Editor

Another U.S. independent production gets recognized internationally. Former stand up comedian turned film producer Angelo Lazaro in association with Moonlake Films today announced that his crime documentary Murder in America: The Sarah Cherry Story has been acquired by the Crime Channel in Australia and New Zealand through Pineapple Media (Australia). The documentary will be broadcast on FOXTEL’S CI channel on April 17, 2010 at 8:30pm Sydney Time and 10:30pm in New Zealand.

Murder in America, which earned a Best Director Award for Dora Militaru investigates the kidnapping, sexual assault and violent murder of a 12-year-old girl named Sarah Cherry in Maine more than two decades ago. A 31-year-old farmer Dennis Dechaine was charged, convicted and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. In spite of giving statements to the police admitting that he committed the crime, Dechaine has maintained his innocence from the day of his conviction.

The catalyst and controversy for the film stems from the efforts of Dechaine’s friends who formed a support group, Trial & Error dedicated to clearing his name and seeking his release from prison. In particular the time of Cherry’s death has been a point of contention as well as claims that Dechaine was set up, circumstantial evidence and a lack of DNA testing. Murder in America uses no voices, no actors, and no reenactments, just the people who were and are still involved. Viewers can decide. Is an innocent man sitting in prison or has justice been served?

Executive Producer Lazaro commented, “It is a great coup to be working with such an innovative company like Pineapple Media. I have taken in interest in the Sarah Cherry case since day one and after many private screenings of the film, I am very pleased that the documentary will reach a wider audience.” Lazaro continued, “I believe that in a murder case both sides suffer in different ways. I wanted the audience to see that and to take a hard and close look at our justice system. The conviction is not the end it’s really just the beginning, when you consider appeals, how convicts can manipulate the system and the agony the families must go through, how 25 to life does not mean LIFE. By people telling their story independently not via a host or lawyer, their words may bring some peace and maybe even closure. Remember, a lot of these people had to remain silent at trial, now they have been given an opportunity to speak.”

Richard Atteih of Pineapple Media stated, “We are excited for Angelo and the team at Moonlake Films. When I first discovered Murder, I thought it was a well-produced and compelling documentary and I had a feeling it could get picked up in Australia.” Attieh continued, “Angelo and his team used high production values and presented the facts of this historical crime documentary in a balanced way. Murder is very special to us as it’s our first sale for an American producer. The sale of Murder in America into Australia shows the strength of independent production, and we are proud to be part of giving it a wider audience. ”

About Moonlake Films:
For additional information visit www.moonlakefilms.com.
Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Piscataway, NJ the mission at Moonlake films is to create, develop and produce original high-quality material that educates people of all ages about relevant issues and events in America. The dynamic staff at Moonlake brings over 25 years of experience in producing, directing and executive producing documentaries, dramas, comedies commercials and corporate productions.

About Pineapple Media: Pineapple Media is a cross media and a cross platform production company based in Sydney Australia. Pineapple Media’s core philosophy is to think, create, inspire. www.pineapplemedia.com.au.