Nicole Goesseringer Muj

New York, March 24, 2014  -- Michael Z. Wechsler’s “The Red Robin,” an official selection in the Narrative Feature category at the 2014 Gasparilla International Film Festival (GIFF) (www.gasparillafilmfestival.com) was awarded the Special Jury Prize for Excellence in Filmmaking at an awards ceremony held on Sunday, March 23^rd.

“The Red Robin” stars Academy Award-nominated, veteran actor Judd Hirsch (“Ordinary People”),  GIFF 2012 Rising Star Recipient Ryan O’Nan ("The Iceman,” “Freelancers”) and CS Lee (“Dexter”), Jaime Ray Newman (“Mind Games,” “Red Widow,” “Tarzan”), Caroline Lagerfelt (“Gossip Girl”) and Joseph Lyle Taylor (“Justified”).

Hirsch earned an Academy Award nomination for his work playing a psychiatrist in the 1980 American drama "Ordinary People," but his role as Nathaniel Shellner in “The Red Robin” may reveal a far darker side of the same profession. Some of the many highlights of Hirsch’s long and distinguished career include two Emmys for his work in “Taxi,” a Golden Globe for his lead role in the series “Dear John,” and a Tony Award for "Conversations With My Father."

In “The Red Robin,” Hirsch’s character Dr. Shellner, a father of five, is a celebrated psychiatrist specializing in trauma, rumored to have worked for the CIA during the Cold War. During a family reunion, Dr. Shellner’s adopted son (played by O’Nan) makes the stunning accusation that his dying father, adopted his children not out of love, but for the purposes of dark experiments in mind control.  A night of revelations ensues which brings forth truth, disbelief, grief and introspection defining the mask of a loving father against the backdrop of a winter storm.

Screenwriter/director Wechsler produced the film with Shawn R. Singh, who is also an executive producer on the documentary “Finding 52: The Search for the Loneliest Whale in the World.” Executive producers include Jonathan Sanger (“The Elephant Man”), Rick Porras (“Lord of the Rings”), Wendy Herst and Khush Singh, and Terry Keefe is co-producer.

Tom Swartwout, who edited Sidney Lumet's last four films, including “Before the Devil Knows Your Dead,” is the film’s editor, director of photography is Adrian Correia, and film composer is Edmund Choi.

The film also won Outstanding Achievement Awards in both Screenwriting and Cinematography at the Oaxaca FilmFest 2013. Actress Caroline Lagerfelt (“Gossip Girl”) received an Honorable Mention for her role as Dr. Schellner’s wife in the film. Additionally, the film was an official selection at the Montreal World Film Festival and most recently premiered in Europe at the Glasgow International Film Festival and Fantasporto in Portugal. Canadian motion picture sales company Cinemavault featured the film as part of its 2014 slate at the European Film Market (EFM) in February. In 2013, the company signed an exclusive multi-year, worldwide distribution deal for the theatrical, television, on demand, DVD and online rights for the psychological thriller.

About The Gasparilla International Film Festival -- First launched in the summer of 2006, the Gasparilla International Film Festival (GIFF) has grown into an entertaining and educational year-round entity in Tampa Bay. Well-known for its annual film festival, GIFF is operated by the 501(c)(3) non-profit Tampa Film Institute and continually upholds its mission to provide year-long support for film screening, production, and education throughout Tampa Bay and the region. For more information on GIFF including sponsor and volunteer opportunities, visit: gasparillafilmfestival.com.

For interview requests with filmmaker Michael Z. Wechsler,  please contact: Nicole Goesseringer Muj email: ngoesseringer@hotmail.com phone: 310-804-0964 

www.gasparillafilmfestival.com

www.oaxacafilmfest.com

www.ffm-montreal.org

www.glasgowfilm.com

www.fantasporto.com

www.hollywoodfilmfestival.com

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