We Are the Hartmans Launches as Gala Premier Selection at 2011 Atlanta Film Festival

March 28, 2011 - PRLog -- ATLANTA – Indie feature comedy We Are the Hartmans launches as a world premier selection at the 2011 Atlanta Film Festival (ATLFF). The film stars legendary actor Richard Chamberlain renowned for his lead role in the television mini-series The Thorn Birds, and Ben Curtis, seen worldwide as the “Dell Dude” from Dell computer commercials. Both are scheduled to appear at the gala screening on Saturday, April 30, 7:00pm at the Landmark Midtown Art Cinema. Director Laura Newman describes the film as “the battle to save the last small town rock ‘n roll club”.

The film tells the story of Hartman’s Club, the last local hangout in a town beset by big box stores and fast food chains. When the owner of Hartman’s (Chamberlain) falls ill, his estranged family swoops into town set on closing the club and selling the property to a fast food franchise. To their dismay, the club's staff and motley crew of patrons stage a full-out protest, eventually barricading themselves inside the club. Their show of solidarity is at risk when tensions between factions threaten to tear them apart. Gothamist calls the film "a comedy parable for our gentrified age".

The script was penned by Newman and Emmy award winner Peter J. Brash with a production budget under $200,000. Newman, who makes her feature directorial debut with Hartmans helmed the comedy out of her own passion for activism. She played a key role in the production team that created this year’s Oscar-nominated documentary Gasland.

"In an interesting way, the film is becoming even more timely as we're seeing ordinary people turning out for protest marches across the country," says Newman. "Our story's about the ordinary guy who finds his voice and rallies everyone to save the soul of their hometown--but what happens when you take on a cause and suddenly you're in way over your head?"

Hartmans was produced by (ir)REVERENT Films and KAID MEDIA with Stuart Adam as executive producer. Filming took place in Manhattan and Peekskill, NY and Jersey City, NJ. Featured recording artists include the critically acclaimed L*A*W, Julius C and Black Taxi.

During its 35 years, ATLFF has grown to be a major Southeastern venue for the exhibition of U.S. and international films. More than 15,000 people attended the Festival in 2010 and more than 150 filmmakers, producers, directors, writers, actors and industry representatives shared their work and their successes during the ten days of the Festival. The 2011 festival runs from April 28 to May 7.

To learn more about We Are the Hartmans visit http://www.irreverentfilms.com/WeAreTheHartmans/Home.html or to request an interview contact Blayne K. Ross, Producer at 646-350-0836  or bkr@kaidgroup.com. To order tickets for the gala premier visit the ATLFF website at http://www.atlantafilmfestival.com/2011-festival/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnQWthKQBd0&feature=player...



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We Are the Hartmans is a feature length indie comedy starring Richard Chamberlain and Ben "Dell Dude" Curtis, about a small town's battle to save its soul by saving its only rock 'n roll club.