Lance Morcan's Blog, page 15
March 16, 2024
Attention lovers of fine music: Greek virtuoso Vasileios Yfantis unveils his latest album Cinematic Works, Vol. III
News release: by Lance Morcan, March 17, 2024
Followers of the acclaimed Athenian composure-musician-artist-writer Vasileios (Billy) Yfantis are enchanted by his latest offering, which some have described as a remarkable album set to captivate listeners with its evocative piano compositions.
Yfantis celebrates a guest appearance at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards.
There’s no doubt Yfantis has hit the mark with Cinematic Works, Vol. III, an album one music critic says “transports listeners to a realm of ethereal beauty and emotion”. Another critic describes it as “a dreamy Journey through atmospheric piano music”.
The album marks a significant milestone in Yfantis’ illustrious career. Known for his ability to harness the power of music to paint vivid stories, he has once again delved deep into his creative wellspring to craft a collection of soul-stirring tracks that transcend the boundaries of traditional piano music.
As a successor to his previous critically acclaimed albums, Cinematic Works, Vol. III continues the artist’s exploration of atmospheric and cinematic soundscapes. Each composition is a musical narrative, carefully designed to elicit powerful emotions and imagery.
“The piano has always been my canvas for storytelling,” says Yfantis. “With Cinematic Works, Vol. III, I wanted to create a sonic journey that transports listeners to different worlds, where they can lose themselves in the magic of music.”
Listeners can expect to be spellbound by the musician’s emotive piano performance as he skilfully blends classical and contemporary influences to create a truly transcendent musical experience.
Cinematic Works, Vol. III will soon be available on all major music streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, etc.
Cinematic Works, Vol. III…a dreamy Journey through atmospheric piano music.
• Album • Vasileios Yfantis • 2023 • 50 songs • 3 hrs, 34 mins.
Discography:
1. Vasileios Yfantis – Cinematic Works, Vol. III (Year of Release: 2023)
2. Vasileios Yfantis – Cinematic Works, Vol. II (2022)
3. Vasileios Yfantis – Cinematic Works, Vol. I (2021)
Vasileios (Billy) Yfantis has been working on music since the late 1990s, experimenting with tape mixing and sound design. He holds two Masters Degrees in IT (Information Technology) and is a Ph.D. candidate in the University of West Attica, conducting research on e-government.
Moreover, the Greek maestro has authored books on music, business and science as well as periodically speaking about the electronic governance at scientific conferences Europe-wide.
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Treat yourself and listen to Cinematic Works, Vol. III here:
YouTubeMusic: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lw15Y0Pvwg9lapmuMFUNfVfOSbXASH1Xg
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/cinematic-works-vol-iii/1701935166
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/00PQNC58TKwVTQLrW38Y2w?si=4Zv01zbNShey6ma4h3fWBg
Media enquiries:
E-mail: Byfantis@yahoo.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087735953070
Editor’s note: Special thanks to Billy Yfantis from Lance & James Morcan, and all the cast and crew of the soon-to-be-released, mystery-drama Anno 2020, for his generosity in promoting this movie to his legion of followers. Anno 2020, directed by James and produced by Gil & Oren Ben-Moshe, of MoneyShot Productions, celebrates its world premiere in Sydney on April 7.
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March 15, 2024
Hollywood’s Kevin Scott Allen resonates with starring role in pandemic-inspired movie Anno 2020
“It’s just another thing the (Covid-19) pandemic took from us — deep, fulfilling, nourishing relationships on the job.”
So wrote veteran American actor, writer, producer Kevin Scott Allen in a guest article published in the Los Angeles Times early in 2021. The article, titled “Wish you were here. With love, your work friend”, was a poignant commentary on the impact the pandemic-enforced lockdowns and social isolation had on himself and on his fellow actors.
Explaining to readers how the isolation impacted upon him personally, Allen, who is best known for his roles in Alias (2001), Prison Break (2005) and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993), said there was a hole in his life the size of the universe.
The emotion behind those words is there for all to see in the soon-to-be released global movie Anno 2020 in which Allen plays the central character of Elijah, a self-styled philosopher who mentors a variety of colorful individuals similarly affected by the lockdowns elsewhere in America and around the world.
Kevin Scott Allen…a central figure in Anno 2020.
Billed as a global kaleidoscope of interconnected characters seeking redemption, forgiveness, and answers amidst the chaos of 2020, the Australian-produced mystery-drama Anno 2020 was shot in 17 cities on four continents during the lockdowns on a micro budget of US$6,000.
The film was produced by Sydney-based Gil Ben-Moshe, of MoneyShot Productions, and helmed by New Zealand born director James Morcan. They both act in it as well with Ben-Moshe playing a major role.
