Jennifer Hill Breakes Stereotypes and Pushes Forward With Her Music

Photo by Mandi Martini designs by Kristin Costa

I had the pleasure of interviewing Jennifer Hill or as we know her as Murderous Chanteuse - an inspiring artist, singer, female and mom who not only creates awesome music but also helps other female artists as well at SWAN Day CT. She is also a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault and gun violence and that only made her stronger to inspire and change with her music.

Photo by Mandi Martini at SWANDAYCT 2018

1. Who is Murderous Chanteuse? Why did you choose that name? 
Well, Murderous Chanteuse is a different form of myself as a singer/musician. It’s still the music of me, Jennifer Hill, but in this particular incarnation it’s my pop loving self. The guilty pleasure parts of my music that I felt didn’t have a voice in my previous projects. I chose that name after working hard on some music and a friend said “you killed it.” It’s also in a way taking back a word that terrified me. I have had close experiences with death due to the abuses I have endured and I wanted to make any connotations to that act positive so I could move on from the weaknesses I felt being an abused partner.

2. What inspired you to do music? 
It was born into me. The first song that I knew by heart was Janis Joplin Bobby McGee. My mom taught me that when I was three years old. By the time I was five years old I was singing the songs from the movie Annie in the playground,at the request of my friends. They used to make me sing it over and over to the point I would try to hide on them during recess. I ended up going to college with a scholarship for vocal performance and have a degree.

3. How would you classify your music - a mix of what artists?
That is such a hard question to answer as an artist. I think a lot of my music shapes my experiences in life and the musical backdrop that came with them. Bjork and Madonna are two huge influences in my life as well as Phoebe Snow and Tori Amos. Two current artists that I love are Billie Eilish and Florence and the Machine.

4. What makes your music unique? 
It is genre bending. It doesn’t have one unique formula it sticks to. I write what I feel. That may be electro or rock, dark pop, or an alternative ballad. I write what I feel and the music moves me.

Photo By LSG original 

5. How has music changed your life and the life of others around you? 
Well, it’s helped me to connect and meet a lot of people. It has also taught me a lot about growing a business and sustaining it. As soon as you graduate from college or decide to start the path of becoming a musician, you are your own business. That is something that was not really talked about during college. I guess we all expected to either get the amazing auditions or become famous and that is not really a reality for many musicians and songwriters. But you can make a living if you are smart and you put yourself in all different directions music wise. I am always learning as a musician and I am always evolving because of that. I think that it has also changed my life for the fact that I look younger than I am and a lot of people around me do. I believe working within art and music, although it is not easy, enriches your soul, which in turn makes you look like you are younger and more vibrant person.

6. Favorite female artists? 
Madonna, Bjork, Billie Eilish, Phoebe Snow, Portishead, Sia, Florence and the Machine, Joni Mitchell, Janis Joplin, TOO MANY TO LIST!

7. How many albums, EPs and songs have you written by now? 
I have written more than a hundred songs in my life time.. many haven’t been released or are not recorded. I’m working on fixing that now. Recording is not cheap and I’m not rich 😆 so far I have three EPS out and two singles.

8. What inspires your lyrics and style of music? 
What ever moves me in life. I went to college for music so I’m also a trained opera and musical theatre singer so I can hear some of those influences in my writing styles at times but truly my inner playlist is so diverse that I just write what the radio in my head hears.

9. What and when is the next album or EP coming out? 
Well, I'm hoping for a full length album by the end of March.

10. Your message to your fans? 
Thank you for believing in me and my music, and if you follow me personally on my various social media platforms then please know that I am out there telling my stories for you. I have been told by a few people that I gave them the courage to leave abusive situations and I want to give kudos to all of you that have done that and I want to give strength and support to those who are not ready to leave yet. It is an important time for women to stick together and women in the arts especially because the arts are where humanity lies.

Photo by Jill Hart

To follow Jennifer Hill and listen to her music:

https://www.reverbnation.com/jenniferhill

https://jenniferhillandco.bandcamp.com/

Http://www.murderouschanteuse.com

Http://www.instagram.com/murderouschanteuse 

Http://www.twitter.com/MurderChanteuse

Http://www.facebook.com/MChanteuse

https://open.spotify.com/artist/254NLVyd1F7BP8lPPCrNDd?nd=1

https://open.spotify.com/artist/40JZHehLHsShX1Kn5kTOHb?nd=1

             Album art by James Polisky

Bullitt County Comes to the Windy City This Friday

Ten years ago, four college friends set out on the Bluegrass Bourbon Trail to visit their favorite Kentucky distilleries. But their exciting adventure took a dark turn when a terrible tragedy struck, something that would haunt them for the rest of their lives. Now, ten years later in 1977, the friends reunite for Gordie’s bachelor party. Keaton, his best man, figures there’s no better way to celebrate than to relive the good ol’ days by finishing the Bourbon Trail. But ever since the tragedy in college, Gordie’s life has been especially rough. Their shared secret continues to plague him, and after being injured in Vietnam, he hit the bottle pretty hard. Now that he’s sobered up and gotten his life back together, he’s in no shape to visit a bunch of distilleries. Luckily, Gordie discovers a way out during their distillery tour. He hears of the Bullitt Treasure—buried prohibition money out in the woods of Bullitt County. And legend has it that the Bullitt Family protects the money at all costs. Looking for any reason to hop off the Bourbon Trail, Gordie plays the groom card, and soon the friends are digging for treasure in the middle of nowhere. But something much worse than the Bullitt Family awaits them in Bullitt County. This reunion has begun to erode Gordie’s years of repression, and that dark secret they all share is about to resurface in violent and terrible ways; ways that may rip the friends apart for good.

