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News • New Mexico • United States • 2011-10-19

The Rio Grande Theatre Presents the Southwest Premiere of \"Road to Freedom\"

LAS CRUCES, N.M. - This November, the Doña Ana Arts Council, in association with Creative Freedom, present the full length independent feature film, Road To Freedom, produced in part by local filmmaker Willie Barela. The film follows the true story of photojournalist Sean Flynn--son of matinee idol Errol Flynn--who travelled to Cambodia in 1970, on assignment with a fellow journalist for Time Magazine, only to disappear within weeks of his arrival. His hope of bringing attention to the horrors unfolding in that war-torn country, at the hands of Khmer Rouge guerrillas, is the basis for this film by first-time helmer Brandan Moriarty and was filmed entirely on location with up-and-coming actors Joshua Fredric Smith (Dam999) and Scott Maguire (Conspiracy). This premiere will take place at the Rio Grande theatre over four nights in November 2011, each dedicated to a different demographic and with its own set of corresponding events.

Road To Freedom had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in April of 2010. After being picked up for distribution by independent distributor Creative Freedom, it was premiered in the United States on September 30, 2011, playing select theatres in Los Angeles and San Francisco, before expanding to other markets in New York, Boston and Chicago. Las Cruces is one of the cities selected for the second phase of the rollout, owing in large part to the fact that Willie Barela, Associate Producer for the film, was born and raised here.

Saturday, November 12, at 7pm: The premiere will start off with live music and a guest journalist speaking on the topic of the Pol Pot Genocide of the 1970\'s. A contest will also be held by the producers, with prizes including an all-expense paid trip to Cambodia, a 1970\'s Honda Motorcycle and cash prizes.

Sunday, November 13, at 4pm: This screening will feature Vietnam Vets speaking on the War, with guest journalists speaking on the issues in Southeast Asia during the 70s. The New Mexico State University Gospel Choir will also be on hand to perform before the screening. Tickets for Seniors and Vets are $5.

Friday, November 18, at 7pm: Geared toward a college crowd, this screening will feature a presentation by the ACLU and performances by NMSU\'s Soul Verse. Tickets for Students with ID are $5.

Saturday, November 19, at 7pm: This screening will feature an appearance by director, Brendan Moriarty, along with members of the cast and crew of the production during a live Q&A afterwards. Find out all the fun facts about filming an American independent film on location in Southeast Asia and take home merchandise from the film.

Willie Barela and other members of the cast and crew have made themselves available for interview opportunities. For media purposes only, please contact David Salcido at (575) 523-6403.

The Rio Grande Theatre is located at 211 N. Downtown Mall, in Las Cruces. Doors open half an hour before show time on all nights. Tickets are $7 general admission, unless otherwise noted. For more information on the film, visit www.RoadToFreedomFilm.com.

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