The Anno 2020 screenplay, which Morcan adapted from his published novel of the same name, immediately resonated with Allen. Speaking from his Los Angeles home this week, the respected actor says it mirrored what was going on in the world at the time.
“I was absolutely intrigued by the way it was to be filmed, and by the fact it was a truly global production,” he says. “Not to mention the filmmakers’ boldness and enthusiasm. I was so impressed, I jumped at the opportunity to be part of it.”
Allen describes Morcan, for whom Anno 2020 represents his directorial debut, as an actor’s dream for a director.
“James gave me total freedom to find the character’s voice, and he encouraged me to find my way of conveying the story, giving me full reign to improvise and create my own dialogue. I felt this character sinking further down into my bones with each scene we filmed.”
As for filming during the lockdown while separated from the director, crew, and fellow actors, he said it was as weird as hell not having folks running around on set.
“Being simultaneously on set, so to speak, with other actors on other continents via a mobile phone connection will be a lasting memory for me as will the rapport I quickly established with my terrific onscreen brother Greg Poppleton (The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader).
“Filming a desert sequence at magical Whitewater, near Palm Springs, it was only me, the cameraman and his assistant physically on site with the director and producer on mobile phone in Australia. That was a real highlight. It was strangely liberating in that it was more real and I didn’t have to ‘ignore’ dozens of crewmembers during the takes.”
Allen’s decision to join the Anno 2020 cast proved a good one. The film has enjoyed recent success in film festivals – most notably winning the Titan International Film Festival’s ‘Best Experimental Film’ award, in Sydney, Australia, Quarter-Finalist status in the Best Film category at the International British Film Festival 2023, in London, as well as an official selection in the Symbiotic Film Festival in Ukraine.
Allen is currently filming what he describes as a wonderful Matt McClung-helmed, suspense-horror film called Menagerie in which he plays a ghost who haunts a hotel after having died early last century.
In addition to having acquired countless credits acting in film, television and theatre over 30 years, Allen is an author whose books include his non-fiction work Conquering the Film and Television Audition, and the well-reviewed mystery novel Murder Can Be Fatal, recently published by Film Arts Press. He is currently working on two more novels.
Veteran actor Kevin Scott Allen…always at home on the red carpet.
Allen’s biography on Amazon advises readers that he is also a sought-after, on-camera, acting teacher and audition coach. His students’ successful auditions have won them starring roles in films as well as co-star, guest star, and series regular roles on television.
A married man, his “Trivia” page on the international film site IMDb advises, among other surprising revelations, that he went to the same prep school as Ethan Hawke; was schooled in Switzerland; once spoke French better than English; was the very last actor hired/cast in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine; won Best Actor Award at the 2011 Edgemar Short Film Festival for Switchboard; and filmed his first television show was when he was only seven.
Born in Washington, D.C., he grew up in California, Virginia, North Carolina, and New Jersey. He was educated at the Hun School of Princeton and at Collège Champittet, in Switzerland, where he learnt to speak French fluently, and he then studied theatre and dramatic arts at California’s University of Redlands.
In 1979, at the Globe Theatre on Broadway, Los Angeles, Allen played Buckingham in Henry VI, Part 2 and Clifford in Henry VI, Part 3. An early television appearance came in the Otherworld episode “The Zone Troopers Build Men” (1985).
Sydney producer Gil Ben-Moshe says working with Allen was one of the highlights for him on the Anno 2020 production.
“Kevin’s resume extends further than the Great Wall of China as this actor has done it all, and when you see firsthand this exquisite talent at work you cannot be anything but in awe of his status as a first-class actor,” says Ben-Moshe.
“Even more impressive than his enviable talent was his attitude on set. He trusted first time director James Morcan from day one. Kevin’s respectful and humble approach was a lesson to every actor regardless of their experience.”
This wasn’t lost on Morcan who describes Allen as the type of artist filmmakers love to collaborate with.
“Kevin’s able to walk the tightrope of being the sort of actor who completely submerges himself into any character he plays, juxtaposed with having the ability to listen to the perspective of a director and adjust accordingly,” says Morcan.
“Given his career goes all the way back to 1970’s Hollywood and working with such titans of the performing arts as Andy Kaufman, I found it inspiring to observe how Kevin masterfully approaches characterisation, storytelling and the filmmaking process in general.”
Morcan considers Anno 2020 a vignette film.
“It’s a rare type of movie where there are various plots instead of just one. These are told separately, but they all intersect at the end to ultimately become part of one larger story.”