Bullitt County was written and directed by David McCracken and produced by Josh Riedford. Mike Nelson is Gordie. Jennie Meler is Robin. David McCracken is Keaton. Napoleon Ryan is Wayne. Dorothy Lyman is the Mrs. Richard Riehle is the Mr.

Official Film Website: www.BullittCountyFilm.com 
Production Company Website: www.MrPicturesFilm.com
Official Theatrical Trailer: https://vimeo.com/278106182

Bullitt County will be released in AMC theaters this Friday in Chicago, LA, New York, Phoenix and Houston. The film will be available on DVD and VOD in February.

Interview with Mike Nelson (Gordie): 

Tell me about your role as Gordie?
I was really excited to be the lead actor in a feature film and carry a movie. I put a ton of pressure on myself. I was nervous. After reading the script I was excited to play it. I don't normally audition for such roles as I do comedy so getting this opportunity and show a different side of myself was really exciting. What helped me to get in the head of this character... One dimensional is easy so I tried to tap into the guilt of what happened years ago, the survivor's guilt and being a recovering alcoholic. I did a lot of research on that from the mid 70s and talked to friends who went through addiction. What's great about the film some people know right away something is weird about Wayne. There's so much to the movie that it doesn’t get spoiled with Wayne’s character.

Is Gordie in love with his friend Robin? 
There is an unrequited love from a friend you are into. He has always been infatuated with her but 10 years have gone by - the takes of how he is looking at her, his feelings for her, the stuff at the tent where he is imagining stuff. We all make mistakes. Robin’s character is a feminist and a professor. 

We never see or hear anything about Gordie’s wife. Why?
I think the reason is he is trying to live a normal life and get over his skeletons in the closet and trying to act like a normal human being and try to move on. The wedding isn't that important, almost like a convenience thing trying to adapt and make things better.

What did you like most and least about playing this character? 
There is not much I didn’t like - it was challenging and a lot of work. Thinking back it was great working with the crew that cared about every detail. We all got along.

Tell me about the last scene. Why did it end in a bar? 
These were flashbacks right before the incident in 1967 - 10 years prior right after the car accident. The end is the beginning of Wayne and Gordie’s relationship. Things are messy, relationships are hard.

What is next for you?
I shot a movie for Nickelodeon this past summer. Earlier this summer I also produced a feature film. I am also writing a screenplay. Chicago is always home for me. I grew up in Northwest Indiana. 

Interview with Director, Actor and Writer David McCracken: 

Bullitt County is your first feature film. What have you learned about yourself as a director from it and what has been your experience like? 
I think the biggest lesson I learned is to surround yourself with like-minded people. You are only as good as the people you surround yourself with, the crew and cast and so that is the big takeaway. You can have all the ideas but you need have to have a team that is set on the same goal and gets along and is making the same movie.

What inspired you to write Bullitt County and why did you choose that to be your breakthrough film? 
I think a lot of it it all started when I came home for the holidays. I asked my best friend Josh what do you think of a production company? We started Mr. Pictures and then came our first movie. We wanted to make a movie like the movies we liked and put a personal spin on it. That's why we filmed it around our hometowns. It started with the characters. Josh and I have alcoholism in our families and this is a movie that has a soft touch on alcoholism. We felt that it would be an interesting angle. We just didn’t want to make it the message of the movie. It is a very complex story with a twist of humor, comedy, drama and thriller.

What is the message you were trying to convey with the plot?
I do write better when I have a theme because it allows me to filter. This started from a point of that nostalgia for the past - it always affects our present in ways that we don't expect. Set in the 1970s the characters go visit their favourite Bourbon Distilleries in attempts to reconnect and relieve the good old days. The buried treasure came from the nostalgia idea, burying the past in a way to get the adventure started. I do love adventure stories and Indiana Jones movies. But it is about something deeper.

How did you go about the casting and finding the stars as Mike Nelson, Richard Riehle and Dorothy Lyman?
I had worked with Mike before. I wanted to work with a darker material in the hand of comedic actors. When I wrote the lead part I wrote it for Mike. It is his first lead role in a feature film. I met Richard over 10 years ago in a writers’ retreat. I told him I wanted to work with him. I wrote to him, he reached out and accepted. We got a lot of audition tapes. We shot in Indiana, New Harmony.

What is your goal for Bullitt County? How far are you going to take it? What’s next? 
We are coming out in theaters nationwide this Friday in NY, Chicago, Phoenix, Houston, LA. We will run for a week or more and then it is going to be released on VOD and DVD in February. Also on Amazon, Itunes, and Redbox.

How did you go about funding for the film? 
We raised a bunch with private investors prior to shooting. The movie got bigger and bigger as we kept going. More investors come on board as the film has been successful.

Any other feature you are working on or you have in mind? 
We have about 5 or 6 scripts that I wrote. Next one is a full horror movie - a female driven ghost story that takes place over 3 generations. We love 1977 so much! We will hopefully shoot early next year.

