News & Events

FILM EVENTS LAUNCHED IN SARASOTA, FLORIDA

3/5/2010

SARASOTA, FL – Touching Tomorrow announced today that they will present two of their 2010 events in Sarasota, Florida on March 20, 2010 at The Historic Asolo Theater at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art beginning with a film focus program “The Film Forecast” during the day followed by the evening premiere screening of the comedy “Expecting Mary.”

“The Film Forecast” will present 3 new films followed by discussions to help participating filmmakers launch their new films. Distributors, publicity agents, directors and producers will be in attendance to discuss with the participants their personal comments and evaluations. Evaluation surveys, comment sheets and discussions will take place following each film. Attendees will participate in all 3 screenings during the day starting at 9:00 am and continuing until 4:00 pm. Lunch will be served.

At 7:00 pm on March 20, the world premiere screening of the comedy “Expecting Mary” starring Elliott Gould, Linda Gray, Lainie Kazan, Cloris Leachman, Della Reese, Cybill Shepherd, Gene Simmons and featuring Olesya Rulin in the starring role of Mary. Ms. Rulin made her debut in “High School Musical” and will attend the event with producers Kim Waltrip and Jim Casey.

“The launch of our season in Sarasota could not be better,” commented Jennifer Closshey, President/CEO of Touching Tomorrow. “The Film Forecast program assists filmmakers with their new releases and allows local participants a voice about the new films. The premiere screening of “Expecting Mary” offers an excellent example of the programs coming from our organization this year and we are confident that the film viewing audience in Sarasota will appreciate these two new events” continued Closshey.

In addition to these two new programs, Closshey announced that Touching Tomorrow has secured the services of an impressive group of film industry professionals. Charleene Closshey will serve as Official Spokesperson and Managing Director and Craig Prater, former Executive Director of both the Palm Springs International Film Festival and the Bangkok International Film Festival is serving as Executive Director with international programmers Fred Linch, Dr. David Kaminsky, Dr. Matt Sloan and Hannah Fisher.

International film programmer and film instructor, Fred Linch, will serve as moderator for the film focus group in Sarasota. Linch brings to The Film Forecast an impressive background in the film industry. He is the former past President of The Palm Springs International Film Festival, the former Executive Director of the Scottsdale International Jewish Film Festival and the Jury Chairman of the Vladivostok, Russia International Film Festival. Linch is the Founder and Director of The Cinematique De Langlois Film Society in Phoenix, Arizona and he teaches film at Arizona State University for the Oscher Educational Program. In his spare time, Linch hosts film travel groups to international film festivals.

To secure tickets or more information about being a film critic for The Film Forecast group send your request to Craig Prater, festivalofests@aol.com or call 702-982-0587. In Sarasota, send an email to filmforecast@gmail.com or visit the website at www.universalfilmfocus.com.

Tickets for the premiere of “Expecting Mary” will be available at the Historic Asolo Theater at the Ringling Museum of Art box office. Tickets are available for the screening or they may also include the reception with the filmmakers immediately following the film. Call (941) 359-5700 for ticket information.

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