Anno 2020 boasts an award-winning ensemble of international actors. Other cast members include leading Australian Erin Connor (Occupation: Rainfall, Dino King 3D), American veterans Sheila Ball (American Trash and A Prince and Pauper Christmas) and Chinese American Crystal J. Huang (Dark Feathers), as well as up-and-coming Californian Jessica Castello (Oildale), and Australian child actress Audrey Nitschke (Wolf Like Me).
Asked whether he would work with Anno 2020’s filmmakers again, Kevin Scott Allen said he would. “In a heartbeat!”
He adds, “I felt I had a true partner in James (Morcan), not merely a taskmaster. Every scene had a true feeling of creativity, not simply storytelling. It was the same with Gil (Ben-Moshe). Every moment he was on screen I was riveted by his true exploration of the scene and how it affected his character.”
Anno 2020 will celebrate its world premiere at a red-carpet event in Sydney on April 7. Beyond that, interstate cinematic screenings Australia-wide are planned, followed by screenings in New Zealand and possibly the U.S. as well. The longer-term target includes online distribution on major streaming platforms.
The Anno 2020 trailer can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/@ANNO2020TheMovie
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Media enquiries:
Gil Ben-Moshe Ph. +61 418 219 206 E: moneyshotgil@gmail.com
James Morcan Ph. +61 431 981 415 E: jamesmorcan@yahoo.com
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March 6, 2024
Award-winning movie Anno 2020 has echoes of real-life for up-and-coming Los Angeles actress
News release: March 7, 2024:
For Santa Monica-born actress Jessica Castello, playing the standout role of a daughter separated from a dying loved-one in her latest feature film was a case of make-believe reflecting real life.
In the soon-to-be-released, award-winning Anno 2020 – a mystery drama filmed and set in the cataclysmic year that was 2020 – Castello plays the role of a young exchange student locked down in Wuhan, China, and separated from her mother in Michigan after the outbreak of Covid-19.
Jessica Castello…making her mark in film.
The role of her mother, Heather, is played by acclaimed actress Sheila Ball (American Trash, A Prince and Pauper Christmas) whose character is dying of cancer, and the emotional scenes between her and Castello’s character, Emma, are among the most poignant in the movie.
Castello, best known for her starring role in the celebrated David Mueller-helmed Oildale (2019), says the filming of Anno 2020 was difficult for her in more ways than one.
“As well as being locked down like everyone else, I was separated from my Florida-based grandmother who was dying at the time,” she says. “She passed away during filming, so it was an especially emotional period for me.”
The Los Angeles actress says she also found it challenging having to act in the privacy of her Hollywood home and not on a traditional film set surrounded by other actors and crew.
“That was difficult because it’s harder to psych yourself up to play a scene in the comfort of your home. Fortunately, I clicked with Sheila (Ball) immediately, and she was a joy to work with. So nice yet so professional.”
In one scene, Castello, who is also a singer songwriter, sings ‘Chances Are (Emma’s Lullaby)’, one of the songs she wrote specifically for her character. That scene, part of a sequence filmed in a Los Angeles bar, was for her a highlight especially as she got to perform with other actors away from home, and more importantly, she says, because she got to sing.
Chinese American actress Crystal J. Huang (left) plays opposite Castello in Anno 2020 bar scene.
The 24-year-old strawberry blonde, who has been acting professionally since the age of 12, started in musical theater as a youngster, performing in many plays and musicals. She also wrote a musical for the stage, which she hopes to bring to light one day.
Castello recently scored representation with L.A. talent agency the Players Artists Agency. A move, she says, that has resulted in a bunch of auditions.
To say she is multi-talented would be an understatement. From the age of four she was a competitive figure skater, and she reveals at one stage she considered working toward qualifying for Olympic Games selection. Home-schooled through her junior years, she received her General Education Diploma at the tender age of 16 and went on to study criminal justice in college.
As well as starring in various supporting and lead screen roles, including her lead role in Oildale – a performance that earned her the Best Actress award at the Sene Film Festival – she has appeared in numerous national and international commercials. On top of that, a love of travel and a flair for the written word resulted in her being appointed editor of the popular online magazine Traveler.com.
Best Actress winner Jessica Castello singing in Oildale.
Castello says she was thrilled to be cast in Anno 2020 because it came at a time when the world was basically in lockdown and there was little going by way of acting opportunities.
“Working on this film was such a unique film experience. I don’t think I’ll ever be a part of something like that again. It has a special place in my heart!”
It turned out to be a good career move for her because the film has enjoyed recent success in film festivals – most notably winning the Titan International Film Festival’s ‘Best Experimental Film’ award, in Sydney, Australia, Quarter-Finalist status in the Best Film category at the International British Film Festival 2023, in London, as well as an official selection in the Symbiotic Film Festival in Ukraine.
