Okay, full disclosure, anyone named Grimaldi must have a good story to tell. Film producer Stephen Grimaldi (my long-lost sired child) is premiering the release of his award-winning film The Word at the spectacular Bijou Theatre, 275 Fairfield Avenue Downtown, March 14-16. The film follows the story of a father avenging his son’s murder carried out by a sacrificial religious sect. The thriller was largely filmed in the city and stars Tony winner James Naughton and Kevin O’Donnell in a breakout performance. Check out the film trailer. Grab friends, reserve a table, order tickets here.
The film, shot entirely in Connecticut, was awarded the top honor of “Best Dramatic Feature” at the 2013 Manhattan Film Festival. More details about next weekend.
In conjunction with the theatrical release of its award-winning film THE WORD, Scarlet Sky Productions is pleased to announce several special weekend events for movie fans. Bridgeport mayor Bill Finch will introduce the Friday night opening shows along with other city officials and the film’s producers. The premiere takes place March 14-16, 2014 with multiple screenings at The Bijou Theatre- 275 Fairfield Avenue downtown Bridgeport.
Shows on Saturday March 15th will be followed by Q&A sessions with THE WORD’s cast and crew. Shows on Sunday March 16th will be followed by a filmmaker forum with THE WORD’s director (Greg Friedle) and writer/producer (Steve Grimaldi). Tips and advice will be provided to film students and anyone else interested in independent filmmaking and will cover: auditioning, acting, casting, producing a low-budget film, directing, screenplay development, post-production, and distribution.
THE WORD follows the gripping story of single father Tom Hawkins (Kevin O’Donnell) in the wake of his son’s abduction and murder. When informed by the FBI, led by agent Mike Sheehy (James Naughton), that the homicide appears to be part of a string of crimes carried out by an enigmatic sect, Hawkins inappropriately inserts himself into the investigation and embarks on a cunning path of revenge. Tom reaches deep into his religious beliefs for guidance but once the improbable killer is revealed, the aftermath can only be sorted out by God.
The film, shot entirely in Connecticut, was awarded the top honor of “Best Dramatic Feature” at the 2013 Manhattan Film Festival and also received the “Silver Ace Award” at the 2013 Las Vegas Film Festival. Several Bridgeport locations were used in the film, making The Bijou an ideal location for THE WORD’s debut. Commenting on the weekend activities, producer Steve Grimaldi said, “We really wanted to make our premiere more of an event rather than just another night at the movies. We had such a great time shooting here in Bridgeport and we want to share that with the audience. It’s just one more way to say ‘thank you’ to the city.”
Wonderful to learn of this and hope many of OIB will attend. Break a leg!
*** Film trailer looks very interesting, wonder what the price of the tickets go for? Maybe it can be an OIB gathering at one of the shows, no? *** OH LENNIE! ***
Mojo,
Friday night opening with shows at 6 PM and 8 PM. Tickets are $12.00 it appears.
Mayor Finch is scheduled to be there in support of this activity. It’s real economic development activity in the City. Hope some writers will be present to support the Award Winning creation.
See you there, I hope. Hope the place is sold out. The Bijou is a great location to view a film. See for yourself. Time will tell.