Free screenings in September for Local 47 members
Hannoah Entertainment announces a free film screening of “Cello” for members of Local 47. The new 17-minute short dramatic film about one man’s battle with ALS and the choices he faces, stars renowned soloist and cellist Lynn Harrell in his acting debut.
“Cello is the story of a maestro who is losing his ability to commune with what he loves most in life — playing his cello,” says Helen Nightengale, the film’s executive producer who is also an accomplished violinist and concertmaster. “That is something I think we can all relate to as musicians,” says Nightengale, who was immediately drawn to the script and helped develop the material with film director Angie Su and producer Alexander Craven.
“When speaking about scoring, ‘Cello’ composer Randy Kerber and I never wavered on our determination to score here in Los Angeles and with our Local 47 colleagues,” said Nightengale. “They are truly the best of the best.” The film was scored by Local 47 musicians under the Independent/Festival Films contract.
Screenings begin Sunday, September 10 and run throughout the week at the Downtown Independent Theater, located in the Little Tokyo area of Los Angeles, 251 S. Main St., Los Angeles, 90012. Free to members with Local 47 membership cards.
Screening times:
Sunday, September 10, 1:30 p.m.
Monday, September 11, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, September 12, 6 p.m.
Wednesday, September 13, 6 p.m.
Thursday, September 14; 5 p.m.
All photos by Dan Goldwasser/ScoringSessions.com
Lynn Harrell, who plays the main character, is the 10-time nominated and two-time GRAMMY Award® winning cellist who was attracted by the character, concept and story of ‘Cello.’
“My parents died when I was in my teenage years,” says Harrell. “I gravitated to my cello for consolation and I identified with the character I played in the film. The cello was a savior to me — and it’s very much like the character I play. If it wasn’t for that box of wood I don’t know what I would have done with my life. If I could not play, I’d be a basket case, just like the character I play in ‘Cello.’”
Harrell, known for his talent and graciousness and beloved by major orchestras around the world, is also the recipient of the Piatigorsky Award, the Avery Fisher Prize and the Ford Foundation Concert Artists’ Award and numerous other prizes and honors.
Oscar® nominated composer Randy Kerber wrote the original motion picture soundtrack and title song, “Remember Me,” lyrics by Glen Ballard, and sung by Lara Fabian. The composer, orchestrator, and keyboard player, who has had a prolific career in music was nominated for an Oscar® for Best Original Score for the motion picture, “The Color Purple” and a GRAMMY Award® for his arrangement of “Over the Rainbow” for Barbra Streisand. An active player and studio keyboardist, Kerber has worked on over 800 motion pictures including “La La Land,” “Titanic,” “A Beautiful Mind,” and “Harry Potter I, II, & III.” The piano in “Forrest Gump” which features a feather floating in the wind was played by Randy Kerber. The celeste theme in “Harry Potter,” composed by John Williams, is also played by Randy Kerber.
Conductor, orchestrator and arranger William Ross (“Star Wars,” “Harry Potter,” “Forrest Gump” and many more credits) rounded out the ‘Cello’ musical team. The motion picture soundtrack for Cello was recorded over three days at legendary SONY studios and will be available on Varèse Sarabande beginning in September.
For more information go to cellomovie.com and downtownindependent.com.