Anno 2020’s lead producer, Sydney-based Gil Ben-Moshe, of MoneyShot Productions, says completion of the film was a triumph in the face of adversity given it was shot around the world at the height of the strict lockdowns.
“Its successful completion represents no small victory given the travel restrictions and other challenges thrown up by the pandemic,” he says. “Especially when you consider it spans 17 cities and five countries on four continents and was done on a shoestring budget of US$6,000.”
Ben-Moshe who is also an actor and who plays a memorable role in the film, says Castello was an absolute pleasure to work with.
“Even though Jessica is relatively young, she displayed a lot of maturity which was welcomed by the director and other cast members. What was most notable was her onscreen chemistry with veteran actress Sheila Ball.
Veteran American actress Sheila Ball.
“You can always identify the level of an actor by their demeanor on set. I cannot recall ever seeing Jessica overwhelmed or stressed during the filming of any of her scenes. She is a very confident, experienced, and versatile actress.”
Anno 2020 boasts an award-winning ensemble of international actors. Other cast members include leading Australians Greg Poppleton (Backtrack, The Chronicles of Narnia) and Erin Connor (Occupation: Rainfall, Dino King 3D), as well as US veterans Kevin Scott Allen (Star Trek, Alias, Prison Break) and Chinese American Crystal J. Huang (Dark Feathers).
For New Zealand director James Morcan, Anno 2020 represents his directorial debut. The Sydney-based director, who also acts in the film and who adapted the screenplay from his published novel of the same name, describes the movie as a global kaleidoscope of interconnected characters seeking redemption, forgiveness, and answers amidst the chaos of 2020.
“It’s a vignette film – a rare type of movie where there are various plots instead of just one,” he says. “These are told separately, but they all intersect at the end to ultimately become part of one larger story.”
Morcan says Jessica Castello was chosen out of 500 young American actresses who applied for the role of Emma.
“The role had a girl-to-woman character arc, and Jessica was versatile enough to pull off both an immature teenager and an independent woman. Once I discovered she is also a dynamic singer, we worked together to incorporate her musical side into the story. I’m excited to see what roles Jessica is cast for in future, and I hope to collaborate with her again on another film.”
Castello says Morcan is truly an actor’s director.
“James was absolutely wonderful!” she says. “He made sure everything went as smooth as possible, always asking for my opinion and ensuring I was a part of telling this story.”
Anno 2020 will celebrate its world premiere at a red-carpet event in Sydney on April 7. Beyond that, interstate cinematic screenings Australia-wide are planned, followed by screenings in New Zealand and possibly the US as well. The longer-term target includes online distribution on major streaming platforms.
The Anno 2020 trailer can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/@ANNO2020TheMovie
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Anno 2020 IMDb page: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13455748/
Jessica’s IMDb page:
Jessica’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicacastello/
Anno 2020 film industry site link: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13455748/
Media enquiries:
Jessica Castello Ph. +1 561 523 0938 E: jessicacastello@hotmail.com
Gil Ben-Moshe Ph. +61 418 219 206 E: moneyshotgil@gmail.com
James Morcan Ph. +61 431 981 415 E: jamesmorcan@yahoo.com
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March 2, 2024
Acclaimed Chinese American actress stars in Anno 2020, a global movie shot during the Covid-19 lockdowns
News release, March 3, 2024: The filmmakers behind Anno 2020, an award-winning, Australian-produced, mystery-drama soon to celebrate its world premiere, count themselves lucky to have secured the services of California-based Chinese American actress Crystal J. Huang.
Crystal J. Huang…multi-talented.
In recent years, Shanghai-born Huang has emerged as an in-demand actress in major American motion pictures, starring opposite such renowned Hollywood veterans as Eric Roberts and Tom Sizemore. The multi-talented actress is currently basking in the success of her new release psychological thriller Dark Feathers, another award-winning film and one in which she also makes her directorial debut.
Huang, who is also a film producer, model, dancer, and photographer of some note, is one of an ensemble of international actors who appears in Anno 2020, an ambitious, low budget (US$6,000) movie shot on four continents at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. She plays a Chinese immigrant living in Dublin, Ca., which also happens to be the place she now calls home in real life. Her screen daughter, played by Beijing-native Ruike Kuang, is on vacation in Beijing when the Covid-19 outbreak begins in early 2020.
Anno 2020’s New Zealand director James Morcan, who also acts in the film and who adapted the Anno 2020 screenplay from his published novel of the same name, says he didn’t hesitate to cast Huang to star in the production.
