documenting the “Django 100” a group of a 100 musicians whom have gathered together to honor the talented guitarist as a tribute to his life. Cinema Libre Studio proudly presents LIFE AFTER DJANGO REINHARDT, coming to DVD and digital platforms on August 16, 2011.

Django Reinhardt is known as a master, creator and “pure ecstasy” to his devotees. These 100 musicians gather to pay homage to the man, who paved the way for them. Without Reinhardt “Gypsy Jazz” may never have been realized. There is an inexplicable passion and obsession that is brought to life by this film, as conveyed by they way the guitarists have given up words in exchange for melodies.

Reinhardt’s musical style of “Gypsy Jazz” has influenced many musicians. Some of these musicians featured in the film include; David Reinhardt, the grandson of the Django Reinhardt who now leads his own trio inspired by his grandfather. Angelo Debarre, an accomplished guitarist who has performed in several significant jazz festivals, including Birdland’s “Django Festival.” Boulou Ferre, who was a child prodigy who began playing professional at the age of twelve and has incorporated Django’s “Gypsy Jazz” with other musical styles such as bebop and classical. Tchavolo Schmitt, who began playing at the age of six is another renowned “Gypsy Jazz” guitarist.

THE LIFE AFTER DJANGO director, Olivier Kowalski, is a classically trained musician, whose passion led him to make this film. Kowalski formed a group called Komintern, who is renowned for the album, The Ball of the Dead Rat, which became a collector’s item. It was his love for film though that changed the direction of his career. Kowalski became the director of a music publishing company and later the head of Davout Studios, which is one of the top studios to record music for French cinema. In 1994, he bought the studio, which he currently manages today.

SYNOPSIS:
LIFE AFTER DJANGO REINHARDT pays tribute to Django Reinhardt, the Roma genius, born to Gypsy parents in 1910, is considered by many to be the single most important guitarist in the entire history of jazz. To honor the 100th anniversary of Django’s birth, one hundred of his disciples, including his grandson David Reinhardt, have gathered together for the “Django 100 Centennial Tour” — traveling the world to pay homage to this exceptional type-setter who marked the 20th century. Hear stories of the influence and passion by some of the more notable jazz guitarists including, Elios and Boulou Ferré, Angelo Debarre and Tchavlo Schmitt, as they prepare for the tour. Listen to the familiar songs performed by these renowned musicians — all of whom have dedicated their lives and their careers to the legend. www.lifeafterdjango.com

SRP: $19.95 | TRT: 54 minutes
Street Date: 8/16/11 | UPC: 881394112827
Catalog: CLS 1128 | Genre: Documentary/ Music | Language: French with English subtitles

DVD SPECIAL FEATURE:
Performance of “Minor Swing” by the Django 100

HI-RES BOX ART: http://www.cinemalibrestudio.com/clscatalog/2011/Django_3DNew_HR.jpg

LOW-RES BOX ART: http://www.cinemalibrestudio.com/clscatalog/2011/Django_3DNew_LR.jpg

ABOUT CINEMA LIBRE:
Cinema Libre Studio is a leader in distributing social-issue documentaries and features by passionate filmmakers. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the Cinema Libre team has released over one hundred films including the Sundance Audience Award‐Winning FUEL, THE END OF POVERTY, and Oliver Stone’s SOUTH OF THE BORDER. The studio is developing John Perkins’ best‐selling memoirs, CONFESSIONS OF AN ECONOMIC HIT MAN, into a major motion picture. For more information and updates, please visit: www.cinemalibrestudio.com | Updates | Facebook | Twitter |Affiliate Programs

For screener and interview requests contact:
Cassie Brewer, Publicity Coordinator
Cinema Libre Studio

August 5th, 2011 by Naivasha D

Twelve years after five Cubans were arrested in America for espionage, Saul Landau has made a film hoping to bring the trial and harsh sentences of the men, who are now known as “The Cuban Five,” to the public eye. The film starts with Danny Glover quizzing people on the street asking if they know who the group of five men are. Some guess “a sports team?  A vocal group?,” but very few reply correctly. Those who do seem to think they are terrorists. But Landau, an authority on Cuban affairs who obtained access to their film archives, has laid the groudwork for a better understanding of what led to their unjust convictions.

