We finally got our first big Hollywood review for the movie that I

[GumboYaYa]

co-wrote and co-produced. http://www.filmthreat.com/ The film is Can Mr. Smith Get to Washington Anymore?.

Here is one of my favorite quotes: "one of the more pleasantly entertaining films of the year and also one of the most humanly funny examinations of the democratic election process...."

They gave us 4 and a half stars.

You can't wipe the smile off my face right now. We have been struggling to get this film seen by people for over a year. It has been tireless work that we often thought was totally hopeless. Now it looks like we are going to be showing across the country. It is so exciting; I am just about to burst.

[ZombieNixon]

1. Wow! Congratulations!!

:toast:

[GumboYaYa]

3. Herk you!! n/t

[Radio_Lady]

42. The trailer is wonderful! Kicked and recommended! Let's roll with this

so others will see it in the GD and GD-Politics threads.

I'm going to send the link to some of the reviewers and exhibitors here in Portland, Oregon.

[GumboYaYa]

50. Awesome, we are booking Portland but don't have dates yet.

We may get the date set there today. Any help is greatly appreciated. We are promoting the movie through grassroots. It kind of fits since the power of grassroots is the theme of the movie.

[GumboYaYa]

55. We just produced a new trailer that IMO is much more powerful than

the one on the site right now. We have a little bit of audio clean-up to do and then I will havethat one available.

[Radio_Lady]

95. Good job! I watched it and liked it very much.

Thanks for your PMs, also.

In peace,

Radio_Lady in Oregon

[Radio_Lady]

96. OT: How come this thread didn't get on the GREATEST page?

Aren't just five votes required?

[graywarrior]

2. Hey, that's impressive.

Will it be released soon?

[GumboYaYa]

9. It is showing in St. Louis right now.

We opened here in July and have been held over for five weeks now. It plays in D.C. at the E Street theater starting September 22 and in Cambridge at the Kendall from Nov. 3-9. We also just added two days in Tulsa, one show in Concord, NH and a few more shows. We are close to booking about 20 more cities, but haven't set dates yet. Where are you?

[graywarrior]

35. I can probably catch it in Cambridge unless it shows in Concord sooner

Do you know when it will be there?

[GumboYaYa]

36. October 13 in Concord. Apparently the theater is a fairly large

art theater that attracts big crowds.

[graywarrior]

37. I'm putting it on my calendar.

I'll probably be living in Manchester by then, anyway.

God luck with the film. It really does sound great.

[GumboYaYa]

38. Thank you...

[Radio_Lady]

43. For my information, is that Concord, MASS.? I used to live in the

next town over -- Sudbury, Mass., and still have lots of friends there.

Where is it showing on Oct. 13? I don't see it on your web site.

[GumboYaYa]

49. We just addd the date yesterday. I'm pretty sure it is Concord, NH.

I'll confirm that today.

[yellowdogintexas]

62. Fort Worth/Dallas yet? Landmark has a theatre in Dallas

by the way. Also, the AMC chain has so many screens here now that they have started holding over indy films in their smaller screening rooms

AMC is your best bet for Fort Worth, and Landmark, Inwood or the Magnolia for Dallas. If Magnolia books it, it may show up at the Modern Art Museum in FW which shows movies from the Magnolia, sort of a partnership.

[GumboYaYa]

63. Not yet....we are holding off on really big markets until

we build some momentum. We should get there soon. Thanks for the tip.

[MoseyWalker]

4. Now that is special!

:thumbsup:

[GumboYaYa]

14. Thank you.

[evlbstrd]

5. I want to see it!

Jeff Smith spoke at our Missouri DFA conference in Columbia a few weeks ago, and gave us all copies of his own DVD. Congratulations!

[GumboYaYa]

10. We just booked two days in Columbia, but I don't know

the exact dates right now. Thank you! Jeff is an amazing guy.

[evlbstrd]

19. Check into the Screenland Cinema in KC.

They're a good bet to pick you up. Yes, Jeff is an inspiration.

[GumboYaYa]

21. I just sent it to our booking agent.

Any suggestions of good art cinemas are appreciated.

[evlbstrd]

22. There's a good-sized DU contingent here, too.

You can count on us to spread the word.

[GumboYaYa]

25. Cool, thanks....

I'll PM you with some links to trailers etc. The trailer should be ready this weekend.

[evlbstrd]

28. Excellent!

See you at the Academy Awards.