“Crystal was my main advisor on Chinese cultural elements. She carefully translated some of the script’s English dialogue into Mandarin for scenes in her native language,” says Morcan.
“I also gave her the freedom to improvise much of her dialogue. This helped to shape her role and mother-daughter plot into something authentically Chinese rather than reflect my Western perspective.”
Morcan says what he loves about Huang is she is not only an exceptional actress, but she is all about supporting the director and the film. “Crystal has no ego and that, combined with her remarkable talent, equals a winning formula for any actor.”
He describes the film as a multicultural kaleidoscope of interconnected characters seeking redemption, forgiveness and answers during the wild year that was 2020.
“It’s a vignette film, a rare type of movie where there are various plots instead of just one. These are told separately, but they all intersect at the end to ultimately become part of one larger story.”
Requiring the employment of camera crews and cast around the world, Anno 2020 has an impressive lineup of actors. Other cast members include US veterans Kevin Scott Allen (Star Trek, Alias, Prison Break) and Sheila Ball (Assault on VA-33), and leading Australians Greg Poppleton (Backtrack, The Chronicles of Narnia) and Erin Connor (Occupation: Rainfall, Dino King 3D).
The movie has had recent success in film festivals – most notably winning the Titan International Film Festival’s ‘Best Experimental Film’ award, in Sydney last month, and Quarter-Finalist status in the Best Film category at the International British Film Festival 2023 in London. It also received an official selection for the Symbiotic Film Festival in Ukraine.
Crystal Huang says Anno 2020 will always have a special place in her heart.
“The lockdowns of 2020 had an impact on almost everyone, and for me personally it (the pandemic) was an especially depressing and stressful time in my life,” she says.
“I was separated from my daughter during that period, and then the Anno 2020 opportunity came along. It provided me with a chance to express my own feelings about family, and how to cope with long distance relationships.
“Participating in Anno 2020 was truly a career highlight for me as well as being therapeutic, and it helped me get through that very difficult period.”
Huang, whose favorite actor is Woody Allen, says Anno 2020 is reminiscent of Woody Allen’s work.
“I think it is a timely contribution and touches on various important issues facing society in this era. It has rich diversity and almost every scene feels totally realistic.”
“The film’s characters are all meaningful and unique, and James, as a first-time director, has great personal style and delivers cinematic atmosphere. I believe Anno 2020 deserves to be seen by everyone, including Chinese people.”
Huang says one of her lasting memories of the film was the day she drove to Burbank to performance an iconic bar sequence.
“I had to drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles to participate in that sequence, working around the continuing lockdowns in the process. As well as preparing for my performance, I had to shoot some scenes using my own camera. Fortunately, I was able to fall back on my experience as a photographer.”
Currently, she has been super busy producing her movie Dark Feathers, which just last week premiered on the opening night of the Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival. The film received five HRIFF nominations, including Best Picture and People’s Choice Award, and won three awards, including Best Actress (Crystal J. Huang), Best Supporting actor (Michael Madsen), and Best Trailer.
“I am swamped arranging for this movie to be released in theaters. Funding limitations mean I must do almost everything myself.”
Huang says she envisions producing the prequel of Dark Feathers if the film performs and if time allows.
As for Anno 2020, she says she would definitely work with director James Morcan and crew again if the opportunity arose.
“James’s creativity in directing the movie made the storyline very believable, and his approach to shooting assembling shots from individuals (physically separated by the lockdowns) felt rather fresh.”
Morcan confirmed he would work with Huang again in a heartbeat.
“Crystal really is a director’s delight to work alongside,” he says.
Anno 2020’s lead producer Gil Ben-Moshe, of Sydney-based film production company MoneyShot Productions, echoes his director’s comments.
“As a producer I need to ensure we cast people who are not only talented and professional, but who possess a positive attitude,” says Ben-Moshe who also plays a lead role in the movie.
“Throughout the entire shoot, Crystal demonstrated all these attributes. She is one of those actors who appreciate and respect other actors as well as the director. On set, Crystal’s charm and experience shone through, complimented by a truly likeable personality, and she delivered a heartwarming performance which was well received by all who have viewed the movie.”
Ben-Moshe says completion of Anno 2020, which was shot on a shoestring budget in 17 cities around the world at the height of the strict Covid-19 lockdowns, was a triumph in the face of adversity.
Beyond the movie’s official launch on April 7, interstate cinematic screenings Australia-wide are planned, followed by screenings in New Zealand and possibly the US as well. The longer-term target includes online distribution on major streaming platforms.
The Anno 2020 trailer can be viewed at: [image error]https://www.youtube.com/@ANNO2020TheMovie
For more images and media contacts see below.