Landau, long involved with the Washington, D.C.-based left-wing think tank Institute for Policy Studies, is not new to filmmaking or the subject of Cuba. Back in 1960s he scooped the establishment media by visiting the island and hanging out with Fidel, gaining rare knowledge of the struggles on the island, and eventually making FIDEL, one of the first American films about the Cuban Revolution. Later, in 1988, he produced another probing documentary, The Uncompromising Revolution, once again addressing the challenges of the Cuban Revolution. Today he remarks, “Fidel and I have always had a professional relationship. In the film, he acts himself. He never commented on any of my films until 2009 when he said: ‘I didn’t appreciate at the time some of the questions you asked me. Now as I look back I think they were good questions. Tough questions.’”

His newest film, Will the Real Terrorist Please Stand Up?, holds the position that our government has been jailing the wrong “terrorists,” leaving world-acknowledged assassins roaming our streets instead. The film fights formulaic structure with creative titling effects and some rare archival footage that must have been buried in Cuban vaults or possibly taken from Landau’s earlier film FIDEL, which was hardly seen by anyone at the time. Good reasons for that, however. Released at the height of the anti-Castro terrorist groups like Alpha 66 and Omega 7, bomb threats and U.S. anti-Cuban propaganda kept viewers away in droves, sort of like the current media’s disinterest in the cause of the Cuban Five.

The full review can be read at People’s Weekly as written by Bill Meyer: http://peoplesworld.org/filmmaker-asks-will-the-real-terrorist-please-stand-up/

“THE HARVEST/LA COSECHA” DOCUMENTARY EXPOSES PLIGHT OF 400,000 CHILDREN WHO WORK AS MIGRANT LABORERS ON AMERICA’S FARMS

Executive Produced by Eva Longoria and Shine Global, the Producers of the Academy-Award® Nominated film, WAR/DANCE

Premieres in NY on July 29^th and in LA on August 5^th

July13, 2011 (New York, NY) – THE HARVEST/LA COSECHA, an award-winning new film by Shine Global, U Roberto Romano and Executive Producer Eva Longoria that examines the lives of child migrant laborers, will be released theatrically by Cinema Libre Studio starting on July 29 in New York at the Quad Cinema (34 West 13^th Street) followed by Los Angeles on August 5 at Laemmle’s Music Hall 3 (9036 Wilshire Boulevard) with additional theatres to follow.  Following its theatrical run, the film will be screened in up to 30 cities nationally as part of a comprehensive community outreach program.  The film, which focuses on three Latino youths who are among the 400,000 children who work as migrant laborers on America’s farms, will also be broadcast nationally on the EPIX, the multiplatform media service, and EpixHD.com on October 5 with a DVD release later that month.

Directed by award-winning photographer and filmmaker U Roberto Romano, THE HARVEST/LA COSECHA tells the stories of three adolescents who travel with their families across thousands of miles to pick crops in southern Texas, northern Michigan and northern Florida during the harvest season.  Along the way, they face back-breaking labor in 100-degree heat, physical hazards from pesticides, the emotional burden of helping their families through economic crises when work opportunities dry up, separation from their families and peer groups and dwindling hope for their educational and economic advancement.  Actor Eva Longoria serves as executive producer through her company, UnbeliEVAble Productions.

“I’ve been an activist for migrant farm workers for over 10 years.  When I learned about this film I knew I had to be involved,” said Eva Longoria.

“Very few of us understand the true cost of the produce that we buy in grocery stores every day,” said Susan MacLaury, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Shine Global.  “While we only pay 80 cents a pound for tomatoes, the child who may have picked them has paid with his or her future.”