[evlbstrd]

45. I'm watching the DVD now.

When he first handed them out, I could only watch the first few minutes. But this is your screener. Excellent. I'll pay to see it when it gets here.

[GumboYaYa]

59. Cool, it could be the campaign video we made for him also.

If it is our screener, let me know what you think about it.

[evlbstrd]

71. I liked it very much.

Definitely your screener, with the disclaimer popping up occassionally.
I loved this film. It's a frank and funny behind the scenes look at a progressive grassroots campaign that nearly toppled the established Democratic Party machine.

[GumboYaYa]

73. Great...tell all your frineds to go see it in Columbia when it plays.

I'll probably come down for opening night there. Hopefully we can grab a drink together after the show.

[GumboYaYa]

75. BTW, if you want to know who I am......

I deliver the line right before Ashcroft's picture pops up.

[evlbstrd]

86. I'll go back and freeze-frame.

That's one scary picture, too.

[deadparrot]

6. Congrats from a St. Louisan!

I've met the guy in person; he was really nice. He called my aunt personally during that (2004) campaign. She voted for him on that basis.

[GumboYaYa]

30. Thanks... go check it out at the Tivoli

We are still playing there this weekend. Jeff is a very special politician. Like a cross between Bobby Kennedy and Paul Wellstone.

[stlsaxman]

46. I'll get to the Tivoli Saturday, hey and congratulations!!!!

I've seen Jeff's yard signs all over town and now I know what the big deal is... just from the TRAILER!

Congrats again and seeya Saturday!


:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

(insert Jeff Smith yard sign graphic here)

[GumboYaYa]

51. Cool...You will probably literally see me or one of the other producers.

One of us goes to every show to talk to the audience and enciourage them to tell other people about the film.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

7. My dear GumboYaYa!

Biggo congrats!

That is wonderful news!

You just cannot give up, can you?

I wish you a box office bonanza!

:bounce: :bounce:

[GumboYaYa]

12. Thank you so much, we just want people to see the movie.

I am very biased, but I think it has a message about the power of people to take back the government that needs to be heard.

[knowbody0]

8. very fucking kool!

congratulations.

[GumboYaYa]

20. Thanks....

It is totally surreal for someone with no experience in making movies to get thrown into this thing, but we are having a blast.

[GOPisEvil]

11. Congratulations!

Very cool! :thumbsup:

[GumboYaYa]

13. We are just on the verge of booking Austin.

I may by tomorrow the dates there. Have you seen any Gourds shows lately?

[GOPisEvil]

17. I saw 'em a couple months ago.

I'm sensing a DU gathering at the local premiere! Keep me posted!

[GumboYaYa]

27. I figured you could fill the place at least one night!

[GOPisEvil]

31. Oh yeah! Definitely!

With all the people we know and come in contact with, e-mail lists, etc... Oh yeah. :)

[deucemagnet]

15. Please keep us updated on where it's showing!

If it comes to my corner of backwoods Pennsylvania, I'll be sure to see it.

And congrats! :toast:

[GumboYaYa]

16. It is going to show on PBS as part of the ITVS doc series in February 07

So you will definitely get a chance to see it.

[Radio_Lady]

40. Can you PM me this information through the DU?

I'd love to see it.

I volunteer for Oregon Public Broadcasting, Portland, Oregon and perhaps I can mention it on my audio show prior to the showing.

See my journal page for other ways to contact me.

Thanks, and good luck!

Radio_Lady in Oregon

[GumboYaYa]

52. I will do that when I get more info about broadcast times.

Right now it is set to broadcast on Feb. 27th but that may change. We are alos setting a showing in Portland. I would love to do an interview on air with you before we show in Portland if you are open to that.

[Radio_Lady]

93. No problem. I'll email you and thanks for the PMs you sent.

[NNadir]

18. Congratulations.

It sounds like an interesting movie.

Good luck on the distribution.

[GumboYaYa]

24. Thank you.

I think naivette is our friend. No one told us that we couldn't self distribute so we just started doing it. It seems to be working.

[LynzM]

23. Congrats, dude!!

That's awesome!! :bounce:

[GumboYaYa]

26. Thank you.

[Floogeldy]

29. I haven't seen it.

[GumboYaYa]

32. We are just starting to play in theaters.

[BreweryYardRat]

33. Awesome!

If it comes to Tampa, I'll go see it!

[GumboYaYa]

34. Tell me your local art and independent film theaters and

I will see if we can book a showing there.