Do you like directing or writing better? 
I like them all in different ways. The writing is solidarity. They are in the opposite ways of the spectrum. I like writing and directing together, which makes the rehearsal process very fluid.

What advice will you give to young directors/writers trying to emerge in this business?
Never give up - just outlast everyone else. If you stay in the game and keep hustling and keep working hard, and believe in what you are doing, it will be infectious and other people will believe in it too.

Chicago Native Yelyna De Leon Leon Raises Immigrant Issues as Blanca in “Will and Grace”

Chicago’s Native Yelyna De Leon landed a remarkable role as Blanca in Episode 3 ("Tex and the City") on NBC’s Emmy award winning sitcom, “Will and Grace” Second Season. The character’s remarkable journey and presence allows us to see a special bond and transformation between her and Karen (Emmy award winner Megan Mullally) where drama and comedy merge into one, addressing one of the nation’s leading issues - immigration.

Yelyna De Leon/ Photo by Katie Cleese Photography

In Texas, Karen arrives to visit the border where she makes remarks about sponsoring the wall and illegal drugs and meets Beverly Leslie (Emmy award winner Leslie Jordan) whom she argues with over sponsorship of the wall. Both end up in the detention center with Blanca. Blanca is an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador who gets captured after trying to cross the border. She was a professional in her country and a mom who snuck across the US border fleeing the brutal gangs. She had traveled over 2,000 miles and spent her life savings paying off the cops and hiding from the cartels. In order to save her family, she let her daughter and husband escape first and now she wants to reunite with them. Blanca ends up in a Texas cell with Karen and Beverly Leslie, where she has a chance to share her personal story of grief with Karen where we, the audience, become first hand witnesses of the humane side of Karen as she shows empathy for Blanca’s deep painful story. “I have studied law and all I can say is that it is a slippery slope, as the laws affect everyone which is why Karen and Leslie end up in the detention center where I am being held. I am sitting there listening to their conversation but we are all in the holding cell together. Karen is still grieving over Rosario. She is telling me about it and I am there to listen to her story and she is there to listen to mine. There was definitely a bond between me and Karen and we bonded as human beings,” said Yelyna De Leon. “The writing on the show is truly amazing and so timely. When I read it, and booked it, I was so happy that this was an opportunity to humanize the immigration experience, something we don’t often get to see. This is what is really happening right now, all over the world and I look at it as a forced migration. I also loved that the role of Blanca was completely in line with my purpose, which is to represent the Latino community in non-stereotypical roles with counter narrative stories that are relatable and humanize us, so I am very grateful to the show for this amazing opportunity."

Blanca’s scenes were so touching and very important, and relevant scenes especially with the current political climate, so bravo to NBC and the show’s writers for this heart wrenching deep yet funny storyline. But we were left wondering what will become of Blanca? Will Karen help her get out of jail and be reunited with her family? It would be great to see the future return of Blanca as the writers have a lot to play with the special bond between Karen and her, especially after Rosario’s death and immigration is a subject that has many stories that need to be told.

If you liked Blanca’s character as much as I did on “Will and Grace” please tweet, instagram and shout out on Facebook @nbcwillandgrace.

To follow Yelyna De Leon on Social Media: @yelynadeleon.
To watch the episode, go to NBC and the NBC app:
https://www.nbc.com/will-and-grace/video/tex-and-the-city/3811158Also, episode now streaming on Hulu.

About Actress, Writer and Producer Yelyna De Leon:
Born and raised on the southside of Chicago, where she fell in love with storytelling through the theater, Yelyna has been in numerous plays, television shows, “Bones,” “Shameless,” “Ray Donovan,” and the feature films, “A Better Life,” and the GLAAD award winning film “East Side Story,” to name a few. And will soon be seen in the comedies, “Milfriend” and “Bride Plus One.” She is a “Br-ojan,” having received her BA from UCLA in Film/TV/Theater and Chicano Studies and her MFA from USC in Film and Television production. While at USC, she studied film, TV and comedy with director Barnet Kellman (George Lopez Show, Murphy Brown), writer David Isaacs (Cheers, Madmen), producers Gail Katz (Air Force One,) and Bonnie Bruckheimer, (Hocus Pocus, Beaches) and was the co-creator, head writer and showrunner for USC’s first single camera comedy pilot, “Teacher’s Lounge. Currently the award winning, slasher feature film she wrote, produced and is in, “Murder in the Woods,” starring Jose Julian (A Better Life), Chelsea Rendon (Vida) and Catherine Toribio (Jane The Virgin) with Danny Trejo (Machete), is doing the festival route and garnering rave reviews and a lot of buzz. The film premiered to a sold out audiences at the 2017 FICG in LA at the Chinese Theater, won the Best Film Award at the 2017 LA Skins Fest, and sold out every screening in Portland, NY, Denver and at the Chicago Latino Film Festival in April of 2018.

For more information: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0209680/.

LATINX HORROR FILM ‘MURDER IN THE WOODS’ WITH JOSE JULIAN AND DANNY TREJO TO MAKE ITS EUROPEAN PREMIERE

Belgium & Germany to screen Luis Iga's Latinx, award-winning slasher which is becoming a cult classic and breaking diversity barriers in Hollywood. 

