Los Angeles, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/30/2017 -- Actress Karen Allen, most known for her work in the Indian Jones film franchise, has set her sights on Cannes this year with the directorial debut of her first short film, A Tree. A Rock. A Cloud. Allen returns to Cannes having been in competition with Paul Newman's The Glass Menagerie in 1987, and in 2008 with Steven Spielberg for the film that opened the festival, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal.

The film is based on the short story by groundbreaking Southern American writer Carson McCullers, written when she was 25 years old. Set at a roadside cafe in the early morning in the spring of 1947, a young boy and an older man meet by chance. The man relates a luminous tale of personal heartbreak and loss, and of his hard won understanding of the nature of love. The film stars Jeffrey DeMunn, James McMenamin and Jackson Smith, and won Best International Short Narrative Film in England at the Manchester Film Festival and a Remi Award from Worldfest. Young actor Jackson Smith recently was awarded Best Newcomer at the USA Film Festival in Dallas, Texas.

2017 marks 100 years since McCullers' birth and her work as a writer (The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, A Member of the Wedding) is being honored across the globe. Earlier this year, Allen screened her film at several McCullers events in the United States and will attend an International Conference at John Cabot University in Rome, Italy on July 15th. The film will screen as part of a world-wide celebration of a writer who has inspired and influenced generations of young writers.

Karen Allen is an award-winning actor/director working in the film, television and theatre world for over 35 years. She has starred in over 45 films including Animal House, The Wanderers, A Small Circle of Friends, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Shoot the Moon, Cruising, Split Image, Starman, Until September, Scrooged, The Glass Menagerie, Malcolm X, King of the Hill, The Perfect Storm, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, White Irish Drinkers, Bad Hurt and most recently, A Year By the Sea based on the memoir by Joan Anderson.

In the NY theatre she has worked both On and Off Broadway (The Glass Menagerie, As You Like It, Speaking in Tongues, The Monday After the Miracle, A Summer Day) and starred in numerous films for television (Secret Weapon, All the Winters that Have Been, Challenger, and Voyage).

Her work as a director has been focused in the theatre for the past ten years (The Batting Cage, Moonchildren, Extremities, Frankie and Johnnie in the Clair du Lune). She most recently directed the Obie Award-winning world premiere of Lucy Thurber's Ashville at the Cherry Lane Theatre in NYC.

Please contact: Nicole Goesseringer Muj/Cloud 21 at nicolekultura@gmail.com (310-804-0964).

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Los Angeles, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/30/2017 -- Cameo Wood's first narrative film "Real Artists" starring Tiffany Hines (Bones, 24: Legacy) and Tamlyn Tomita (Berlin Station) debuted to Cannes' audiences as part of the 2017 Marche du Film.

Based on Ken Liu's short story of the same title, "Real Artists" is a dark tale set in the near future. Sophia, played by Tiffany Hines, just scored every animator's dream interview at world famous Semaphore Animation Studios. However, when Creative Director Anne Palladon, played by Tamyln Tomita, reveals that she knows about Sophia's fan-edit of Semaphore's hit film "Mythos," Sophia sees her dreams begin to slip away. Was it Sophia's rebel ethos and creative instincts that landed her the invitation? Or is everything not quite as it seems at Semaphore? To maintain her artistic integrity, it's going to take all of Sophia's instincts and nerve.

"Through science-fiction, we focus on rapidly-approaching question of ethics in neuromarketing and the power of corporations to craft products in response to our biometric responses," explains Wood . "We are also telling a story of a young woman's dream, and how she might hold the key to the future of storytelling."

Tamlyn Tomita gained international attention in her screen debut in "The Karate Kid, Part II," and continued to create rich and engrossing characters in feature films, including "Come See The Paradise" opposite Dennis Quaid, the film adaptation of Amy Tan's bestselling novel "The Joy Luck Club," her distinguished work in "Picture Bride" (Audience Award winner, 1995 Sundance Film Festival), and "Four Rooms" opposite Antonio Banderas. Most recently, she can be seen on EPIX in the acclaimed series "Berlin Station."

Tiffany Hines is known for her memorable television roles as Birdie Scott in "Beyond The Break," Michelle Welton on "Bones," Didi Miller on "Devious Maids," Jaden on "Nikita," and Kelly Baptiste on "Damien." She also portrayed Tamar Braxton on "Toni Braxton: Unbreak My Heart" on the Lifetime Channel. She can currently be seen on FOX's series "24:Legacy."

