"Becoming Eduardo" Selected to Screen at Durango Independent Film Festival, March 4, 2011
Online, February 14, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Becoming Eduardo, directed and written by Rod McCall, has been announced as an official selection at the 2011 Durango Independent Film Festival. Slated for an eagerly anticipated domestic release through Vanguard Cinema in late March of 2011, Becoming Eduardo chronicles the personal transformation of a young man as he finds his voice, and learns to speak from his heart.
Set in rural New Mexico, Becoming Eduardo depicts the life of 16-year old Eddie Corazon, who is torn between the seductions of delinquency, the temptations of love, and the realization of his own intellect. Eddie (played by Julian Alcaraz) attends an alternative high school in fictional Rosablanca, where his class reflects the cultural and economic diversity found in the rich tapestry of New Mexico. Like so many teens, Eddie is tempted by the thrill of instant gratification, but some bad choices lead to consequences that change the course of his life, at which point he is offered the guidance of a caring mentor, and hope for a better future.
Said Producer, Brad Littlefield, "This film holds no punches - it examines real challenges facing Latino youth while shattering traditional stereotypes." "Featuring outstanding performances by A. Martinez as a successful Yale attorney and Elizabeth Pena as Leticia Corazon - the film has been embraced and cherished by audiences and deserves to touch as many lives as possible."
Cast by Los Angeles "indie" casting-icon Cathy Henderson-Martin, Becoming Eduardo features recognizable film industry veterans, along with breakout talents like Julian Alcaraz, Elizabeth Blanco and Mike Dunay. Becoming Eduardo lead actor Julian Alcaraz has now been cast as the lead in the MGM remake of Red Dawn, and in the new Steven Soderberg film Haywire.
Presented by Open Range Pictures, in association with The Creative Media Institute, Becoming Eduardo comes on the heels of winning the Milagro Award, and the Tamalewood Award for Best Latin Film at the Santa Fe Film Festival, the Best New Mexico film award at the Albuquerque Film Festival, as well as the Audience Choice and Best New Mexico Film awards at the White Sands Film Festival.
Based on the novella Alternative Ed, by LouAnne Johnson, Director McCall says Becoming Eduardo is his "Valentine to New Mexico" and describes the process of making the movie as serendipitous and a "labor of love." States McCall, "I am thrilled that Becoming Eduardo has garnered the respect and recognition of the greater independent film community."
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Rod McCall, Writer/Director/Producer - Rod came to independent filmmaking by way of writing, animation, Madison Avenue and architecture. McCall's second feature film, Lewis & Clark & George, a pitch black "trash noir" comedy starring Rose McGowan, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and played on Cinemax and HBO. McCall's debut feature film, Paper Hearts (aka Cheatin' Hearts), a drama starring Sally Kirkland, James Brolin and Kris Kristofferson, also premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, and is currently being re-released on DVD by Lionsgate. McCall has also written for other directors. In 1990, he wrote Pretty Hattie's Baby for director Ivan Passer, and in 1989 McCall penned With Open Arms, based on a hit Brazilian play, for Argentine director Luis Puenzo. Before McCall got into movies he directed TV commercials for a long list of international clients and received many awards, including the coveted CLIO. McCall also supervised sequences for NBC's Saturday Night Live! And PBS' Sesame Street and The Electric Company. McCall is also on the faculty of The Creative Media Institute at New Mexico State University.
Bradley Littlefield, Producer - Brad enjoyed a successful career in high technology before transitioning to television and film production. He co-founded Open Range Pictures, and produced the feature film, Becoming Eduardo. Brad's entertainment experience includes talent and casting for MTV Networks, project management for YouTube, and he is currently working for Open Range Pictures, LLC on Traveling Salesmen and Desert Water, as well as with Remote Films on The Devil of Appalachia. Brad is also developing Seeking Elsa, based on Elsa Maxwell's autobiography, RSVP - Elsa's Own Story and Tangible Evidence, based on The Dulce Diaries by author John Metzig. Brad's interest in public service has led to active participation with many non-profit organizations including The Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center Legal Services Department, The San Mateo County Center for Domestic Violence Prevention, and Performing Arts Studio West. He is a Screen Actors Guild Signatory and a chapter organizer for the Institute of International Film Financing (www.filmfinancing.org).
To schedule an interview with Director Rod McCall, Producer Brad Littlefield, or cast members, contact Deborah Hayter at (310) 484-3036 or dhayterpublicist@aim.com.
Becoming Eudardo screens Friday, March 4, 2011 at 12:00 p.m. The Durango Arts Center, 802 E. 2nd Avenue, Durango, Colorado 81301 and Saturday, March 5, 2011 at 9:00 p.m. The Gaslight Theater 2, 102 East 5th Street, Durango, Colorado 81301.
To view the movie trailer, please visit: http://www.becomingeduardomovie.com/trailer.htm
Becoming Eduardo is based on the novella "Alternative Ed" by LouAnne Johnson. Executive Producer Garland Bills, Co-Producer David Adams, Producer Bradley Littlefield, Producer Rod McCall. Director/Writer Rod McCall. Copyright © 2010 Open Range Pictures, LLC.
For updates and announcements, please join the Facebook fansite Becoming Eduardo.
Contact: Brad Littlefield, Producer, Becoming Eduardo, (213) 309-6999, Los Angeles, CA
Deborah Hayter, PR/Communications, (310) 484-3036, Los Angeles, CA
Becoming Eduardo Official Selection at Colorado's 2011 Durango Independent Film Festival