Los Angeles, CA, October 08, 2018 – Luis Iga’s Latinx, award-winning film “Murder In The Woods,” starring José Julián (“A Better Life”) and featuring Latinx icon Danny Trejo (“Machete”), will have its European Festival Premiere at the Razor Reel Flanders Film Festival in Bruges, Belgium on Saturday October 27th (For more information go to: http://bit.ly/mitwrazorTixPR) and on Saturday November 3rd at the Obscura Filmfestival in Berlin, Germany (For more information go to: http://bit.ly/mitwobscuraInfoPR). The film from Mexican auteur Luis Iga was written by Latina writer Yelyna De Leon and has played to packed houses in Los Angeles, Portland, New York, Denver and Chicago. Now Bruges and Berlin will get its first taste of what critics have called, “a breakthrough,” “smart, funny & very effective horror” film with a “phenomenal storyline” that “delivers on its promise in heaps” and “recalls classics of the genre like ‘Friday the 13th’ and ‘Scream’ but has a voice and style all its own.” “Our goal was to make a horror / slasher film for a global audience to showcase ‘People of Color’ in lead non-stereotypical roles and we are excited that these two prestigious Horror Film Festivals in Europe agree with us,” said Director and Producer Luis Iga. “I want to thank Patrick Van Hauwaert (Razor Reel’s Managing Director) and David Ghane (Obscura’s Festival Director) for being pioneers in reshaping how the world sees ‘People of Color’ and Minorities in cinema,” he added. 

Writer and Producer Yelyna De Leon said, “I am very grateful to both festivals for the opportunity to have European audiences see our independent film as our goal was to make a universal horror film with a diverse cast that global audiences could enjoy.” The rest of the ensemble cast includes Jeanette Samano (“Female Fight Squad,” “Isa”), Chelsea Rendon (“Bright,” “Vida”), Catherine Toribio (“Jane the Virgin”), Kade Wise (“Empire”) and Jordan Diambrini (“The Outfield”). It also features Soledad St. Hilaire (“Beatriz at Dinner”), Kurt Caceres (“Dexter”) and Rolando Molina (“American Dad!”) “Murder in the Woods" is a production of REZINATE Entertainment, founded by Luis Iga. REZINATE partnered up with Yelyna De Leon to produce this film. Both graduated with an MFA in Film and Television Production from the School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) at the University of Southern California (USC) where they met. About REZINATE Entertainment: REZINATE is an entertainment company founded by Luis Iga. The company is involved in the production, financing and distribution of audiovisual projects including Film, Television, Animation, Video Games and Virtual Reality.

 REZINATE has a global presence with clients and projects that are developed around the world. www.rezinate.com 

For more information on “Murder In The Woods:” 
Website: http://www.murderinthewoodsmovie.com 
Trailer: http://bit.ly/EUprmitw 
Facebook: @MITWMovie 
Instagram: @murderinthewoods 
Twitter: @MITWMovie 
Snapchat: @MITWMovie 
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt6083146

The Legendary Hector Elizondo is back for the 7th Season of Last Man Standing

For over 45 years, award-winning actor Hector Elizondo has enjoyed a successful and prolific career in film, television, theater and radio. A native New Yorker, Elizondo first garnered recognition for his portrayal of “God” in “Steambath” on the New York stage, a role that earned him an Obie Award. High-praise continued on Broadway in Neil Simon’s “Prisoner of Second Avenue,” “The Great White Hope” and the critically celebrated revival of Arthur Miller’s “The Prince.”

Elizondo received a Drama Desk Award nomination for his performance in Broadway’s original run of the comedy “Sly Fox.” Nominated both for a Golden Globe and an American Comedy Award for his depiction of the hotel manager in the classic comedy “Pretty Woman,” Elizondo’s other film credits include “The Taking of Pelham 1-2-3,” “American Gigolo,” “Young Doctors in Love,” “Nothing in Common,” “The Flamingo Kid,” “Runaway Bride,” “Tortilla Soup,” “The Music Within,” “Love in the Time of Cholera,” “The Princess Diaries” and “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.” In 1997, Elizondo won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of “Dr. Phillip Watters” in “Chicago Hope.” In six years on the show, he earned four Emmy Award nominations, an ALMA Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination. He also starred in the two-character drama “American Playhouse: Mrs. Cage,” for which he received an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Special. His numerous television appearances began with guest starring roles on “Colombo,” “All in the Family,” “Hill Street Blues,” “Kojak” and “The West Wing.” More recent guest appearances include recurring roles on “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Monk.” Elizondo has done many voice-overs, including for Ken Burns’ critically acclaimed documentary, “The West.”

He also served as the host for the network special “Mysterious Man of the Shroud.” He is especially proud of his involvement in the distinguished L.A. Theatre Works, a group of 40 top actors who devote their time and talent to revive classic radio dramas as a respected contemporary art form for National Public Radio (NPR).

Due to his mother’s battle with the Alzheimer’s disease, Elizondo has become a strong voice in Alzheimer’s awareness, and currently acts as the celebrity spokesperson for The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA). Through public appearances, he helps to publicize the AFA’s National Memory Screening Day, which strives to inform, educate and screen as many people as it can reach. He has been honored with the Diversity Award’s prestigious Integrity Award, as well as Nosotros’ Lifetime Achievement Award for the roles he has chosen in his career and how these have improved the image of Latinos on screen. Elizondo also is an avid supporter of Amnesty International, American Cancer Society and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. He resides in Los Angeles.


