NewEnglandFilm.com

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Cappa Productions and Miramax Films are in pre-production on "The Departed," scheduled for a May/June 2005 shoot in Boston.  The film stars Matt Damon and Leonardo DiCaprio and is based on a trilogy of Chinese-language gangster movies.

Boston-based filmmakers at Tippingpoint Labs will be screening their new feature length documentary "Roadside Ambition" at the West Newton Cinema on December 5, 2004 as they prepare to make final tweaks to the movie for their debut at the legendary Sundance Film Festival this January.  More information can be found at www.roadsideambition.com.

Lighthouse Productions Films and Entertainment premiered the film "The Return" on November 6th in Connecticut. The film, written and directed by Lina Salvatore, was shot here in New England and starred several local actors. The film is now seeking distribution.

The Maine film "Four Corners of Suburbia" is scheduled for release in 2005. The film was inspired by the play, which was produced by Double Helix Theatre Company at The 30th Street Theatre back in the fall of 2000.  For more information, visit www.4cornersofsuburbia.com. 

Award-winning journalist and producer Ken Schreiner will move his entire studio to Cambridge, Massachusetts from January to July 2005.  After 30 years in the news business as a reporter, anchor, editorial and technical news manager, Schreiner launched his non-fiction video company, Schreiner Productions in 2003.  The company has produced numerous educational and industrial programs. Ken has just finished producing and will release his latest documentary "Sailing Down to Steeltown" while in Cambridge. 

The Boston Jewish Film Festival announced the winners of its Audience Awards, voted during its 16th annual Festival, November 3-14: Best Feature Fiction Film: "Wondrous Oblivion," directed by Paul Morrison, United Kingdom, 2002, 106 minutes, English, 35mm, New England Premiere and Best Documentary Film: "Watermarks," directed by Yaron Zilberman, Israel, 2004, 90 minutes, English/Hebrew/German with subtitles, 35mm, New England Premiere.  For more information on the festival visit www.bjff.org. 

Highway 51 Productions LLC raised $30,000 to film the feature film, "Dante’s Salvation."  Shot with a New England crew, the film is now in post production and should be ready by the end of December. The press kit, as well as other information regarding the film and be found at www.highway51.net. 

Vermont filmmaker John O’Brien releases "The Tunbridge Trilogy" on DVD on December 15, 2004.  The set marks the first release of his Vermont comedies on DVD:  "Vermont is for Lovers," "Man with a Plan," and "Nosey Parker."  The set is available for purchase at BuyIndies.com: www.buyindies.com/listing/1101828493140. 

Students and instructors in the Film Department at New Hampton School in New Hampton, NH have won three international awards so far for a film they made on campus during the 2003 Performance PLUS summer performing arts training program.  The 24-minute film, "Gaining Miles,"  has premiered in several major cities this year including New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Portland, Oregon.  Distribution hasn’t been secured yet but copies of "Gaining Miles" and other projects are available for purchase by contacting Performance PLUS through their website at www.performanceplus.org or through the New Hampton School website at www.newhampton.org.