One of the things that I am so blessed to get to do is play pretend. As an actor, I get to dress up in costumes and recite beautiful words that someone has painstakingly pounded into brilliant scenes. I get to live out my fantasies playing wild and sometimes crazy characters.
I am thrilled to announce that a film that I am in will be premiering at the Gene Siskel Film Center later this month. And I’d love for you to join us!
The Sleight from director Ben Kurstin premieres at the Midwest Film Festival’s Emerging Filmmaker Night at the Gene Siskel Film Center on Monday, March 27.
The thriller with dark comedy undertones follows a down on his luck hotel ballroom magician who gets drugged and kidnapped by a trio of mysterious women who believe him to be someone they once knew. It tackles issues of both faith and morals, but without heavy handed judgement. It more so makes you question, but at heart is entertainment.
It was really enjoyable shoot from start to finish. The cast and crew were all just wonderful to work with. I really can’t wait to share the finished product with everyone. We’re all very proud.
Ben Kurstin is a very skilled young filmmaker. He and his production partner Tin Nguyen at 54 Scripts Productions really run a strong outfit.
The Sleight also stars Amy Stricker who appeared in the 2017 Jeff Award-winning production of High Fidelity and was seen this season in a riveting performance on Chicago PD. My other wonderful costars are Freda Hu and Isabel Fugatt.
I can tell you. Amy, Freda, and Izzy are just knockout performers. Everyone who sees this film is going to be so impressed with these three.
And, of course, I’m very proud of the film overall. I’m going to be at the premiere, and I’d love to see people come out for a great evening celebrating a crop of the industry’s best new filmmakers.
The Sleight is the second film from 54 Scripts Productions, following the success of the award-wining short film Yellow Polka Dot. Kurstin is the screenwriter of both films and served as cinematographer on Yellow Polka Dot. Nguyen served as cinematographer for The Sleight and director for Yellow Polka Dot.
If you’ve ever wanted to rub elbows with me at a film premiere, I hope you’ll purchase tickets to join me at the upcoming film festival and introduce yourself. It’s always a pleasure to meet new people and make new friends.
In addition to The Sleight, other films slated to be screened include Labor of Love by Hannah Rosalie Wright, Close as Brothers by Jennifer Hardacker, JOE by Noah Rogers, Masterpieces by Bridget Johnson and Ronan Morrissey, An Apocalypse by Matt O’Connell, Having a Nice Day by Jesse Rothenberg and Zo Zosak, Crawdad by Jess Myers Rigoni, Eaten by Andrew Paul Davis, and Bliss by Dalin Nelson.
The Midwest Film Festival’s Emerging Filmmaker Night will kick off with a networking reception at 6:30 PM on Monday, March 27. Screenings of the evening’s ten films will begin at 7:30 PM. There will be an after party at the Emerald Loop Bar & Grill.
The Gene Siskel Film Center is located at 164 N. State Street in Chicago. For tickets visit https://www.siskelfilmcenter.org/emerging-filmmakers or call the box office at (312) 864-2085.
Peace. Love. Trust.
Rikki Lee Travolta
SHARE
If you appreciate the nature of my words here, I ask that you take just a moment to share this article with your social media of choice. Please help spread the word about The Life and Times of Rikki Lee Travolta to family and friends.
FOLLOW
Follow me on Facebook Rikki Lee Travolta (/rikki.travolta), Facebook The Life and Times of Rikki Lee Travolta (/rikkileetravolta), LinkedIn (/rltravolta) and Twitter (@RikkiLeeTV)