Last Man Standing is back with a 7th season. What's new? 
Hector Elizondo: It is the same old same cast except for one person. Same writers, the same crew and producers. We get a great support from the network who are behind us 100 percent. Enthusiastic huge following and great future. It is great to have a live audience watching the show.

You are the owner of Outdoor Man. What do you love about your character and how will he evolve in the new season? 
I am more than an owner. He is in the stage where he will make some changes and he is always falling in love with someone. This part of his life is more meaningful in terms of giving back; more philanthropic. He is the man who doesn't need money - he needs to found meaning. You only find real meaning when you give back. The rest is about being a good human being.

What do you think makes this show so successful and will there be an 8th season? 
We have the right chemistry and people see it. The show is very clear on values. We want to be part of the healing. We like to be part of the solution and not part of the problem. People can sense that. Probably there will be...

You are an avid supporter of Alzheimer Disease because of family battle with it. How has this mental illness impacted your life and what do you do now to make difference in other people’s lives? 
My father died from taking care of my mother. If you can survive, they get better. Not only my mother had it but also four of her sisters. Most of the victims are caretakers. You are not prepared for what is ahead. What I do is I talk about the caretaking. They need help and physical training. Caretaking is very import. We have to support them!

After 54 years working in the entertainment industry, what have you learned about it and yourself that if you could go back and see your younger self you will tell him? 
Pay more attention. I am very grateful to have the chance. I have a feeling of gratitude. You don't learn if you don't lose. Celebration is easy when you are victorious. When you are not victorious you have an opportunity to learn. Learn how we are connected to one another and how we are different. Learn to be prepared. You have to be ready! I am also looking forward to Princess Diaries 3 and Last Man Standing. We will be standing for a long time I hope!

 Last Man Standing premiered on September 28 on FOX.

"Murder in the Woods" with Danny Trejo Sweeps the 2018 FANtastic Horror Film Festival Award Nominations

Luis Iga's award-winning slasher continues to garner acclaim, as the film scores six nominations 

Los Angeles, CA, September 18, 2018 - Luis Iga’s ground-breaking Latinx feature film, "Murder in the Woods," makes its San Diego premiere at the FANtastic Horror Film Festival. The film stars José Julián (“A Better Life”) and features distinguished actor Danny Trejo (“Machete”). The award-winning film directed and produced by Luis Iga and written and produced by Yelyna De Leon has played to packed houses in Los Angeles, Portland, New York, Denver, Chicago, and now San Diego will get its first taste of what critics have called, “a breakthrough,” “smart, funny & very effective horror” film with a “phenomenal storyline” that “delivers on its promise in heaps.” "Murder in the Woods" has a total of six nominations at the prestigious festival.

The nominations are Best Feature Film, Best Actor: Jose Julian, Best Supporting Actor: Kade Wise & Danny Trejo, Best Score and Goriest Film. The film will play on Saturday, October 27 at 5:45pm at the Ultra Star Mission Valley Cinemas-Hazard Center located at 7510 Hazard Center in San Diego, California. Tickets are on sale now here: http://bit.ly/FANtastictixPR “I am truly honored and grateful to receive these nominations. I want to congratulate all the nominees and I want to thank the festival founders JoAnn Thomas, Mike Thomas and everyone involved in the festival for being pioneers in supporting the diversity change that Hollywood needs. Furthermore, this film would not have been possible without our award-winning cast and crew; I want to thank them for their hard work in making this film a reality” said director and producer Luis Iga. “I also want to thank Matt Chassin, the Festival’s Executive Producer for his support and for always being a fan of this film” Iga added. Writer and producer Yelyna De Leon said “I’m very grateful for the opportunity to screen the film for audiences in San Diego at Fantastic Horror Film Festival so they can experience our fun film and see beautiful brown faces up on the big screen in non-stereotypical roles.” The FANtastic Horror Film Festival in San Diego, CA is dedicated to bringing the latest and cutting-edge Indie Horror films to the local community; it is a three-day festival over Halloween and shows 30 plus Indie Horror Short and Feature films. Following the Fest they have an Award Ceremony to celebrate the award nominees and winners. 

“Murder in the Woods” distinguishes itself for being an All “People of Color” cast in non-stereotypical roles. The rest of the ensemble cast includes Jeanette Samano (“Female Fight Squad,” “Isa”), Chelsea Rendon (“Bright,” “Vida”), Catherine Toribio (“Jane the Virgin”), and Jordan Diambrini (“The Outfield”). It also features Soledad St. Hilaire (“Beatriz at Dinner”), Kurt Caceres (“Dexter”) and Rolando Molina (“American Dad!”) “Murder in the Woods" is a production of REZINATE Entertainment, founded by Luis Iga. REZINATE partnered up with Yelyna De Leon to produce this film. Both graduated with an MFA in Film and Television Production from the School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California (USC) where they met. About REZINATE Entertainment: REZINATE is an entertainment company founded by Luis Iga. The company is involved in the production, financing and distribution of audiovisual projects including Film, Television, Animation, Video Games and Virtual Reality.

