13 August, 2009
ContentFilm International has acquired worldwide sales rights to GAIA which will have its world premiere at the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival.
Written, photographed, co-produced and directed by Jason Lehel, GAIA stars newcomers Emily Lape, Ed Mendoza, Deswood Etsitty and Michael Pierce. A beautiful young woman is left for dead in the Arizona desert. Found by Native Americans, they bring her back to life.
The film is produced by Jason Lehel and John Gordon. Jason worked in the camera department on such films as ‘Cry Freedom’ and ‘Gorillas in the Mist’, on the latter getting his break as DP, shooting additional material. From 1988 he became a successful DP on features and commercials and the last few years he’s moved into directing & producing. John Gordon started his career at Artisan Entertainment working on films such as ‘Blair Witch Project’, ‘The Limey’, Requiem For a Dream’, ‘Made’, ‘Way of the Gun’. GAIA is their first feature film together.
ContentFilm will be selling GAIA at the Toronto’s world premiere of the film in September. Screening dates will follow shortly.
Director / Producer Lehel said: “This film was like a leap into the dark. No script. Many amateur cast. Very little preparation. But the idea was very strong, and our actors and production team responded fearlessly to the challenge. GAIA is the daughter of chaos, and through that fire we made our movie!”.
ContentFilm Intl President, Jamie Carmichael said, “Jason has made what can only be described as a stunning directorial debut. GAIA has an atmosphere and vision that is entirely original and real. The performances from Emily and Ed are standout – and clearly destined for awards recognition. GAIA has that special something that comes along very rarely. Its pure, beautiful cinema.”
