Before the internet and digital revolution, first films were made on film.  One of Us, the original short that launched the production company, is now available on DVD!  This release includes a commentary about the making of the project, and looking back on it, it’s amazing to me that a bunch of college kids got together and made something this good that still tells a compelling story and doesn’t seem dated…even if none of the people in the movie use cell phones.

One of Us depicts the story of one woman’s emotional struggle after she has been raped by an acquaintance.  As most rapes go unreported, the film’s intent is to present what happens to a woman when this occurs, her dependence on friends and their varying reactions to the assault.

Buy the film for $19.95 To see the trailer and for more info on the movie, click here.

Jennifer Jill White as Liz.

Screening dates for Royal Oak, Michigan 2010
Wednesday, April 21 at 6:00
Sunday, April 15 at 4:00
Main Art Theatre 118 North Main Street, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Click here to purchase tickets online.

LUNAFEST is completely funded by LUNA and run by a small, dedicated group of LUNA employees. 100 percent of all proceeds are donated to charity – 15 percent to the Breast Cancer Fund and the remaining 85 percent of proceeds go directly back to hosting community organizations.  Over the years, as LUNAFEST has grown from a single annual event to more than 140 festivals each season, LUNA’s commitment to this worthwhile program has grown as well. To date, LUNAFEST has raised over $470,000 for worthwhile women’s organizations, while raising hope and awareness for the stories of women everywhere.

Diane Cheklich’s film, Doctor Reddy, took home the Audience Choice Award last night to the sound of applause at the Mitten Movie Project screening.  This co-production with One of Us Films precedes a feature based on the Dr. Reddy character, which the writer/director is currently developing.

Writer/Director Diane Cheklich center, Carrie LeZotte right Photo courtesy of Riaz Khan

The Mitten Movie Project is a monthly film festival dedicated to screening independent films the first Tuesday of every month at the Main Art Theatre in Royal Oak.   A pre-screening reception starts at 6:30 p.m. in the Main Art lobby where moviegoers can mingle with the directors, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts. After the screening, Q&A sessions are conducted with the filmmakers in the theatre.

Lora Probert, Beth Morrison, Victor A. Mack, Carrie LeZotte, Daisy the Raven

Troy, Michigan – One of Us Films received the 2010 Voice for Victims Award from HAVEN of Oakland County.  The award comes in recognition of producing Daisy Tells a Secret, a ten-minute animation for 4-7 year-olds, teaching about safe adults and body ownership.  Directed by Lora Probert, the educational animation supports one of HAVEN’s main community programs.

Director Lora Probert and Executive Producer Carrie LeZotte

Currently in production are individual parent and educator DVDs, explaining how to successfully use the animation and providing relevant adult-child discussion tips.  The national DVD release is scheduled for April 1st.

Leader Dogs for the Blind is a wonderful organization that provides dog guides to people who are blind and visually impaired to enhance their mobility, independence and quality of life.