REZINATE has a global presence with clients and projects that are developed around the world. www.rezinate.com 
For more information on “Murder In The Woods:”
Website: http://www.murderinthewoodsmovie.com
Trailer: http://bit.ly/FANtasticPRmitw
Facebook: @MITWMovie
Instagram: @murderinthewoods
Twitter: @MITWMovie
Snapchat: @MITWMovie
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt6083146

The Predator and Actor Boyd Holbrook - a Challenging Role in the Making

On September 14, a new PREDATOR is coming to town - better and stronger than before. Shane Black directs an extraordinary cast from the script he penned with Fred Dekker. THE PREDATOR is produced by John Davis, who brought the seminal Predator franchise to life. Boyd Holbrook heads the ensemble, which also stars Trevante Rhodes, Jacob Tremblay, Keegan-Michael Key, Olivia Munn, Thomas Jane, Alfie Allen, Augusto Aguilera, and Sterling K. Brown. Now, the universe's most lethal hunters (“the Loonies”) are stronger, smarter and deadlier than ever before, having genetically upgraded themselves with DNA from other species. When a young boy accidentally triggers their return to Earth, only a ragtag crew of ex-soldiers and a disgruntled science teacher can prevent the end of the human race. 

Boyd Holbrook stars as Quinn McKenna, a retired Special Forces army ranger turned mercenary who is also the head of the “Loonies” team. 

So this movie will be a sequence of the other PREDATOR movies. How has it evolved since the other movies and what new can we expect to see in it? 
BH: I am so excited to be working with such an incredible group of writers and cast. They are “badass.” This time there is a lead actress in the film and is an iconic mascot - no movie like the other PREDATORS. It's a reinvention of it all. It’s cool. I am surprised how funny it is. It is a thriller and action, packed from start to finish, classic with humour. 

What makes this a different alien movie in comparison to the many other alien movies out there - is it the human element we see in the predator? 
BH: There is a human element to it. The “Loonies” are relatable. They are guys that are broken down, from the military, but there is depth to the characters. 

You play a very complexed, multi-layered character who is a soldier and a father at the same time. You battle on the field but also battle with your feelings about your son’s autism. How does your character deal with that and what journey does he have to go through to overcome these battles? 
BH: Quin is dealing with two battles. It's really reflective. Being a soldier and what it leads to, estranged from your wife and child. He is strong masculine, a tough guy but it takes a different kind of toughness with a child with special needs. He is also dealing with the big predator guy. It's a complex ride but it's fun. It's a blast. 

Tell me about the family dynamic in the movie and how important of a role it plays in your character’s success? 
BH: It is really what drew me to the character. The character is a bit more evolved, sophisticated and there is a depth to the character and what he has to go through. I look for in the art in characters, where they start and where they finish. It was a challenging role but I was having a good time. 

Who are “The Loonies” and how does your character identify with them? BH: The term is derived from lunatic. They are all in a group therapy when I meet them. They are all trying to get treatment. It shows you how far the story has come - a bunch of misfits unlikely to save the world but yet together they can do it. What were of the hardest days for you on set and what were some of the best? 
BH: I think being an actor on this level you are like an endurance athlete. You work crazy hours and for very long extensive periods of time. It looks like it's a lot of fun but it is a lot of hard work. It is also one of the most fun experiences. 

Do you do your own stunts? 
BH: I do as much as I can. If somebody breaks something we have to stop production. That’s why I like to go as far as I can but with logic. 

What is your advice to your fans?
BH: Being yourself is sometimes a struggle in life but being you is the best gift that you can give yourself. Never get too comfortable. Always push yourself. Take yourself out of the equation and help others.

Watch the new red band trailer HERE:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50_Ala5BKBo

THE PREDATOR arrives in theaters on September 14, 2018!

Disney's "CHRISTOPHER ROBIN" in theaters August 3, 2018!

Out of the Wood. Into the city. Watch the brand new trailer for Disney's Christopher Robin. See the film in theatres August 3. In the heartwarming live action adventure Disney’s “Christopher Robin,” the young boy who shared countless adventures with his band of lovable stuffed animals in the Hundred Acre Wood is now grown up and living in London but he has lost his way. Now it is up to his childhood friends to venture into our world and help Christopher Robin rediscover the joys of family life, the value of friendship and to appreciate the simple pleasures in life once again. Disney’s “Christopher Robin” is directed by Marc Forster from a screenplay by Alex Ross Perry and Allison Schroeder and a story by Perry based on characters created by A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepard. The producers are Brigham Taylor and Kristin Burr with Renée Wolfe and Jeremy Johns serving as executive producers. The film stars Ewan McGregor as Christopher Robin; Hayley Atwell as his wife Evelyn; Bronte Carmichael as his daughter Madeline; and Mark Gatiss as Giles Winslow, Robin’s boss. The film also features the voices of: Jim Cummings as Winnie the Pooh and Tigger; Brad Garrett as Eeyore; Toby Jones as Owl; Nick Mohammed as Piglet; Peter Capaldi as Rabbit; and Sophie Okonedo as Kanga. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/DisneyChristopherRobin Twitter: https://twitter.com/DisneyStudios Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disneystudios Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/disneymovietrailers Hashtag: #ChristopherRobin

Trailer: https://youtu.be/0URpDxIjZrQ

MURDER IN THE WOODS WITH DANNY TREJO WILL HAVE ITS COLORADO FESTIVAL PREMIERE AT THE 20TH ANNUAL XICANINDIE FILM FEST IN DENVER

Denver will get to witness how Luis Iga's LatinX award-winning horror / slasher is already becoming a cult classic and breaking the diversity barriers in Hollywood with an All-Latino cast in non-stereotypical roles.

