|
Power Point Snares Gabriela Power Point
Films has closed a deal for North American theatrical rights for Vincent Jay Miller’s "Gabriela" in a preemptive six-figure
bid. A passionate love story, set against the backdrop of a mental health clinic, "Gabriela" will open on Valentine’s Day,
2001. The film stars Seidy Lopez ("Mi Vida Loca," "Selena") and Jaime Gomez ("Crimson Tide," "Nash Bridges") and was written
and directed by Vincent Jay Miller.
|

"Gabriela" has been credited with inspiring a social movement in the Latino community that has led to the formation of
the Premiere Weekend Club. The Premiere Weekend Club is a nonprofit organization that has grabbed Hollywood’s attention with
its innovative, effective grass-roots promotions of Latino films.
"Snapping up the rights to ‘Gabriela’ is a real
coup for our company," said Power Point CEO, Vincent J. Francillon. "This is a really groundbreaking film that is a breath
of fresh air. ‘Gabriela’ is definitely much closer in spirit to the warm style of a 'Moonstruck' or of a 'Like Water for
Chocolate' than to the unoriginal Tarantino rip offs that have dominated the independent film scene of late. Miller is a
brilliant new filmmaker with a very original voice." Francillon was also enthusiastic about the cast: "Jaime
and Seidy are going to become stars with the release of 'Gabriela' and Miller also elicited amazing performances from the
supporting cast.» The film co-stars Lupe Ontiveros ("Selena," "Chuck & Buck"), Liz Torres ("John Larroquette Show," "Gilmore
Girls"), Zach Galligan ("Gremlins"), Stacy Haiduk ("seaQuest," "Melrose Place"), Evelina Fernandez ("Luminarias"), Lamont
Bentley ("Moesha"), Sal Lopez ("Full Metal Jacket"), Frank Medrano ("The Shawshank Redemption"), Danny De La Paz ("American
Me") and Troy Winbush ("The Cosby Show," "The Replacements").
"'Gabriela' is going to help change the way Hollywood
does business," said Gil Botello, the President of the Premiere Weekend Club. "It’s an important milestone in its positive
portrayal of Latinos and is a wake up call." Botello expressed confidence that the film will perform
well at the box office after it "tested through the roof" at two recent research screenings with a 94% rating. "‘Gabriela’
has struck a real chord with audiences. Latinos are passionate about it, but the numbers are showing it is also going to
cross over to the mainstream audience. Audiences of all ages were laughing heartedly throughout and were enthralled by the
romance."
|