The executive producers of “Ron and Laura Take Back America” announce today that their feature won Best Comedy during the New York City International Film Festival. The film also earned Best USA Narrative Feature and Best Actor (Mel England) nominations. Written and directed by its co-stars, the comedy team of Mel England (“Little Big Top”) and Janice Markham (“Grandma Sylvia’s Funeral”), the film also stars Golden Globe Best Actress Nominee Irene Bedard (“Into the West”), Jim J. Bullock (“The New Hollywood Squares”), and features a celebrity cameo by Academy Award Best Actress Nominee Sally Kirkland. The film is also produced by Sue Vaccaro (Tony winning producer for “Clybourne Park”), Jill Rothman (“Life in Short”) and Jay Hopkins (“A School of their Own”).
“We were completely surprised, especially with three nominations! People were so happy for us, shaking our hands and taking pictures! It was a blast!” exclaims England. “I’m not sure we expected it to be an ‘award winning’ film, that’s not why we make movies. We do it because we love it. It feels like a real validation — all the years we put into it were really worth it.”
“I am just impressed that we finished our film!” Markham quips. “Everything else feels like icing on the cake to me! But, of course, the recognition is truly humbling and quite satisfying. Hearing the laughter from the audience, listening to the discussion about the characters and scenes after the screening, and then getting festival recognition – it's all quite fantastic!”
The film follows the exploits of a conservative couple, Ron and Laura Grawsill, who decide to join the movement to “Take America Back!” Ron and Laura take on the fight against Obamacare and Gay Marriage, with the help of local politicians and the "Real Suburban Housewives of Bakersfield.” But, when they decide to film their protests, the “culture wars” land right in their own back yard — they find out their son is gay, and then they lose their health insurance! Surrounded by Gay Americans, Undocumented Americans, Muslim Americans, African Americans, and a few health food nuts, Ron and Laura are determined to save their son — and their country! In the final showdown, Ron and Laura take the battle to their favorite reality TV star, America's Top Celebrity Designer, Bob Zackie!
“I think people really enjoyed the film. Maybe because we really need to laugh at some of this stuff!’” exclaims England. “We take some pretty hard political subjects and make fun of it all. We try to be ‘equal opportunity’ in the movie, we make fun of everyone!”
“I think one of the strengths of our film is the family at the center of the story, and their struggle to get along despite their differences,” adds Markham. “Whether it's "All in the Family" or an Edward Albee play, reflecting the American Family in the context of their lives and circumstances is a theme we’ve really enjoyed exploring in this film.”
About “Ron and Laura Take Back America”
“Ron and Laura Take Back America” is a mockumentary satire about a suburban couple who decide to take their country back from Obamacare, Gay Marriage, and Hollywood Health Food Nuts! The feature film is a joint production of Vox Box Entertainment and Magical Iguana Productions.
About New York International Film Festival
The New York City International Film Festival has a well earned reputation, nationally and internationally, as one of the most respected events of the film festival year. The organization is committed to bringing the best of the world’s cinematography to New York City and to provide a platform for talented domestic and international filmmakers to showcase their work. NYCIFF is in the business of theatrical film distribution. Through its annual black tie festival, as well as anxiously anticipated screenings throughout the year, NYCIFF connects with a loyal and discerning New York fan base. This commitment to excellence from Founder, Roberto Rizzo, differentiates NYCIFF from any other film organization. With distribution of films more difficult than ever, the NYCIFF’s mission catapults relationships with some of the most innovative and cutting edge filmmakers from around the world.
Additional information:
http://www.ronandlauratakebackamerica.com/
http://www.facebook.com/ronandlaura