Denver, CO, March 20, 2018 - Luis Iga's “Murder in the Woods” has played to packed houses in Los Angeles, New York and Portland. Now Colorado can experience this film at the 20^th Annual XicanIndie Film Fest in Denver.  Critics give it “4.5 out of 5 stars” and call “Murder in the Woods” a fun, popcorn film" with a “phenomenal storyline” that “delivers on its promise in heaps.”

The award-winning film is directed and produced by Mexican filmmaker Luis Iga, written and produced by Chicana filmmaker Yelyna De Leon, stars José Julián (A Better Life) and features distinguished actor Danny Trejo (Machete).

The film will play on Friday April 6^th at 7:45pm with a Q&A session with the filmmakers to follow. Get your tickets now before they sell out again. They are available here: http://bit.ly/mitwXicanpr

“I’m humbled and honored to be part of XicanIndie Film Fest. I want to thank ‘Su Teatro’ and Festival Director Daniel Salazar for being pioneers in reshaping how the world sees Chicanos and Latinos in cinema. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to showcase ‘Murder in the Woods’ in such an iconic venue for Chicanos and Latinos. My goal with this film is to showcase and empower the amazing LatinX talent that we have in our communities in the US,” said director and producer Luis Iga. “My vision is to create content by Latinos that is universal in theme and crosses over to the general market transforming how Chicanos and Latinos are viewed around the globe,” he added.

For over 40 years, “Su Teatro” has established a national reputation for displaying homegrown productions that speak to the history and experience of Chicanos. “We’re exhilarated to premiere ‘Murder in the Woods’ at the 20^th anniversary of ‘Su Teatro’ XicanIndie Film Fest.  We’re the third oldest Chicano Teatro in the US; our audience is 75% Latino. The all-Chicano cast featured injects a distinct spin that keeps it real for us. We’re privileged to welcome the fresh young talent, faces we know we’ll be seeing more of in the future,” said Festival Director Daniel Salazar.

“As a Chicana, who majored in Chicano Studies and Film and TV at UCLA, I am so honored to be able to bring a film with Latino and Chicano leads to Denver.  Growing up, I always loved the arts but the lack of content and great roles for Chicanas were far and few between, which is why I decided to create better roles and projects that could star people of color. Because although there is a lot of talk about the diversity and inclusion problem that Hollywood has, the projects being made for us and by us, are still only a handful, so we decided to make a film to help solve that issue. Because representation matters and the truth is that brown is beautiful. I am so very grateful for the opportunity to screen in Denver at the XicanIndie Fest and can’t wait to meet aspiring actors at ‘Su Teatro’ to hopefully help inspire them, because we need more projects being made for us, by us,” added writer and producer Yelyna De Leon.

“Murder in the Woods” distinguishes itself as being an All-American horror / slasher film in English, with an All-Latino cast in non- stereotypical roles, created by Latinos with a story that is of universal interest. The award-winning film had its Festival Premiere at the legendary “Festival Internacional de Cine de Guadalajara en LA” (FICG in LA) at the TCL Chinese Theatres in Hollywood. The film will also be playing at the renowned 34^th Annual Chicago Latino Film Festival (CLFF) on Saturday April 7^th at 9:15pm and Monday April 9^th at 8:45pm with Q&A sessions with the filmmakers to follow.

“Murder in the Woods” has received six nominations and has won six awards including Best Film at the LA Skins Film Festival; Best Supporting Actor (Kade Wise), Best Sound Design and Best Soundtrack at the Macabre Faire Film Festival in New York; the Panavision New Filmmakers Grant and the Luminys Grant. The ensemble lead cast includes actors Jose Julian (A Better Life, Shameless), Jeanette Samano (ISA, Female Fight Squad), Chelsea Rendon (Vida), Catherine Toribio (Jane the Virgin), Jordan Diambrini (The Outfield) and Kade Wise (Empire). It also features Danny Trejo (Machete), Soledad St. Hilaire (Beatriz at Dinner), Kurt Caceres (Lawless Range) and Rolando Molina (American Dad!).

“Murder in the Woods” is a production of REZINATE Entertainment, founded by Luis Iga. REZINATE partnered up with Yelyna De Leon to produce this film. Both graduated with an MFA in Film and Television Production from the esteemed School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California (USC) where they met.

About REZINATE Entertainment:

REZINATE is an entertainment company founded by Luis Iga. The company is involved in the Production and Financing of audiovisual projects including Film, Television, Animation, Video Games and Virtual Reality. REZINATE has a global presence and clients and projects that are developed around the world.

www.rezinate.com

For more information on “Murder in the Woods:”

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt6083146/

Website: http://www.murderinthewoodsmovie.com

Trailer: http://bit.ly/mitwXicantrailerpr

Facebook: @MITWMovie

Instagram: @murderinthewoods

Twitter: @MITWMovie

Snapchat: @MITWMovie

Press Contact:

Andy Arriaga

andy@rezinate.com

C. 310-439-9029

Chicago Designer’s New Collection Makes a Statement Honoring Autistic Daughter

Fashion is for all regardless of age or status and emerging Chicago fashion designer Cori Davis creates with that motto in mind. On Feb. 24, Cori invites everyone to take a front row look at her new winter collection, which features sweater knits, faux furs suedes and leathers inspired by visuals of the 80s movie “Mad Max Beyond the Thunderdome.” It will emphasize on the strength of women from that era and how it continues on.