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Media enquiries:
Crystal J. Huang Ph. +1 925 997 9486 E: huang.crystal@gmail.com
Gil Ben-Moshe Ph. +61 418 219 206 E: moneyshotgil@gmail.com
James Morcan Ph. +61 431 981 415 E: jamesmorcan@yahoo.com
Crystal J. Huang (above) displays her Best Asian Film Award.
Director James Morcan accepts the Titan International Film Festival award.
Anno 2020 lead producer Gil Ben-Moshe, of MoneyShot Productions.
The movie poster for Anno 2020…reflective of a truly global production.
More images available on request.
Anno 2020 IMDb page: [image error]https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13455748/
Crystal’s IMDb page: [image error]
Crystal’s Instagram: [image error]https://www.instagram.com/crystalj.huang/
Anno 2020 film industry site link: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13455748/
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February 18, 2024
Israeli Special Forces combat soldier doubles as an actress and plays major role in global movie
Israeli actress Lital Luzon is one of an international array of actors who stars in the soon-to-be-released, award-winning, mystery-drama Anno 2020. However, the multi-talented, 37-year-old, Jewish entertainer is unique in that she also holds the rank of Senior Sergeant Major in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and has recently completed a three-month tour of duty combatting Hezbollah insurgents on the Lebanese border.
Lital Luzon…on duty with her Special Forces unit.
Luzon was one of many Israelis directly impacted by Hamas’s incursion into southern Israel from Gaza on October 7. The bloody events of that fateful day saw her called up to rejoin her IDF Army combat squad in northern Israel – her squad being the elite Oketz unit whose members work with dogs and whose responsibilities include recovering missing, captured and sometimes deceased Israelis from combat zones.
As part of the IDF’s Reserve Force, she remains on call for such emergencies.
Speaking from her home in Tel Aviv, Luzon whose two siblings (a brother and a sister) also serve as soldiers, would not provide specifics on her unit’s missions on the Lebanese border other than to say the region is a real hotspot.
“There’s more going on there than people are aware,” she confides. “Much of what’s happening is unreported or underreported.”
Haifa-born Luzon says she began her mandatory military training with the IDF as an 18-year-old.
“Eighteen was, and to this day still is, the age able-bodied Israelis must commit to military training. It’s normally a fulltime, three-year commitment for males and only two years for females unless they (females) try out for acceptance into the IDF’s Special Forces.”
She was one of 10 females who tried out for the Special Forces that year, and she was one of only three or four who qualified. It was a commitment that changed her life in innumerable ways.
“I had my heart set on a career as a professional football player,” she says. “I was a member of Israel’s champion schoolgirl’s team at the time, and we competed for the World Soccer Championship for Schools in China.”
Luzon says she realised a three-year commitment to qualifying for the Special Forces would put paid to any professional football plans. That commitment continues with her having to commit to one month’s military service every year as well as being on call for longer service in conflicts such as the present one.
“I wanted to give something back to Israel. I had, and still have, vivid memories of being afraid with the constant threat of enemy incursions and missiles hanging over us. I often witnessed the bravery of my parents and other citizens, hence my desire to give back.”
Football is but one of many talents this impressive lady happens to possess – acting, singing, acrobatics, dancing and screenwriting being among the others with acting being to the fore.
Lital Luzon…the actress.
After completing her military training, she studied acting for three years, first at Israel’s Nissan Nativ Acting Studio where she was awarded a major scholarship, and then at the Ruth Dytches Acting School where she learned the art of acting in front of a camera.
Luzon’s acting credits include numerous theatre, television, and feature film appearances, most recently her role in the Australian-produced movie Anno 2020. Helmed by New Zealand director James Morcan, Anno 2020 sees Luzon playing opposite Sydney-based actor Gil Ben-Moshe in a moving portrayal of an Israeli separated from her former Australian lover in the Covid-19 lockdowns of 2020.
The film boasts an award-winning ensemble of international actors. Other cast members include leading Australians Greg Poppleton (Backtrack, The Chronicles of Narnia) and Erin Connor (Occupation: Rainfall, Dino King 3D), US veterans Kevin Scott Allen (Star Trek, Alias, Prison Break) and Sheila Ball (Assault on VA-33), and Shanghai-born actress Crystal J. Huang (Dark Feathers, Staycation).
Anno 2020 will celebrate its world premiere in Sydney on April 7. This red-carpet event follows the movie’s recent success in film festivals – most notably the Titan International Film Festival’s ‘Best Experimental Film’ award, in Sydney last month, Quarter-Finalist status in the Best Film category at the International British Film Festival 2023 in London as well as an official selection in the Symbiotic Film Festival in Ukraine.
