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During the middle of summer in New York City,boutique Independent film label First Independent Pictures theatrically released the British hit comedy "66" had already garnered attention from US Jewish film festival and was intended as an international audience. The film is from Working Title Films who brought us Four Weddings and a Funeral and About a Boy. 66 stars Oscar nominated actor Helena Bonham Carter (Sweeney Todd, Room with a View) 66 is a heartwarming film about a boy's bar mitzvah that looks set to be a disaster when it coincides with the 1966 World Cup Final . Before even seeing the film there had already been a lot of hype with the critics. The Hollywood reporter called it "Irresistibly Touching" and Jeffrey Lyons of NBC REEL TALK said it was "ONE OF THE BEST FILMS OF THE YEAR!".
The opening night screening in New York occurred on Friday August 1st and was followed by a Q&A with director, Paul Weiland who also directed the studio hit Made of Honor which stared Patrick Mc Dempsey (who is otherwise known as McDreamy by People Magazine) released by Columbia Pictures. Made of Honor had just made 100 million dollars world wide where as "66" was more an independent personal project for Mr Weiland. This story was based on his life when his bar mitzvah occurred at a historic moment in the history when England for the very first time reached the final against Germany during the 1966 world cup.
"66" wasn't theatrically released by the studios with their usual exorbitant spending on advertising and marketing but rather by the Los Angeles based Indie company aptly called"First Independent Pictures" (FIP) who applied a more grassroots word of mouth strategy they specifically reached out to Jewish communities in New York and Los Angeles and Miami. FIP past releases include the David Mamet-penned “Edmond” starring William H. Macy and Julia Stiles; Danny Leiner’s (“Harold and Kumar”) “The Great New Wonderful” starring Maggie Gyllenhaal, Tony Shalhoub, and Edie Falco; the acclaimed ’05 Sundance selection “New York Doll;” and “Everything’s Gone Green,” the first screenplay by Douglas Coupland, author and creator of “Generation X. CEO of FIP Gary Rubin discovered the film at Cannes Film Festival and saw that even as an independent film "66" had cross over potential to reach a broad audience .Personally I thoroughly enjoyed the film as I always go for the underdog. As the lead character "Bernie" played by Greg Sulkin is an inspiration as despite all setbacks is determined to have an excellent bar mitzvah. He has a david and goliath struggle but experiences a journey into manhood.
After the 66 screening cinema goers wondered over to the after party organized by edgy and creative event planning firm Rula PR at New York's favorite British pub Telephone Bar and Grill. ComplimentaryNewcastle Beer and British appetizers such as fish and chips were enjoyed by the upbeat eclectic crowd of New Yorkers. in attendance. Among the attendees of the party included Jersey native Gary Rubin President of First Independent Pictures, Bafta members, Gloria Goldman President of WOW (Women of Wisdom) who was organizing a brunch and movie screening for her business women members and of course the director Paul Weiland who had flown in from London two days earlier with his son and girlfriend.
Mr Weiland had been working incessantly for the film since he had arrived in NYC . There had been private screenings and Q& As at Soho House, Jewish Culture Centre and for Rabbis groups. Some the attendees of the party included Kathryn Bryding ". When asked about the event, the brunette actress said "A truly endearing film with superb acting! Helena Bonham Carter was on point as always, Eddie Marsan displayed tremendous emotional depth, and Gregg Sulkin has a very promising career ahead of him.I had a fantastic time at the Rula Pr after party catching up with friends and colleagues who I haven't seen in almost a year, and collaborating on some new ideas." Ms Bryding currently has a reoccurring role on Gossip Girl and appeared in Spiderman 3. She was wearing a summer dress by BCBG Max Azria and carrying a bag from Ann Taylor.
Marla Betty who also attended the soiree has a film production background was pleased with the opportunity to interview Gary Rubin of First Independent Pictures for Vegas Buzz.They discussed today's rough filmmaking climate. Marla, originally from Delaware but living in Brooklyn enjoys mingling at independent film gatherings. She was previously a host at The New York Film & Video Awards show last November. She wore a dress she designed herself. "The way small independent feature films are produced, marketed and received in the end by the public is just fascinating; " she said after talking with Rubin. "So much work and discretion goes into selecting the next great little film."
The director’s Q&A and after party was shot by 19 yr old director John D’Amico of Rose Hill Films .D’Amico likes independent films and is fan of British movies and directors such as Danny Boyle. "It was interesting that director Paul Weiland shot it for 6 million, considering the amount of set dressing and CGI you need to make a period piece. I'm still trying to raise $200 000 to shot my first feature Summer of Sirens produced by Lileth Productions.
D"Amico was accompanied by fine art photographer Sean Kinney and they enjoyed snacking on the cheese and grapes after the interviews they set up. I also enjoyed meeting the eager young interns on the movie who put post cards in legendry Jewish delies such as Katz famous Delicatessen . My one Schikseh intern told me she enjoyed her assignment and "got big cravings for a kielbasa and knishes". Independent Film is alive and thriving at the end of Summer and I strongly urge those who want to break from big budget studio movies to go watch 66 for a more poignant uplifting family experience.
Go to www.66thefilm.com for more information and updates for screenings in your city
The opening night screening in New York occurred on Friday August 1st and was followed by a Q&A with director, Paul Weiland who also directed the studio hit Made of Honor which stared Patrick Mc Dempsey (who is otherwise known as McDreamy by People Magazine) released by Columbia Pictures. Made of Honor had just made 100 million dollars world wide where as "66" was more an independent personal project for Mr Weiland. This story was based on his life when his bar mitzvah occurred at a historic moment in the history when England for the very first time reached the final against Germany during the 1966 world cup.