Zulema Lopez, 12, thinks of nothing but working in the fields, and one of her earliest childhood memories is of her mother teaching her how to pick and clean strawberries.  Having attended eight schools in the last eight years, she struggles to keep up and is afraid she may not make it to high school.  When asked what her dreams are, she replies that she doesn’t have time for them.

Perla Sanchez, 14, travels with her large family to pick crops across the United States.  She watches as her classmates forge special bonds that she will never share with them as they advance from one grade to the next and she is left behind.  And just when it seems that her father has found a job that will allow them to stay in one place and have some stability, a decline in his health sends them back on the road.  She dreams of becoming a lawyer so that she can help other migrant workers who struggle to make ends meet.

Victor Huapilla is a 16 year-old living in Florida. His family migrated to the US when he was young looking for a better life and is on the path to full citizenship. To help support his family, Victor has had to balance his time between harvesting and going to school and his education suffers.  While Victor is often in the fields, he’s glad his younger sisters are still spared the ordeal of picking up to 1500 pounds of tomatoes a day.  But the expenses of legally bringing his two older sisters to America bankrupts the family and they can’t afford to migrate for work.

Albie Hecht, Co-Founder of Shine Global and Chairman of the Shine Global Board of Directors, said, “Kids who work all day in fields, and have to move every six months to follow the harvest, don’t focus on school.  Their friendships suffer. Their physical health suffers.  It is very hard for them to grow and develop, and many give up on life dreams or career ambitions.  All they see is the harvest.”

Scenes from THE HARVEST/LA COSECHA have been presented to the US Department of Labor and members of Congress, including Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard, who has presented scenes from the film to lawmakers in support of her introduction of the CARE Act, which would raise the minimum age of child farmworkers from 12 to 14.

Beyond the theatrical release, THE HARVEST/LA COSECHA was screened at the San Antonio Film Festival on June 22 where it received the audience award for Best Documentary as well as Outstanding Filmmaker award for director Romano.  THE HARVEST/LA COSECHA will be shown in several different cities with MALDEF, and have special screenings at VivaFest in San Jose, CA, in September, the New York International Latino Film Festival in New York City in August, and for the Association of Latino Administrators and Supervisors in San Francisco in October.

Shine Global is also developing a free downloadable curriculum for teachers of grades 7 – 12.  More information about the film and facts about America’s youth migrant farm laborers can be found by visiting www.theharvestfilm.com.

Theatrical distribution for THE HARVEST/LA COSECHA was negotiated on behalf of the filmmakers by Andrew Herwitz, President of the Film Sales Company, and on behalf of the distributor by Philippe Diaz.

THE HARVEST/LA COSECHA is a production of Shine Global, Inc. in association with Globalvision, Inc., Romano Film and Photography, Inc., UnbeliEVAble Productions, EPIX and Planet Green.  Albie Hecht and Susan MacLaury: executive producers for Shine Global, Inc. Eva Longoria: executive producer for UnBeliEVAble Productions, Rory O’Connor: executive producer for Globalvision, Inc. and producer. Alonzo Cantu and Raul Padilla, Executive Producers

About Shine Global
Shine Global works to end the abuse and exploitation of children worldwide through the production of films and other media that raise awareness, promote action, and inspire political and social change.

Since its founding in 2005 as a non-profit film production company, Shine Global has given voice to some of the world’s most at-risk children, shared their stories, inspired millions of viewers, and won more than 20 major film awards, including two Emmys, an Academy Award nomination, and Best Director Documentary at Sundance.

Contacts:

To request a screener for theatrical review or to inquire about interview requests, please email Brian Moriarty at DKC Public Relations brian_moriarty@dkcnews.com (ph: 212.981.5252/212.981.5213)

For distribution inquiries (DVD, VOD, one off screenings, educational rights, and public performance rights) please email: sales@cinemalibrestudio.com

For other inquiries, please email: info@cinemalibrestudio.com

LOVE. Sometimes it stinks.  Sometimes it hurts.  Sometimes…it leaves a mark.

