Chch Independent Film Invited to Premiere in LA

Christchurch Independent Film Invited to Premiere in LA

A slice of New Zealand will be on show in the US at one of the world’s most prestigious International Film Festivals at the end of October.

“Meet Me in Miami”, a Christchurch produced independent film starring New Zealanders and two of the biggest names in the world of Latino film and television, has been invited to take one of the prime spots at the opening of the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festivals on Saturday October 29th.

‘Meet Me in Miami’ is a romantic comedy about true love and its ability to last, even through years of separation. It stars Carlos Ponce (pron: Ponse Eh), who is a celebrity in the world of Latin entertainment, well known as a singer, songwriter, actor, television host (‘Entertainment Tonight’) and producer. Carlos has recently finished a film with Hollywood actress Lyndsay Lohan. Teaming up with Carlos is Eduardo Verástegui (pron: Ver Arse T Gee (hard ‘g’). Eduardo has danced in the Jennifer Lopez music video 'Aint it Funny' and has had guest-acting spots on CSI: Miami, Karen Sisco and Charmed.

Christchurch based Lisa Abbott (Palm Tree Productions) produced “Meet Me in Miami” and is passionate about the family-friendly film.

“It is a light, feel good film about hope and love that endures. It is sweet, lighthearted and funny. Yet it gives you hope about not giving up on your dreams, fighting for what you believe in, no matter how hard that may be,” she says.

Lisa Abbott says she hopes to make more movies in Christchurch.

“I had great joy in filming in Christchurch, and believe it is a wonderful city for the film industry. For me it was important to show off our beautiful city and bring business to our country. I was so impressed by the crew, the helpfulness of the city itself, and how businesses donated so much to us. It is commendable,” South Island iwi, Ngai Tahu, has presented Lisa Abbott with six Taonga for the actors, including one for Jennifer Lopez who it is understood will be attending. It is hoped these can be presented on the red carpet, outside the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, before a large gathering of entertainment journalists from all over the world.

“The Taonga are beautiful. It is wonderful to be able to present a bit of our culture and tradition to the other side of the world, with the blessing of Ngai Tahu,” Abbott says.

It is a huge honour for ‘Meet Me in Miami’ to be included at the LA Latino International Film Festival where it will be up against some of the very best Latino films in the world.

“Rarely are comedies invited to compete in this competition so I am thrilled ‘Meet Me in Miami’ has been considered for this year’s festival and is nominated for the competition awards,” she says.

The Christchurch actors include Brigid McClelland, lawyer Richard Burtt (whose family home was a key location in the film), Nicholas Bollen and Claire Bruce; Brigid will be heading to LA for the premiere as well dressed in haute couture from Christchurch award winning couturiere, Robyn Cliffe.

Lisa Abbott hopes to secure a distribution deal for ‘Meet Me in Miami’ while in LA, with a view to opening in New Zealand theatres early next year.

‘Meet Me in Miami’ is produced by Lisa Abbott, and directed by Eric Hannah and Iren Koster. The original music for ‘Meet Me in Miami’ was written by award-winning composer Misha Segal, who wrote the film’s title song, as well as an additional featured song performed by Carlos Ponce.

For more information, log on to www.palmtreefilms.com and http://www.meetmeinmiamithemovie.com