Cori’s strength to create this collection in 30 days comes from her 8-year-old daughter, Reign, who was diagnosed with autism.  “I am a designer that designs on the mood versus the age of the woman. I love the element of femininity with a hint of strength,” says Cori. “Every collection contains a mommy and daughter garment in honor of Reign that shows the bond that we have. We are like any other mom and daughter in everyday life.” The backdrop of her show will feature the first autism emoji that Cori created for autism awareness – AutMoji.

For Cori the love of fashion started early in her childhood when she was only 10-years-old. She started making her first outfits in fifth grade while at history class. Eventually that passion led her to take a home economic class in high school were she would learn to sew. Cori has a degree in fashion design from the Art Institute in Chicago. She even designed her own wedding dress.

“I have always loved art and making paper dolls was just to pass the time in class. I would always draw,” says Cori who gets ideas for her fashion from music, shapes and color. “When I was younger I would take my Barbie’s clothes apart until they were just pieces and would sew hand stitch them back together just to make new clothes.”

“With this collection I want to inspire everyone, including other parents with autistic children. Your dreams and life don’t stop because of autism. I obtained two degrees after Reign’s diagnosis. I never gave up on Reign or myself. Enjoy the bond you have.”

For more information on Cori Davis Fashion, visit: https://www.coridavis.com/

To get tickets for the upcoming fashion event: http://bit.ly/2Gy7uEL

“Pale Blue Eye” - a close to the heart movie that meets more than the eye

“Pale Blue Eye" is a movie written and directed by Keith A. Nixon, which is also the first movie he directed. It is a story about a woman named Norma Redmond, who is a schizophrenic surgical assistant for a crooked doctor. She becomes haunted by the sound of her employer’s heartbeat after she murders him. The story is inspired by "Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe and by a play Keith saw at his school when he was younger.

It all started at St. Elizabeth Elementary School in Bronzeville, which Keith attended and where he saw a theatre company perform a stage play of the story for the students. “The sound of the story is what was horrifying, The story is about a man who murders another man and he could still hear his heart beating after death. For me that was the part of the story I wanted to capture. I started to ask the ‘what if’ questions, like what if the main character was a female. Norma Redman came out of that experience,” said Keith.

The movie is produced by Edwin Ruiz and director of photography is Josh Woo. The casting was done by Casting Peach, LLC.

When the casting director from Casting Peach, Lakita Montgomery, read the script she had to find the right actress to play Norma.  That’s how they found Tiffany J. Curtis. “As we chose talent for the film we wanted to make sure that the actors we chose were able to reach outside the box within their range of acting for this psychological thriller,” said Lakita.

“I thought it was Tiffany when she walked in. I said she looks just like the character in my look book. Tiffany nailed the part right off the bat. She brought something extra to the part that brought it to life. It was no longer just words on a page anymore,” said Keith.

The story also resonated deep and personal with Tiffany who gave it not just a 100 percent but a little bit extra. “I read the script and it grabbed my attention because of the story line, because of the mental illness aspect of it because mental illness touches home in my family and I wanted to be respectful to the character and present it in a way that is respectful to the character. I did my research and I was able to find a voice for the character that resonated,” said Tiffany. “Why is she fragile and broken? I wanted to find the why.”

“Pale Blue Eye” is a great example that it doesn’t take a high budget to make a great movie. More than just a thesis project for Keith and Edwin, this movie turned out to be something very special that has the inspirations to end up in big film festivals, such as Sundance. “Before we had the money we had the love and support of the community, which is what I believe pushed the project further,” said Keith.

“This movie was definitely one of the most unique projects I’ve filmed. The story was so engaging and disturbing that I felt compelled to bring the visuals to the next level. Keith and I, who both have been in the film world for a while now, had very similar visions for this film from the start, it was a mixture between Mr. Robot and Hitchcock. My gaffer, Alex Halstead, who is also very established here in the Chicago community like the rest of us, brought many great lighting ideas to the table. Needless to say, “Pale Blue Eye” was a combination of a whole bunch of creative crew and cast,” said Josh.

It also took Depaul University’s support, community’s support and a great cast to pull off the production of the movie. “This project is Keith’s thesis film and mine as a producer. We are both MFA students at Depaul University. Depaul gave us the cameras and 80 percent of the production we needed for the film,” said Edwin.

But it is the location of this movie project that holds a special place in Keith’s heart. “As I began the search for one of the critical locations for “Pale Blue Eye,” St. Elizabeth immediately came to mind.  I called the church office and set a meeting with the board of trustees. We discussed my plans for the film and their plans to possibly reopen in the future. Later, they unanimously voted for us to shoot our film in the basement of the former church building. The old church was where I experienced "Tell-Tale Heart" for the first time. So, it felt surreal to return to my old stomping ground with the cast and crew of my new movie. The church's basement turned out to be the perfect location. It was a massive unfinished space and had the eerie look we needed to help compellingly tell the story,” said Keith.

“I really thought we had an interesting piece and room for storytelling visually,” said Johnny Griffiths, Production Designer for Pale Blue Eye.

The rest of the main cast: Tiffany J. Curtis, Michael Termine, Chris Colucci, and Arica Gale.

If you would like to help the team out, you can donate here: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/pale-blue-eye-post-production-fundraiser#/.

For more information on the movie: http://paleblueeyefilm.com/.