"Real Artists" is Wood's first narrative film. She had a long career in technology, working in voice over IP and computer security, and then studied artificial intelligence and neuroscience in university.

https://www.charmingstranger.com

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5648094/

Please contact: Nicole Goesseringer Muj/Cloud 21 at nicolekultura@gmail.com (310-804-0964)

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Los Angeles, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/24/2017 -- Seek Films' "All of Me," a short film by director Daphne Schmon, will premiere at Cannes Marche du Film 2017. The film, created by an all-female team, will screen on Friday, May 26 at 8:30 PM at Olympia 2 (5 rue d'Antibes, Cannes 06400). (Festival badge or invitation is required for entry.)

Director Schmon, along with writer Emily Carlton, producer Jemma Moore and editor Philippa Carson will be in attendance.

"All of Me" is the story of Viv (Chereen Buckley), a talented musician who faces late stage leukemia that threatens the life she's built in London. Her best hope is a bone marrow transplant from a member of her estranged family, but reconnecting means confronting a difficult past.

The film was shot on location in London and Dungeness with an all-female crew.

"Many of us put up a wall to cope with difficult transitions in life. In some cases, we shut out the people we love most. It was our hope to explore this divide; to find humanity on both sides by presenting a female character who must confront her estranged family in an effort to survive," comments Schmon. "Working with such a talented cast, led by Chereen Buckley, and all the women on the crew of 'All of Me' was a true honor."

About Daphne Schmon
"All of Me" marks Daphne Schmon's narrative directorial debut. The award-winning director and editor founded Seek Films in 2009 after graduating with honors from Wesleyan University. Her feature directorial debut "Children of the Wind," garnered seven awards in the festival circuit, including "Best Documentary" and "Best Emerging Filmmaker" at the world's premiere action sports film festival X-Dance. The film was also nominated for the "CNN Best Documentary Award" at the American Black Film Festival. She has led teams in nine countries, including Kenya "Shifting Ground" and Venezuela "Down to Earth," directing documentaries, commercials and music videos.

https://allofmeshortfilm.com
http://www.cinemaolympia-cannes.fr

Director Daphne Schmon is available for media interviews during the festival. Please contact: Nicole Goesseringer Muj/Cloud 21 at nicolekultura@gmail.com (310-804-0964) to schedule.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The 23rd Annual Mr. & Miss India America is scheduled to take place on August 8th, 2015 at the LAX Renaissance Hotel in Los Angeles, California. The fashion, beauty and entertainment gala extravaganza is to be attended by a bevy of Hollywood and Bollywood celebrities, and will also serve as a stage to honor talents from the entertainment industry during the Elite Awards presentation ceremony.

Los Angeles, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/06/2015 -- Founded in 1992 by Jinnder Chohaan, the Mr. & Miss India America beauty pageant is in its 23rd year and is already an international phenomenon. The event promises to be an incredible cultural experience, celebrating Indian beauty and talent on a global platform, in front of VIP guests from the glamour and entertainment industry. Celebrity red carpet arrivals for the event are to take place after 6 pm, followed by dinner, post-awards beauty pageant ceremony and an After party. The Mr. & Miss India America pageant will be presented by South Asia Magazine, Wells Fargo and JINModels.com.

According to Jinnder Chohaan, founder of Mr. & Miss India America beauty pageant, top Bollywood filmmaker Anil Sharma (known for hit movies such as Gadar, Veer & Apne) will feature as one of the official judges for the pageant. Well known Hollywood producer, Sunil Perkash, who in past has delivered blockbusters such as Salt (starring Angelina Jolie) and Premonition (starring Sandra Bullock), will also be present as a guest at the pageant.

The Elite Awards are also scheduled to take place before the Miss India America pageant, with Randall Emmett and Adi Shankar, both famous Hollywood personalities, as guests of honor. Both Randall and Adi are well known in Hollywood and have collaborated with some of the top A-listers in the past. Randall Emmett has produced Hollywood blockbusters such as 2 Guns (starring Denzel Washington), Empire State (starring Liam Helmsworth), Escape Plan, Rambo (starring Sylvester Stallone) and 16 Blocks (starring Bruce Willis). Adi Shankar is famous for his acclaimed performance in recent blockbusters such as Lone Survivor (starring Mark Wahlberg), Killing Them Softly (starring Brad Pitt), Broken City (starring Kurt Russell) and The Grey (starring Liam Neeson).

The Elite Awards is presented every year to those who have excelled in the entertainment industry and serve as a role model for other aspiring actors and filmmakers. In the past, Elite Awards has been awarded to prominent Hollywood personalities and legends such as film director Gary Marshall (known for Pretty Woman), actor Steven Seagal, film director Shekhar Kapur, and top Bollywood celebrities such as Anurag Kashyap, Kunal Kohli and veteran film director Subhash Ghai among others.

