LOS ANGELES (May 28, 2009) – Today Film Independent, the non-profit arts organization that produces the Spirit Awards and the Los Angeles Film Festival, announced that Paper Man will have its world premiere as the Opening Night Gala of the 2009 Los Angeles Film Festival, presented by the Los Angeles Times.  The Los Angeles Film Festival will run from Thursday, June 18 to Sunday, June 28. 

The film, of which worldwide distribution rights are available, will premiere on Thursday, June 18 at 7:30 p.m. at the Mann Village Theater.

From writer/directors Michele and Kieran Mulroney, Paper Man is the coming-of-middle-age story of Richard Dunn (Jeff Daniels), a writer caught between the pressures of deadlines, the expectations of his wife (Lisa Kudrow), and the constant presence of the superhero (Ryan Reynolds) who's lived inside his head since 2nd Grade.  And then he meets a girl – a Long Island teenager (Emma Stone) whose friendship shows him that no matter how much it hurts, it's never too late to grow up. 

Paper Man is produced by two-time Academy Award® nominee Richard Gladstein through his FilmColony, Guymon Casady through his Film 360, and Art Spigel and Ara Katz through their Artfire Films, who also fully financed the production. Executive Producers include Dan Fireman from Artfire and Fireman Capital Partners, and Darin Friedman from Film 360.

“We wanted to find an independent gem to launch the Los Angeles Film Festival, and we got our wish with the world premiere of this tender, funny, original film from two vibrant new directing talents, Michele and Kieran Mulroney,” said Festival Director Rebecca Yeldham. 

“We love the spirit of the Los Angeles Film Festival and are just thrilled to get the chance to premiere our film in front of our hometown audience.  It’s really an honor,” said the Mulroneys.

Tickets to the premiere of Paper Man can be obtained now by purchasing a Discovery, Industry or Fast pass to this year’s Festival.  In addition to screenings and events, Festival passes at all levels provide access to a series of networking receptions and entry to the ZonePerfect live.create. lounge at 1028 Westwood Blvd. where Festival pass holders can interact with Festival filmmakers and professionals in the film community.

General admission tickets to individual films go on sale beginning May 29.  Contact the Festival Ticketing Center for passes, tickets and event information by calling 866.FILM.FEST (866.345-6337) or visit LAFilmFest.com.  Festival Passes and tickets can also be purchased in person beginning on Friday, June 12 at the Festival Ticketing Center located at 1038 Westwood Blvd.

ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS

WRITER/DIRECTORS: Michele and Kieran Mulroney are first-time directors, whose current writing projects include Warner Bros. Justice League, Sleeping Father and Equals.

PRODUCERS:

Richard N. Gladstein (FilmColony): Previous films include Finding Neverland, The Cider House Rules, Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium, The Nanny Diaries, The Bourne Identity, Jackie Brown, HurlyBurly, Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs, amongst others.

Guymon Casady (Film 360) :  Founding partner of Management 360.  In addition to Paper Man, he is producing the upcoming Game of Thrones for HBO, Cartagena, starring Keanu Reeves, and Infiltrator, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Film 360 is the film production division of Management 360.

Art Spigel & Ara Katz (Artfire Films): Forthcoming films include the Howard Zinn documentary The People Speak and a sequel to George Romero’s Diary of the Dead.  Previously, they produced Romero’s Diary of the Dead.

CAST:

Jeff Daniels is a 3-time Golden Globe®-nominee and a 2009 Tony nominee for the current Broadway play God of Carnage.  Previous credits include Away We Go, State of Play, Good Night, and Good Luck, and The Squid and the Whale.

Ryan Reynolds is in Disney’s forthcoming The Proposal, opposite Sandra Bullock and opening June 19^th, and Fireflies in the Garden opposite Julia Roberts.  Previous credits include X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Definitely, Maybe, Smokin’ Aces, and Just Friends.

Emma Stone is in Columbia Pictures’ upcoming Zombieland with Bill Murray, Mila Kunis, Abigail Breslin and Woody Harrelson.  Previous credits include Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, House Bunny, The Rocker and Superbad.

Lisa Kudrow is a 7-time Emmy Award®-nominee for Friends and will be seen in Summit Entertainment’s forthcoming Bandslam.  Her previous feature credits include Hotel for Dogs, P.S. I Love You, The Comeback, Happy Endings, and Analyze That.

ABOUT THE 2009 LOS ANGELES FILM FESTIVAL

Now in its fifteenth year, the Los Angeles Film Festival is widely recognized as a world-class event, showcasing the best in new American and international cinema and providing the movie-loving public with access to some of the most critically acclaimed filmmakers, film industry professionals, and emerging talent from around the world.

The Festival features unique signature programs including the Filmmaker Retreat, Film Financing Conference, Ford Amphitheatre Outdoor Screenings, Poolside Chats at the W Los Angeles – Westwood Hotel, and more. Additionally, the Festival screens short films created by high school students and has a special section devoted to music videos.

More than 70 features, 70 shorts, and 50 music videos, representing more than 30 countries, make up the main body of the Festival.

Awards are given out in the following categories at the conclusion of the Festival: Target Filmmaker Award for Best Narrative Feature with an unrestricted cash prize of $50,000 funded by Target; Target Documentary Award with an unrestricted cash prize of $50,000 funded by Target; Outstanding Performance in the Narrative Competition; Best Narrative Short Film; Best Documentary Short Film; Best Animated/Experimental Short Film; and Audience Awards for Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary Feature, Best International Feature, Best Music Video, and Best Short Film.

The Los Angeles Film Festival is presented by the Los Angeles Times and is supported by Premier Sponsors Target and ZonePerfect® Nutrition Bars and Principal Sponsors Kodak, IFC, and Netflix.  Special support is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts.  American Airlines is the Official Airline Partner, WireImage is the Official Photography Agency of Film Independent, and W Los Angeles – Westwood Hotel and the Hotel Palomar are the Official Hotel Partners of the Festival.

ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT

Film Independent is a non-profit arts organization that champions independent film and supports a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation, and uniqueness of vision. Film Independent helps filmmakers make their movies, builds an audience for their projects, and works to diversify the film industry. Film Independent’s Board of Directors, filmmakers, staff, and constituents, is comprised of an inclusive community of individuals across ability, age, ethnicity, gender, race, and sexual orientation. Anyone passionate about film can become a member, whether you are a filmmaker, industry leader, or a film lover.

With over 250 annual screenings and events, Film Independent provides access to a network of like-minded artists who are driving creativity in the film industry. Film Independent offers free Filmmaker Labs for selected writers, directors, and producers; provides cut-rate services for filmmakers; and presents year-round networking opportunities. Film Independent’s mentorship and job placement program, Project:Involve, pairs emerging culturally diverse filmmakers with film industry professionals.

Film Independent produces the Los Angeles Film Festival and the Spirit Awards. For more information or to become a member, visit FilmIndependent.org.

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