Dawana is co-produced by Shoreline CEO Morris Ruskin, Hill Harper (CSI: NY) and Walker-Pearlman. CinEssence co-principal Peter Kleidman is also Executive Producer.
"This is my third film with Jordan and I am looking forward to this story's intensity, life, and epic feel realized on the big screen," said Ruskin.
"Morris is a gentleman-executive in a certain proud Hollywood tradition. I am really happy he and Shoreline are such a big part of "Dawana," and having them alongside Hill Harper as Producer makes me feel very fortunate," said Walker-Pearlman.
"Jordan Walker Pearlman and Morris Ruskin represent the best of what Hollywood has to offer. "Dawana" will not only be a financially successful film, it will also be one that all involved will be proud to have been a part of for many years to come. And that's a great combination--
"Dawana" centers on the life of Lottie Traylor, an African-American diplomat living with an emotional past and a brilliant career. The story travels from Lottie’s Harlem upbringing, through her rise in the Foreign Service, to the assignment in the fictional country of Dawana, Africa. In Dawana she becomes emotionally rooted to a village trying to trying to keep a culture intact and children alive despite intrusive and inept international organizations and the ever-present, dangerous militias.
Casting is currently underway in Los Angeles with many roles to be filled in South Africa. The drama will shoot on location in South Africa, New York and Washington, D.C., with production offices imminently moving to South Africa.
CinEssence Films is the production label for writer/director Jordan Walker-Pearlman. Previous titles include the Film Independent Spirit Award multi-nominee The Visit, starring Phylicia Rashad, Hill Harper, Billy Dee Williams and Rae Dawn Chong, and Constellation, starring Harper, Zoe Saldana and Gabrielle Union. CinEssence also creates multi-media advertising through its commercial division.
Shoreline Entertainment films span all genres, from cast-driven dramas and comedies, to thrillers, action, horror and even documentaries. Ruskin and his team maintain a rigorous schedule producing original films and acquiring new projects year-round. With a diverse and growing catalog of films, Shoreline is uniquely positioned to meet the ever-changing needs of the international marketplace.