[BreweryYardRat]

98. As it turns out, one of the two just closed down.

The other's only one screen-and neither is near the USF campus. In other words, don't bother-I'll catch it on DVD.

[Radio_Lady]

39. Gumbo YaYa, do you have a distributor? That's a great review and

I love the poster!



Good luck from

Radio_Lady (Movie reviewer for "Golden Hours," Oregon Public Broadcasting, Portland, Oregon)

[GumboYaYa]

53. We are self-distributing.

We had no idea that you were not supposed to be able to book yourself into theaters so we just started doing it. It has really snowballed based on our Box Office and now it looks like we are going to self-distribute for a national theatrical distribution. The Distributors have taken notice. They actualy take our phone calls now and are happy to talk with us, but we are starting to think we may not need a distributor.

I'll send you a screener. Let's talk more via PM.

[tigereye]

134. good for you!

why wait for someone else to tell you how and what and when to do it!


Pittsburgh art style/more adventurous theaters - Pittsburgh Filmmakers, and The Oaks.

[Lisa0825]

41. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

WOW! I am occasionally honored to find out how talented many of my fellow DUers are! I hope the movie will be released in my area (Houston area). Otherwise, I hope I'll be able to order. you may have answered that already, but I was so excited about congratulating you that I haven't read the rest of the thread yet!!!

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

[GumboYaYa]

54. We will probably end up playing in Houston, but we are

waiting to hit the really big markets until we have built momentum. It will also air on PBS in Feb 07 and we will have DVDs for sale after that.

[coffeenap]

44. Wonderful--please check into the Landmark Renaissance in

Highland Park, Illinois. (This is north of Chicago; it attracts lots of people and runs great films.) Here is a link to their larger, corp. site. Best wishes!

http://www.landmarktheatres.com/Index.htm

[GumboYaYa]

56. Landmark is our best partner.

They got behind the film before any one knew it existed. I am sure that we will end up playing there.

Thank you.

[lavenderdiva]

47. Congratulations, GumboYaYa!!!

Another Houston DUer here who wants it to come here, so I can see it!! This is wonderful news GumboYaYa- Congratulations!! Are you from New Orleans by chance, b/c of your DU name?

[GumboYaYa]

57. I grew up in Louisiana and went to school in New Orleans.

I live in St. Louis now.

Thank you!

[lavenderdiva]

60. native New Orleanian here too!

grew up on the west bank (Karr Jr High, O. Perry Walker Sr. High), and then Tulane- Very proud of your success!!!

[GumboYaYa]

65. I am a small town boy from the Delta who went to school in New Orleans

and Baton Rouge. Have you been back since Katrina?

Our next film is a concert film about New Orleans music and the connection between the neighborhoods and the music. We shoot the first concert at the Chicago Symphony Hall on September 22.

[lavenderdiva]

68. I haven't been back since Katrina.

I now live in Houston- moved here in 2001 to get married, so I missed Katrina. However, 4 of my dear friends came and stayed with Mr. Ld and me for a month & a half after Katrina. I have some business in N.O. that I need to attend to before October, so I'm sure that will bring me back to the city. There is a curiosity about seeing for myself, but having 'lived' the aftermath, and heard the trauma, etc. through frequent conversations with my friends about dealing w/ their homes, something in me is sort of reluctant to actually view the damage.

I did watch Spike Lee's film on Hbo, earlier this week, 'When The Levees Broke- A Requiem in 4 Acts'. I cried and screamed at the Tv off-and-on throughout the whole thing. It was riveting.

One by one, my friends have fixed up their homes, and are now putting them up for sale, to move on to lives in other places. But finding buyers is another thing-

Please keep us posted about your film's national opening. I checked and we have 2 Landmark Theatres here, that usually show indy films. And please post about your new endeavor when its completed too!! :hi:

edit to include: Please add Houston to the cities where its going to be shown-

[GumboYaYa]

69. I will keep you posted on Houston....

we hope to be there soon.

[Haole Girl]

48. Congrats!

:woohoo:

[GumboYaYa]

58. Thank you!

[Callalily]

61. Congrats!

Sure hope it comes to my area. Would love to see it!

[GumboYaYa]

64. Where are you....

If you know the independent and art theaters there, I will contact them to try to book it.

[NewWaveChick1981]

66. I am so happy for you, GumboYaYa!

That review speaks so well of the entire film! :applause: I need to know when and where it's going to be playing so I can make sure to see it. I will of course let my friends and family know too. :D

:applause: :applause: That's amazing! Congratulations!

