Los Angeles, CA (March 4, 2008) Rising international finance accountant turned award-winning filmmaker Anthony Nardolillo presented his dance/drama short film “MANO” at the legendary Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, California last night.
The film showcased to a sold-out theatre and the film presentation was followed by a lively reception and salsa dancing.
Taking an unusual path toward the production of a full length film, Nardolillo utilized his business and fundraising skills to produce the short film while at the same time, build up a worldwide fan base. Buzz over the new film, unusual for a short format, propelled the event as one of the most sought-after red carpets by movie executives and Hollywood and Latino celebrities. A previous movie showcase in Washington DC also played to a sold-out audience.
Celebrities attending the Hollywood red carpet event included: Vanessa Williams (Ugly Betty), Aimee Garcia (The George Lopez Show), Ezequiel Stremiz (Amas de Casa Desesperadas, the Spanish language version of Desperate Housewives), Lee Thompson Young (Friday Night Lights, Akeelah and the Bee), Giancarlo Esposito (Do the Right Thing, Usual Suspects), Amaury Nolasco (Prison Break, Transformers), Efren Ramirez (Napolean Dynamite), Victor Rasuk (Stop Loss), Jesse Garcia (Under the Same Moon) and Franc Reyes (Dir. Illegal Tender), among others.
The West Coast Premiere of “MANO” was sponsored by The Margarita King, El Mexicano, L’Bel Paris and Redroxx Energy Drink. Media sponsors included QuePasa.com and Latino 96.3 FM.
Winner for Best Cinematography at the Sol Dance Film Festival & Filmmakers Discovery House® 2008 in Park City Utah, “MANO” has also been selected by the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) to participate in the fourth annual Latino Media Market™ (LMM). Selected LMM filmmakers have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with industry representatives to fund feature development or production.
Written, produced and directed by Nardolillo, “MANO” tells the story of Victor and Machito; best friends growing up and heavily involved in the underground salsa scene. Separated as teenagers after the death of Victor's father, Victor leaves New York all together; however the passion for dance and music never leaves him. After returning to the block he grew up on years later, he seeks out his childhood buddy Machito, whom he discovers has followed his father’s fatal footsteps. Staring Giancarlo Esposito (Do the Right Thing, Carlitos Way; Rise to Power, Usual Suspects, Feel the Noise), Laz Alonso (Jarhead, Stomp the Yard, Avatar) , Lee Thompson Young (Friday Night Lights, Akeelah and the Bee , The Hills Have Eyes 2), Yesenia Adame (Dancing with the Stars, National Bingo Night) and introducing Anthony Nardolillo. The short film is the predecessor to the feature length film which is currently in development and being produced by Michael Watkins – Executive producer of X-Files and Prison Break.
About Anthony Nardolillo:
Brooklyn born Anthony Nardolillo is a “West Side Story” symbol engendered of Puerto Rican and Italian parents. A renaissance man of sorts, Nardolillo wrote, directed and produced the short film “MANO.” In his first ever involvement in a cinematic project, Nardolillo also stars and dances in the film. Nardolillo graduated from Shepherd University in 2001 with a BA in accounting, where he works and has specialized in the field of international finance. In 2006, after being discovered while salsa dancing in LA and approached about acting in a film, he packed up and made the move to the film capital of the world. The movie he pursued never came to fruition, but in the process he met now close friend and “Stomp the Yard” star Columbus Short, who pushed him into developing his own project; since raising money was something Nardolillo had developed a reputation for among his peers. Effectively utilizing both sides of his brain to tap into his creativity as well as his pragmatic business side, Nardolillo steps up to the plate, literally, with this impressive short film based on brotherly love and fellowship in the competitive world of salsa music and song.
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Posted by On2Ivi, Mar 17, 2008
I think that is absolutely wonderful!!!!
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Posted by learnsalsa, Mar 19, 2008
Great Premiere Anthony!
Looking forward to the movie- from all of us at LearnSalsa.com
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Posted by Salsera_54, Apr 01, 2008
I wished I were there to watch it. :( It's not in Orlando. :(((
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