One of the most impressive indie American debut feature films of the last few years, has got to be Randy Walker and Jennifer Shainin's Apart From That. We premiered the film at SXSW 2006, and I have to say I'm very proud that we did. It went on to play Edinburgh, Seattle, and various other film festivals around the globe. It garnered great press, including a rave Variety review. But, it's a very small and atmospheric film, character-driven and odd in some ways. So, commercial prospects were always slim, and it never got out beyond a lengthy festival tour.

Now, thanks to the good people at Emerging Pictures, audiences around the country will have a chance to see it starting on Sunday, July 15. The film will be the July pick for this year's "Undiscovered Gems" series. Get a list of participating theaters from around the country, and if it's screening near your home (and you like your American indies absorbing and smart), go see it. And, if you see Randy or Jennifer at one of the screenings, say hello. They are also really warm and amazing people. I still remember when I phoned Randy to invite his film to SXSW, he refused to believe it and insisted that it must be a friend playing a prank. It wasn't until he received the official letter that he would allow himself to believe it. In other words, he and Jennifer are genuine folks with a bright filmmaking future ahead. Check out the film's trailer:

Apart From That is to date the coolest movie of 2006! I should know I shot it!!! xoxo