[GumboYaYa]

67. Where do you live?

We are adding cities daily. THank you!

[NewWaveChick1981]

70. Central NC.

Greensboro, Charlotte, and Raleigh are all easily accessible. :)

Thanks!

[GumboYaYa]

72. Those are perfect markets for us.....

If you know any local art and independent theaters, post them and we will contact them. Regardlesss, we are looking at those types of markets.

[NewWaveChick1981]

79. Other liberal venues in NC are Durham and Chapel Hill.

If you don't already have them on your list, the film would do very well there. :D

[displacedtexan]

74. Landmark has 2 venues in the DC Metro area.

Here's a link.

E Street Cinema is near me.

Congrats!

[GumboYaYa]

76. Everyone tells us that E Street is perfect for this film.

When we premiered at Silverdocs, I meant to go see it and just got too busy.

[displacedtexan]

82. E Street is incredibly cool.

It's great seeing a flick with a crowd of like-minded people.

It's one gigantic party!

With gourmet snacks & good coffee.

Plus, there are lots of press ops available to promote your film here.

[GumboYaYa]

85. I think we are going to do an interview on Kojo's show...

I agree; press in D.C. shold be fairly easy to get.

[Monkey see Monkey Do]

77. That's fantastic! I'm so pleased for you

I remember when you posted a few months back about getting it into the Silverdocs festival & have been hoping it would do well.

You should add it to this thread:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x1976146

[GumboYaYa]

80. Thank you for the link.

We ended up winning the Audience Award for best Film at Silverdocs. It was an awesome experience.

[crim son]

78. Wow, that's an accomplishment!

I'm impressed. You have every reason to be smiling :D

[GumboYaYa]

81. Thank you

I have to keep pinching myself. We honsetly thought that no one other than our friends and family would ever see the film.

[crim son]

83. Well ya thought wrong!

Don't you hate it when that happens!

[GumboYaYa]

84. Fortunately, it happens some times.

[jus_the_facts]

87. Wow...I'm so excited for you..... Congratulations

....good job!! :hi: :hug: :loveya:

[GumboYaYa]

88. Thank you....

How are things going in Monroe these days?

[jus_the_facts]

89. Oh we've now got Sequoia machines...property taxes passed for the first...

......time in 5 years all across all ballots :eyes:...that's the big news....same shit different day besides. :D

Congrats again...try to get this movie here 'k! :pals:

[GumboYaYa]

90. I am working on Shreveport, you know the whole hometown boy thing.

We are trying to go places where we can get some free press and that seems like a natural.

[Spirochete]

91. Rated 9.5 on IMDB

http://imdb.com/title/tt0818659/

At least until the freeper dickheads start giving it 1's without ever seeing it.


Edited to include link I forgot the first time.

[GumboYaYa]

92. Hey that's cool....

I have a filmography. Thanks for posting that link.

[Radio_Lady]

94. UPDATE: Do Lounge posts ever get on the GREATEST page?

There are five K&Rs and I don't see it.

Somebody enlighten me. Does it take six recommendations now or?

[GumboYaYa]

97. RadioLady,

We are talking to the Hollywood theater in Portland. Do you know anyone there? We would appreciate any help getting on their schedule.

Thank you for all of your support.

[graywarrior]

99. I may know someone who could help.

[GumboYaYa]

102. I keep saying thank you to you, but I mean it each time.

[Radio_Lady]

106. I'm not in touch with the Hollywood Theater manager. I'll try to get you

some information on them, but not sure I can do it without having a few more days. Other three "art house" theaters are the Clinton Theater, Baghdad Theater, and Cinema 21. There's also the Joy Cinema in Tigard, Oregon, but that's pretty suburban.

I'm only involved with three Seattle publicists who represent the for the larger studios which can support press and audience previews. Other reviewers in the area might be able to help... at least, I'll try.

[GumboYaYa]

115. We are already talking to the peolpe at Hollywood.

I think we should be okay there. I hope to set dates in Portland this week.

[Radio_Lady]

123. Good. I'll alert all the PDX media people that the movie is coming.

We have kind of a loosely-knit film reviewers' organization called "Far From Hollywood" --

I'll help you contact those people. The site is password protected and not too user friendly. I have all the email addresses and can share them with you wish if you wish. I'll do that via PM. Stay in touch when you get a firm date.

http://www.farfromhollywood.org

[GumboYaYa]

126. I will. We will probably schedue a press showing before we

open. I'll make sure you have plenty of advance notice of that.

[Radio_Lady]

131. Gumbo, I'm going to email you the latest list of cinema contacts I have.

I'll assume you will use them as you wish but only for your film venture.

I'm getting super busy in September because my husband is the Democratic precinct committee chairman for the Democrats in our local Oregon county.

There are tons of movie screenings coming up next month. Also, we have a vacation in the offing Oct. 6 through 22. Hope I get the screener -- if I happen to miss the press screening.

Good luck with all of it!

In peace,

Radio_Lady/Ellen in Oregon

[GumboYaYa]

132. I promise I will not abuse your trust.

Thank you.

[Radio_Lady]

135. Gumbo, check your email now. You should have it.

I'm signing off this thread -- let's continue talking about your movie via email, OK?

[ovidsen]

100. If the movie's HALF as good as the trailer...

I'll drag everyone I know to it! K&R...

[GumboYaYa]

103. That's funny...b/c we we aren't happy with the trailer at all b/c

we don't think it shows how goo dthe movie really is.

We just produced a new trailer that we are cleaning up right now. I'll post it for you as soon as it is ready.

[blm]

101. Good for you, Gumbo - getting good reviews is NOT EASY and definitely

worth celebrating. Will lift one to you tonight.

[GumboYaYa]

104. Thank you. For the longest time, I thought the only my friends and

family would ever see the movie. It is an immense struggle to get an independent film to a larger audience, but one that is well worth the fight.

[graywarrior]

105. I know someone who does movies reviews in Portland

I may be able to get to her and see if she can be an influence.

[GumboYaYa]

109. That would be great. THank you.

[graywarrior]

113. Looks like you want Oregon. I know someone in Maine.

[GumboYaYa]

114. We want Maine too.

We want as many people as possible to see the movie, preferably before the elections in November.

[graywarrior]

121. OK, I'm talking to my movie reviewer friend tonight or tomorrow.

Anything special I need to say?

[GumboYaYa]

127. I would just show them the film threat review and point them to the

website for the movie. Our Sales Agent is Sarah Jo Marks at At Risk Films. After you speak to your friend, we would be happy to follow-up with a press packet etc. if they are interested. Just let me know. Thank you again!

[CanuckAmok]

107. Hey, congrats!

When you need a solid, free P.M., give me a holler!

[GumboYaYa]

116. Forgive my ignorance......

What does P.M. stand for?

[CanuckAmok]

120. Production Manager

:)

[GumboYaYa]

128. Sorry, I kept thinking private mail,...but I already have that

duhhhhh!

[Metta]

108. Way to go! The glory of one is the glory of all.

A big Mazel tov! :thumbsup: :donut: :donut:

[GumboYaYa]

110. Thank you.

[buddhamama]

111. Congratulations !

This is huge! In this case we're all winners because yours is a thoughtful/thought provoking movie. I am happy for you !!

I can't wait to see it! :bounce: :toast:

[GumboYaYa]

117. Thank you.

We really hope that he movie will motvate people to get involved in the November elections.

[Vidar]

112. Congrats.

[GumboYaYa]

118. Thank you.

[terrya]

119. You got some nice feedback about your movie at imdb. Congratulations!

Please let us know release dates and cities when the schedule becomes clearer. I live in Chicago and would like to see your movie. It looks like a winner. :-)

[GumboYaYa]

124. THank you.

We should have Chicago booked soon. We were working on that last week.

[Radical Activist]

122. I'll have to see it.

It's definitely easier to get elected if you're crooked and willing to go along with those who are using the government to line their pockets. I heard about this race from friends in the area.

[GumboYaYa]

125. Jeff's race was one of the big surpises of 2004.

You are exactly right about getting elected. The sad thing is that the American people have the power to change that and they don't.

[u4ic]

129. High praise, indeed!!

It sounds like a great one - I'll be on the look out for it in the indie theatres here.

Congratulations!!:bounce: :toast: :bounce:

[GumboYaYa]

130. Thank you.

We think we have something really special. I just hope more people get to see it.

[Benfea]

133. Yay!

When's it coming to a theater near me?

[GumboYaYa]

136. Where do you live?

[Benfea]

137. Chicago suburbs -NT

[GumboYaYa]

138. We are working on Chicago.

It seems like a natural fit withthe Midwest connection.