Please join us at The World Premiere on Saturday 11th October. redcarpetnz.tv | Black tie | Celebration When New Zealand-made feature film Broken Hallelujah is released to cinemas around the country on October 16 a percentage of all ticket sales will go to the Mental Health Foundation following the death of one of its characters to suicide. Actor Jimmy Keen, 21, took his life 9 months following the filming of Broken Hallelujah and after suffering from depression and anxiety. Inspired by a true story about love, the power of friendships and the complications of families, husband and wife team, Alastair and Vanessa Riddell directed and produced Broken Hallelujah and were devastated by Jimmy’s death. “Jimmy was a talented young actor and working with him on Broken Hallelujah we became very close,” says Mr Riddell. “People suffering from depression can be great actors, Jimmy included, and due to the taboo around all mental illness often it’s not talked about and the argument is that talking well encourage it.” “This is rubbish, I believe as a society were completely in denial,” he says. “Hence why Vanessa and I are going to donate a percentage of Broken Hallelujah’s ticket sales to the Mental Health Foundation in the hope that the funds will help prevent another unnecessary loss of life,” says Mr Riddell. Broken Hallelajuh’s plot touches on the issue of suicide and following Jimmy’s death the Riddells considered removing one of the scenes out of respect. “However, following discussions with Jimmy’s mother we decided to keep the scene in question in the film as it does portray that there is a sense of hope following such an event and we think that is an important message,” says Mr Riddell. Broken Hallelujah has received rave reviews to date. “Broken Hallelujah is completely compelling and unique story-telling with a decidedly Kiwi flavour, says Liam Fennel editor of Verve Magazine. Australian distributor, Barrie Barmes of Revolution Entertainment, says “the film is a must, with truly great performances.” Broken Hallelujah is packed with well-known and talented Kiwi actors including handsome Ben Mitchell, (Outrageous Fortune series one, Shortland Street and The Hobbit); Michael Chamberlain (Avatar, Insatiable Moon, Hook line and Sinker and Shortland Street); Vanessa Riddell (In My Fathers Den and The Lion the Witch and The Wardrobe); and Greg Smith (Mt Zion and Help). The film is, as director, Alastair Riddell’s debut feature film which has received entry to an American film festival White Sands. Alastair has a second feature film ‘Cowboy’ currently in post-production. Alastair is a singer, songwriter, professional musician and is best known for his lead role in the 70’s band Space Waltz. His partner, Vanessa Riddell, wrote and produced Broken Hallelujah and also stars in the film as the lead female role which are equally significant contributions in the process of making the film. With the help of redcarpetnz.tv, the Broken Hallelujah premiere will take place at The Vic in Devonport on Saturday 11th October and will be released through Rialto Cinemas and to cinemas around the country on October 16, 2014. To view the Broken Hallelujah trailer click on these links: https://vimeo/102498927 link to short trailer https://vimeo/100842380 link to long trailer Book your tickets for the World Premiere 11th October 2014 redcarpetnz.tv
Posted on: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 11:48:07 +0000