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SHOWTIME INDEPENDENT FILMS Launched Three Films Under the Banner Accepted Into the 2004 Sundance Film Festival NEW YORK, Dec. 4 (PRNewswire) - Showtime Networks is pleased to announce its "SHOWTIME INDEPENDENT FILMS" banner, which marks the first time Showtime has financed movies directly for the independent theatrical marketplace. The network has worked with established specialty producers and directors to create low budget films for theatrical premiere and, as a result, three films produced under this initiative have been accepted into the prestigious 2004 Sundance Film Festival January 15 - 25. The three Showtime Independent Films selected include THE BEST THIEF IN THE WORLD, which will premiere in the Dramatic Competition; SPEAK, which will screen in the American Spectrum and GETTIN' THE MAN'S FOOT OUTTA YOUR BAADASSSSS, which will screen in the Premiere section, and was picked up for theatrical distribution by Sony Pictures Classics earlier this year. The other two films are available for theatrical release in 2004. Additionally, the SHOWTIME Original Picture for All Ages EDGE OF AMERICA will screen on Opening Night in Salt Lake City. It is scheduled to premiere on SHOWTIME in 2005. "We're very excited about this new slate of independent movies, which we plan to have exhibited in limited theatrical release before appearing on the Showtime channels," stated Showtime President of Entertainment Bob Greenblatt. "They will serve to expand on Showtime's brand of quality and distinction while providing a platform for a select group of compelling filmmakers with strong voices and unique visions." Throughout its history, Showtime Networks has been a supporter of independent films. In the past, a number of films co-developed, co-produced and/or co-financed by the network have been successful in gaining theatrical release prior to their Showtime premiere, most notably "The House Of Mirth," Maya Angelou's directorial debut "Down In The Delta" and the Oscar(R)-winning film "Gods and Monsters." Other SHOWTIME films such as INSIDE, BLIND FAITH and LOSING CHASE, to name a few, have received theatrical distribution after their SHOWTIME premiere. The Showtime Independent Pictures program is being supervised by Showtime's Executive Vice President Ann Foley. THE BEST THIEF IN THE WORLD Izzy Zaidman, age 11, is addicted to breaking into apartments in the building where he lives, but he doesn't steal. Instead, the apartments provide an outlet for his imagination and the confusion and loneliness he feels as he tries to cope with the chaos of his family life and the pressure of growing up in an inner-city neighborhood. At the same time, Izzy's mom struggles to hold it together with three kids and a physically disabled husband. She is a teacher on summer vacation beset by the ticking clock of the approaching year and limited funds. Director Jacob Kornbluth ("Haiku Tunnel" Sony Pictures Classics) weaves together humor, drama and hip hop to tell the story of a family struggling on the edge. The film stars Tony(R) Award-winning Mary-Louise Parker ("The West Wing," "Angels In America," and "Proof"), three-time Tony(R) Award-winner Audra McDonald ("Wit," "It Runs in The Family") and Lois Smith ("Five Easy Pieces," "Minority Report") and newcomer Michael Silverman. This film was developed at the Sundance Screenwriters Screenwriting and Directing Lab. The producers are Tim Perell and Nicola Usborne. Co-producers are Howard Gertler and Scott Koenig. Executive producer is Jerry Offsay. SPEAK Melinda, a sharp-witted, strong-willed ninth-grader is ostracized for calling the cops on a summer party. What her peers, parents and teachers don't know, or care about, is why. SPEAK, a modern tragicomedy, follows a wickedly observant, winning young girl's recovery from rape while she, literally, finds her voice again. The film is directed by Jessica Sharzer who makes her feature-film directing debut. Her short film, "The Wormhole," won numerous awards including a 2002 Gold Medal at the Student Academy Awards(R). The film stars Kristen Stewart ("Panic Room," "The Safety of Objects") at the head of an ensemble cast that includes D.B. Sweeney ("The Weekend," "Hard Ball"), Elizabeth Perkins (SHOWTIME's WHAT GIRLS LEARN, "Avalon") Robert John Burke ("Confessions of A Dangerous Mind," "From The Earth To The Moon") and Steve Zahn ("Happy, Texas," "Riding in Cars with Boys"). The film is produced by Fred Berner ("Pollock," "Uncle Vanya," "On 42nd Street") and Matthew Myers, co-producers are Annie Young and Jessica Sharzer. Jerry Offsay serves as executive producer. GETTIN' THE MAN'S FOOT OUTTA YOUR BAADASSSSS Directed by Mario Van Peebles, this film recreates the making of his father's controversial 1971 film "Sweet Sweetback's Baad Asssss Song." Mario Van Peebles, who wrote the script with Dennis Haggerty, stars as his father Melvin Van Peebles. Melvin was a revolutionary filmmaker who did everything it took to get his movie to the big screen, marking the birth of independent Black cinema. The cast of "Gettin' The Man's ... " also includes David Alan Grier ("King of Texas," "Life with Bonnie,"), Joy Bryant ("Antwone Fisher," "Honey"), Nia Long ("Big Momma's House," "The Best Man"), Paul Rodriguez ("Tortilla Soup," "Comic Relief VIII"), Saul Rubinek ("The Contender," "Dick"), Ossie Davis ("Miss Evers Boys," "King"), Khleo Thomas ("Holes"), Glenn Plummer ("The Salton Sea," "Pastime"), Karimah Westbrook ("Save The Last Dance"), Khalil Kain ("The Tiger Woods Story," "Execution of Justice"), Rainn Wilson ("Almost Famous," "America's Sweethearts"), John Singleton ("2 Fast, 2 Furious," "Boyz N the Hood") and Adam West (the original "Batman," "Family Guy"). In addition to Van Peebles, the producers also include Jerry Offsay, Tobie Haggerty, and Executive Producer Michael Mann. This film screened earlier this year at The Toronto International Film Festival. EDGE OF AMERICA Directed
by noted Native American Indian filmmaker Chris Eyre ("Smoke Signals,"
"Skins" and "Skinwalkers"), this film is inspired
by a true story. It stars James McDaniel ("NYPD Blue") as an
African-American high school teacher whose preconceptions about Indian
culture are challenged when he leaves his Texas home to teach at a public
high school on Three Nations Consolidated Reservation in Utah. Once in
Utah, he takes over as coach of the girls' basketball team. The cultural
divide separating the African-American coach and the local Indian community
is bridged during the team's road to the state championship. The cast
for EDGE OF AMERICA also includes noted Native American actors Irene Bedard
("Lakota Woman: Siege at Wounded Knee," "Smoke Signals")
and Wes Studi ("Geronimo," "Skinwalkers," "Last
of the Mohicans" and "Undisputed"). EDGE OF AMERICA was
written by playwright Willy Holtzman whose critically acclaimed play "Hearts"
opened this season at the Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven. Both Eyre and
Holtzman also serve as producers on EDGE OF AMERICA. Executive producers
are Tim Daly and Steve Burleigh. The film is a Red House Entertainment
production.
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