Besides being an annual cultural mega-event, the Mr. & Miss India America beauty pageant also serves as a common platform for prominent and emerging talents from the fashion, media and entertainment industry. Many of the pageant's past winners are now active in Hollywood and constantly feature in some of the top movies and TV shows. Melanie Kannokada, a former Miss India America, currently stars in the HBO comedy "The Brink" along with Jack Black and Tim Robbins and is all set to feature in a CBS thriller-drama "Code Black". Nishi Munshi, winner of the Miss India California, can be seen on CW's latest hit vampire TV show "The Originals". Whereas Hasan Minaj, a former Mr. India California is a regular on the "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart".

Talking to the media, Maya Charuni Sarihan (Miss India America, 2014) said about the beauty pageant, "About a year ago, I embarked on a remarkable journey that led me to become Miss India America. Though "pageant girls" are supposedly manicured and poised, I think this journey has actually taught me to be 100% true to my crazy self, whether behind the camera or in class. So here is to more candid adventures, and laughing like a 5-year-old at absolutely nothing!" Besides being the current title holder, Miss Maya Sarihan also happens to be a singer, and is currently a pre-med student.

The Mr. & Miss India America 2014, is expected to be attended by a dazzling crowd of Hollywood celebrities and prominent personalities from all over the world, walking down the red carpet on August 8th. The guest list includes - actress Ambyr Childers (2 Guns, Gangster Squad, Showtime's hit TV show Ray Donovan, and NBC's Aquarius), Katie Cleary (How to Get Away With Murder), actress Annett Mahendru (FX's TV show The Americans, Fox's The Following), Asifa Mirza (Shahs of Sunset), actress Cortney Palm, actor Ravi Patel (Grandfathered with John Stamos), actress/producer Kim Poirier, actress Kate Linder (The Young & The Restless), Tehmina Sunny (Extant, The Lovers), Australian singer Katja Glieson, French singer/actress Melissa Mars, British singer/actress Sofia Hayat (of Bigg Boss fame), actress Nishi Munshi (CW's The Originals), actress Courtney James Clark (Jurassic World), BET Tv host Chastity Saunders (The Art of Fabulous), Disney singer/actress Alexa Ferr, Dr Rachael Ross (Doctors), Tyree Washington (Olympic Gold Medalist and former San Diego Charger), actor Joe Estevez, Karla & Iris Gordy (of MoTown Records), actress Madison Beaty (The Fosters), actor Rizwan Manji (Wolf of the Wall Street) and many others.

The event is being sponsored by Robert Mondavi Winery, PrintLife, Belvedere Vodka, Top Priority Media, Cloud 21 PR, People Water, Brain Toniq, Poket Roket Apparel, Domaine Chandon, Patron, Scala and Bodvar of Sweden.

Celebrity Guests will also receive swag, courtesy sponsors Pur Skinn USA, Amyn the Jeweler, Brain Toniq, Sugar Lux, I essentials Skincare, Doebotz, Kix'ies Thigh Highs, Poket Roket Apparel, Save Your Sole, People Water, Bodvar of Sweden, Ella Danla and Lord of Ties.

About South Asia Inc.
With 23 years of distinguished history in the entertainment industry, South Asia Inc. is an international production company present across the globe, from LA to Mumbai. Popular brands that exist under the South Asia Inc. umbrella are Mr. & Miss India America, Mr. & Miss South Asia, Mr. & Miss India Globe, and The Elite Awards. South Asia Inc. is credited with producing the first ever beauty pageant for Indian males, five years before India introduced its own Mr. India pageant. Founded by Jinnder Chohaan, South Asia Inc. continues to provide young South Asians a global platform to showcase and enhance their talents, heighten their self-esteem and to enhance the overall image of the South Asian community. (Visit http://www.southasiainc.com for more info about the company).

About Cloud 21 PR
Cloud 21 PR is a full-service Publicity, PR and Social Media marketing agency with deep roots in the Digital media industry. Over the years, Cloud 21 has been serving its clients in the media by developing effective social media strategies and successfully organizing live events, red carpet premieres, luxury gifting suites and brand launch ceremonies.

For more information about Cloud 21, please visit the website http://www.cloud21.com

Elite Awards and Mr. & Miss India America 2015 Pageant Info:
Date - August 8, 2015 (Saturday)
Time - Red Carpet (6 pm - 7 pm), Followed by Dinner (catered by Ashoka the Great Indian Restaurant)
7 pm onwards - The Elite Awards presentation ceremony followed by Mr. & Miss India America 2015 pageant, and an After Party
Venue - Hotel Renaissance LAX, 9620, Airport Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045.
(Tickets to attend the event are available for purchase on www.spiritofindia.com)

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm