Written by Michael J. Katz and directed by Brian Smith, REMEMBERING PHIL is the first feature produced by Prevalent Films, LLC. It premiered recently as an Official Selection of the inaugural Downtown Film Festival in Los Angeles.
The story concerns a television writer-producer, Phil Winters (Turturro) who returns from vacation to find that no one in the world remembers he exists. Part Hollywood insider satire, part metaphysical character study, REMEMBERING PHIL strikes a hauntingly dark comic tone on both fronts.
Nicholas Turturro’s comedic work in such recent films as I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry and The Longest Yard served as a contrast to his seven seasons of Emmy-nominated work on the dramatic series NYPD Blue. The lead role of Phil offers him the opportunity to further display his range. In REMEMBERING PHIL, Turturro’s character must face his worst fears and confront the compromises of his life at every turn.
Newcomer Christina Murphy co-stars as Debbie, a beautiful young woman who may be Phil’s long lost daughter, a newfound love interest or something far more sinister. Smart and sexy, it’s a beguiling debut for this striking new talent.
Best known as the voice of Homer Simpson on the hit series and feature film, The Simpsons, Dan Castellaneta brings his trademark wit and irony to the role of Dr. Seymour, Phil’s unusual psychiatrist.
Also gracing the stellar cast are gifted actors Joanne Kelly (Vanished) as Phil’s ex-wife; Steve Valentine (Crossing Jordan) as a self-absorbed filmmaker; Peter Dobson (The Frighteners)
Director Brian Smith, a veteran of the music video and commercial worlds, makes his independent feature debut with REMEMBERING PHIL. A native Southern Californian, Smith began his career as a producer and screenwriter after graduating from the Film & Television program at California State University, Northridge. As a director, his past work has been honored at numerous short film festivals, as well as commercial and music video awards.
Writer-producer Michael J. Katz is the Managing Partner of Prevalent Films, LLC. An accomplished screenwriter and published novelist, he originally hails from the Chicago area. Katz earned a Bachelor's degree from Northwestern University's prestigious School of Communications and a Master's degree in Finance from the University of Wisconsin. With REMEMBERING PHIL, Katz dons a producer’s hat for the first time, firmly believing in the future of independent cinema.
Now in its ninth year, The Big Bear Lake International Film Festival is a non-profit organization dedicated to showcasing the emerging talent of screenwriters and independent filmmakers within the idyllic setting of Big Bear Lake. The festival screens independent feature films, short films, student films, documentaries, animation and family films. Jury and Audience Awards are given in each category.
Both Brian Smith and Michael Katz plan to attend the festival, along with various cast and crew members, and will be available for interviews before and during the weekend’s events.
