21 April 2009

Online Auction to Benefit Diabetes Research

The Fifth Annual Online Auction for Diabetes Research hosted by New York Times best-selling author, Brenda Novak (http://www.brendanovak.com/), includes an autographed copy of my book, GROWING PAINS - 10 short stories about growing up. You may bid (http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/Bidding.taf?_function=detail&Auction_uid1=1202950) on books beginning May 1st. Every year a prize package is offered to the person who places the highest number of bids. Help Brenda make a difference in the lives of millions who live with diabetes by shopping at her auction.

11 April 2009

The Two Sisters Screening in Australia

My movie, THE TWO SISTERS (http://www.tdaentertainment.com/The%20Two%20Sisters.htm), has been accepted by the DeReel Independent Film Festival! The screening will be on Saturday, May 9th at 8:30 p.m. in Beaufort, Victoria, Australia. If you are in the area, I hope you can attend (http://www.dereel.com/sessions.htm).

05 April 2009

In the Eyes of a Killer

This weekend at the Sacramento Film Festival I watched IN THE EYES OF A KILLER starring Louis Mandylor, Gwendolyn Edwards, Costas Mandylor, and James Marshall. It was a sold out screening, as the movie was made in Sacramento. Several local residents were cast in supporting roles and as extras, so many enthusiastic family members and friends were in the audience.

IN THE EYES OF A KILLER is a psychological thriller. In the beginning “Jack,” played by Louis Mandylor, is a great guy who is a blind college professor and wonderful cook who “Gwen,” played by Gwendolyn Edwards, enjoys dating and looks forward to marrying. “Jack” is apprehensive about going through with an experimental eye surgery, but “Gwen” encourages him to move forward with the process.

After a successful surgery, “Jack” regains his sight. Unfortunately, the eyes he receives are a donation from a man who was a rapist and murderer sentenced to death. “Jack” suddenly takes on characteristics of the man, drinking a lot of whiskey, killing people, and even terrorizing “Gwen” on the island where they spend their honeymoon.

Louis Mandylor is the film’s producer and director, and admits it was very difficult acting and directing in a movie at the same time. However, he says he would do it again. I think he did a nice job, and want to see him direct more movies.

IN THE EYES OF A KILLER has some good performances, especially by Louis Mandylor and Costas Mandylor. I also like Gwendolyn Edwards, who I hope to see in more movies. In addition, the story by Mamie Jean is good. Apparently this is a story Mamie wrote 20 years before producing, so it is truly a dream realized for her.

I like this movie, and appreciated the question and answer session after the screening. The best part about attending film festivals is being able to talk directly to filmmakers about their movies. This independent movie is worthy of a theatrical release, so keep an eye out (no pun intended) for IN THE EYES OF A KILLER.

The Forge

The right mentor is an outstanding guide. In the new movie, THE FORGE, Isaiah Wright (played by Aspen Kennedy) is a 19-year old whose mother...