For Ben-Moshe, who is also a lead producer of the movie, playing opposite Luzon was a highlight of his acting career.
“Every now and then you meet someone who is special and memorable for a number of reasons,” he says. “For me personally, Lital was that person. From the moment we interviewed her, it was clear to all of us that she was a great find. She added a calm on set, making the experience an absolute pleasure for everyone fortunate enough to work with her.”
Anno 2020 producer Gil Ben-Moshe…on set.
Ben-Moshe’s sentiments are echoed by the film’s Sydney-based director James Morcan.
“Casting Lital was a no-brainer,” says Morcan who made his directorial debut on Anno 2020. “She’s a generous actress who always sets out to deliver great scenes and not just a great individual performance. On set, her sweet demeanour was complemented by her professionalism and indisputable talent, and I look forward to working with her again.”
James Morcan…makes his directorial debut on Anno 2020.
The New Zealand director, who adapted the Anno 2020 screenplay from his published novel of the same name, is also an actor and he goes totally against character to play the role of a staunch anti-Semite and Holocaust denier opposite Ben-Moshe.
For Luzon, she says this movie was, for her, a wonderful, mind-blowing experience, but also quite surreal.
“I’m used to being surrounded by cast and crew members onset. However, because this was filmed at the height of the lockdowns, I was literally alone with much of my dialogue being delivered via Zoom footage. It took me out of my comfort zone. That said, James was so professional and patient. He helped me become a better actor.”
In the here and now, she is co-writing a television series about her IDF experience and is also involved in a new TV network series on how to survive the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Regarding Israel’s future, she remains hopeful amidst the turmoil.
“All Israelis want peace,” she insists. “We pray for a speedy end to the hostilities, and I personally look forward to the day when everyone in the region lives together in harmony regardless of race, religion and nationality.”
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Lital Luzon also features in this IDF recruitment video: https://www.instagram.com/p/C2uUcGmtAjq/
YouTube link for Anno 2020 the movie: https://www.youtube.com/@ANNO2020TheMovie
Anno 2020 film industry site link: Anno 2020 (2024) | Drama, Mystery
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January 30, 2024
Movie helmed by Kiwi director James Morcan garners international film festival award
News release: 31 January 2024:
Anno 2020, a feature film helmed by New Zealand director James Morcan, won the Titan International Film Festival’s ‘Best Experimental Film’ award in Sydney last week.
Director-screenwriter-actor James Morcan.
The ambitious mystery-drama feature film was produced by Australian production company MoneyShot Productions on a budget of less than NZ$10,000.00 (US$6,000.00). It was shot using cutting-edge, experimental filming techniques and it involved calling in a lot of favours from cast and crew.
Morcan, for whom Anno 2020 represents his directorial debut, accepted the Titan award on behalf of Sydney producers and twins Gil and Oren Ben-Moshe and their production team.
In his acceptance speech, Morcan paid tribute to all who worked on and contributed to the film.
“Completing Anno 2020 was a triumph, especially when you consider our low budget and the fact that the film was shot during the strict Covid-19 lockdowns in 17 cities on four different continents,” he said.
Morcan describes the film as a multicultural kaleidoscope of interconnected characters seeking redemption, forgiveness and peace during the wild year that was 2020.
“It’s a vignette film, a rare type of movie where there are various plots instead of just one. These are told separately, but they all intersect at the end to ultimately become part of one larger story.”
Producers Gil Ben-Moshe (left) and Oren Ben-Moshe, of MoneyShot Productions.
Requiring the employment of camera crews and cast around the world, Anno 2020 boasts an award-winning ensemble of international actors. The cast includes leading Australians Greg Poppleton (Backtrack, The Chronicles of Narnia) and Erin Connor (Occupation: Rainfall, Dino King 3D), as well as US veterans Kevin Scott Allen (Star Trek, Alias, Prison Break) and Sheila Ball (Assault on VA-33).
Morcan, who is also an actor, producer, novelist, and screenwriter, adapted the screenplay from his published novel of the same name and had major input into the lengthy editing of the film alongside Editor/DOP Simon Carter. In addition to directing it, he also plays a supporting role in the film.
The Titan festival award followed the announcement in December that Anno 2020 had been awarded Quarter-Finalist status in the Best Film category at the International British Film Festival 2023. The movie also received an official selection for the Symbiotic Film Festival in Ukraine earlier this month.
The official cinematic launch of Anno 2020 is booked for Sydney’s Randwick Ritz cinema on March 24. It will be attended by film industry representatives and friends of the production as well as cast and crewmembers.