MARK OF LOVE

 Adapted from the award-winning play, “I Love You! …And You…And You”  

 Available on DVD ON JULY 26

LOS ANGELES (June 15, 2011) – Why is it that when a woman dares to utter the words “I love you,” a seemingly level-headed, emotionally-available, good guy sprints the other way?  The power of those three little words often leaves men spooked and most women mending their hearts.  Adapted from the award-winning play, “I Love You!…And You…And You” by Ellen Cribbs, MARK OF LOVE will be released on DVD July 26, 2011 by Cinema Libre Studio.

Mark (Bryan Price) is a fun-loving, serial monogamist.  Having dated a series of “great girls,” he finds himself single…again.  To fill up the gap of spare time, he signs up for a karate class and quickly finds out he’s been duped.  Dressed head-to-toe in the proper karate attire complete with a samurai headband, he is the sole male amongst a quintet of females desperate to meet men.  Mark is furious and tries to storm out, but the women beg him to stay and offer up some cash to gain some dating insight from the eligible bachelor.  As he goes through his rolodex of relationships, the women start to see a pattern and call him out.  The tables are turned and it is the women who give Mark the insight.     

The play written in Bristol, England, premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2008 and then brought to Hollywood for its American premiere.  While studying in England, Caitlin M. Shultz was cast as Claire in the British version and was instrumental in bringing the play to the U.S. Reprising her role as Claire, Amber Bonasso (“Miranda”) was also cast in the American version, but it was director Brett Simmons, who happened to be in the audience one night, who mentioned in passing that the play might make a great movie.  Three months later, Ten Forward backed the project and MARK OF LOVE was in pre-production.

The film was shot around Los Angeles and on the campus of Chapman University located in Irvine, California.  Simmons and cinematographer Jeff Dolen are graduates of the school’s Film and Television program.  Chapman boasts of a state-of-the-art production studio and MARK OF LOVE is the first feature-length film to be finished at the on-campus studio.

DETAILS:

MARK OF LOVE is about Mark, an average guy who has found himself unlucky in love. With his latest relationship ruined, he looks for a hobby to fill his spare time and signs up for a karate class. When he arrives, he finds himself the victim of a false advertisement devised by desperate speed-dating women trying to lure men into their group. He attempts to leave but they bribe him to stay, hoping he can give them the answers to their relationship challenges. It’s an offer he can’t refuse and he indulges them with stories of his romantic failures and successes. The tables are quickly turned though — where he thought he would help the women, they instead begin to help him. Romantic lessons are shared by all and Mark makes the ultimate discovery that falling in love is one thing, but realizing it is another.

www.markoflove.com  | Facebook | Trailer | Clips | Art

TECHNICAL DETAILS:

TRT:  89 minutes| Street Date: 7/26/11

Catalog: CLS 1131 | UPC:  881394113121 | Genre: Comedy/Romantic

Special Features:  Bloopers & Outtakes, Behind-the-Scenes Shenanigans

High Res Box Art: http://www.cinemalibrestudio.com/clscatalog/2011/MarkOfLove_3D_HR.jpg

Low Res Box Art: http://www.cinemalibrestudio.com/clscatalog/2011/MarkOfLove_3D_LR.jpg

ABOUT CINEMA LIBRE:

Cinema Libre Studio is a leader in distributing social-issue documentaries and features by passionate filmmakers.  Headquartered in Los Angeles, the Cinema Libre team has released over one hundred films including the Sundance Audience Award‐Winning FUEL, THE END OF POVERTY, and Oliver Stone’s SOUTH OF THE BORDER. The studio is developing John Perkins’ best‐selling memoirs, CONFESSIONS OF AN ECONOMIC HIT MAN, into a major motion picture. For more information and updates, please visit: www.cinemalibrestudio.com | Updates | Facebook | Twitter |Affiliate Programs

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For screener and interview requests contact: 

Cassie Brewer, Publicity Coordinator

Cinema Libre Studio

818.349.8822

cbrewer (at) cinemalibrestudio (dot) com

For screenings, grassroots and educational use contact:  screening (at) cinemalibrestudio (dot) com