The producers welcome enquiries from any well-wishers who would like to attend the launch.
Beyond the official launch, interstate cinematic screenings Australia-wide are planned followed by screenings in New Zealand and possibly the US as well, according to Gil Ben-Moshe. Brother Oren said the longer-term target includes online distribution on major streaming platforms.
YouTube video footage of the Titan presentation can be viewed at: [image error]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eg3_nESVp3M
END
More images available on request.
YouTube link for Anno 2020 the movie: [image error]https://www.youtube.com/@ANNO2020TheMovie
Anno 2020 film industry site link: [image error]https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13455748/
Media enquiries:
Gil Ben-Moshe Phone +61 418 219 206 E: moneyshotgil@gmail.com
James Morcan Phone +61 431 981 415 E: jamesmorcan@yahoo.com
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January 21, 2024
THE EXCHANGE: Grisham’s latest far from his greatest
John Grisham’s latest offering, THE EXCHANGE, was not worth the wait in this book critic’s opinion. Presented as “The riveting sequel to The Firm, the blockbuster thriller that launched the career of the world’s bestselling author,” it pales by comparison to that earlier novel.
Sure, it picks up where The Firm left off, albeit 15 years later, but it’s so dialogue heavy it’s a virtual talkfest interrupted by a seemingly never-ending round of meetings, international flights, phone calls, more flights and still more interminable meetings. The repetition is mind-blowingly tedious and annoying. Drama, action, and tension are totally lacking. Very disappointing – especially as this critic is a long-time Grisham fan and considers The Firm one of his very best novels.
Ah, well…Grisham remains one of my favorite authors – up there with M. Connolly, D. Baldacci, N. DeMille, G. Iles, K. Follett, Sir G. Archer, L. Child, C. Iggulden, F. Forsyth et al. – and, as always, I do look forward to his next offering.
Meanwhile, for anyone still interested in the storyline for THE EXCHANGE, here ‘tis as it appears on the book’s Amazon page…
Mitch McDeere has cheated death and come out the other side. Fifteen years ago, he stole $10 million from the mob and disappeared. Now, with his enemies jailed or dead, he has fought his way to the top of the biggest law firm in the world.
When a new case takes Mitch to Libya, danger awaits: he’s soon in the biggest hostage negotiation in recent history with terrorists who have murdered and will murder again. Their demand is staggering: a ransom of $100 million must be paid within 10 days.
But this isn’t a random kidnapping – it’s personal. And no one, not even Mitch’s wife in New York, is safe.
To see what reviewers are saying about ‘THE EXCHANGE: The Firm, Book 2’ go to: https://www.amazon.com/Exchange-After-biggest-Grisham-decade-ebook/dp/B0BX44G8TR/
#Amazon global review rating: 4 out of 5 stars after 37,123 global ratings.
-Lance Morcan
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August 7, 2023
ANNO 2020 the movie faces same censorship challenges as SOUND OF FREEDOM
ANNO 2020 the movie has echoes of SOUND OF FREEDOM in that it addresses a subject some would prefer remain hidden. Self-appointed censors tried to ban that film. Will they try to ban this one, too?
YouTube link to ANNO 2020 movie trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-gUZc6UH8M
ANNO 2020 was directed by Kiwi director James Morcan who also adapted the screenplay from his published novel of the same name.
“All roads lead back to 2020”
As this trailer for my recently completed feature film Anno 2020 alludes to, I believe the year 2020 will go down one of the most important years in all of human history. So many of our freedoms were lost in the name of a virus to “keep us safe”…Freedoms that were taken from us by supposedly altruistic politicians who avoided any meaningful consultation with the public… This circumventing of democracy has set a dangerous precedent and spiralled into numerous other injustices occurring now… For many citizens, all the intricacies of 2020 are only now being understood in hindsight, for hindsight is always 20/20…
Anno 2020 has been a 3 year book-to-film passion project for me…It started with writing a novel during 2020 to try to personally make some sense of what was happening to the significantly altered world I was observing. Then over 2021 we shot that novel’s film adaptation in 17 cities, 5 countries and 4 continents (using creative techniques to film while the world remained mostly in strict lockdown). Lastly, over 2022 and some of 2023 was the massive editing process.
As we finally now present this one-of-a-kind, epic movie to the world, I’d like to thank my incredible team around the world who made it all possible. Many of their names are in the end credits of trailer, the rest are all listed on IMDb at https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13455748/
Distribution enquiries welcomed. -James Morcan, Director-Screenwriter
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ANNO 2020 the novel is available via Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Anno-2020-James-Morcan-ebook/dp/B08LS91VV6/
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