Exclusive: Gravitas Ventures has secured the worldwide distribution rights to Blackjack: The Jackie Ryan Story, the Danny A. Abeckaser-directed biopic based on life and career of legendary New York City street basketball player Jackie Ryan in the 1990s. The film stars Greg Finley (Secret Life of An American Teenager) in the title role, as well as with David Arquette, Brandon Thomas Lee, Ashley Greene, Robert Davi, Bo Dietl, and James Madio. It’s slated for a limited theatrical release in October with a worldwide release to follow.
Antonio Macia penned the screenplay. Describes as a hot-tempered, flamboyant, and self-centered streetball legend, Ryan’s dreams of playing professional basketball seem to have passed him by after years of hard partying and neglect. He works construction alongside his overbearing father (Arquette), and his wisecracking best friend Marty (Madio). After being spotted at the famous West 4th basketball court for his incredible talent,...
Antonio Macia penned the screenplay. Describes as a hot-tempered, flamboyant, and self-centered streetball legend, Ryan’s dreams of playing professional basketball seem to have passed him by after years of hard partying and neglect. He works construction alongside his overbearing father (Arquette), and his wisecracking best friend Marty (Madio). After being spotted at the famous West 4th basketball court for his incredible talent,...
- 5/26/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Ashley Greene (Twilight saga), Greg Finley (The Flash), Brandon Thomas Lee (The Hills: New Beginnings), and David Arquette (Scream film series) have signed to star in Blackjack: The Jackie Ryan Story, a feature about the Brooklyn-native street basketball legend Jackie Ryan. Danny A. Abeckaser is directing the film for his production company 2B Films. Antonio Macia wrote the script in collaboration with Ryan.
Based on a true story, the pic will center on Jackie, a hot-tempered, flamboyant and self-centered streetballer whose dreams of playing professional basketball seem to have passed him by after years of hard partying and neglect. Jackie works construction alongside his overbearing father and his wise-cracking best friend Marty. After being spotted at the famous West 4th basketball court for his incredible talent, Jackie is invited to try out for the New Jersey Nets. He is forced to confront his inner demons, even his family, and turn his life around.
Based on a true story, the pic will center on Jackie, a hot-tempered, flamboyant and self-centered streetballer whose dreams of playing professional basketball seem to have passed him by after years of hard partying and neglect. Jackie works construction alongside his overbearing father and his wise-cracking best friend Marty. After being spotted at the famous West 4th basketball court for his incredible talent, Jackie is invited to try out for the New Jersey Nets. He is forced to confront his inner demons, even his family, and turn his life around.
- 8/26/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Hyperion Media Group has acquired Porter Rockwell, a script from Holy Rollers and Affluenza screenwriter Antonio Macia. The Western action-adventure drama is based on Rockwell, the real-life gunslinging bodyguard of Mormon Church founder Joseph Smith (and later Brigham Young) who was known as the “Destroying Angel of Mormondom” for his violent ways. The story is set in the Utah territory during the mid-1800s gold rush. Rockwell, who became a U.S. Deputy…...
- 6/30/2016
- Deadline
A new clip from indie drama Affluenza features Transformers: Age of Extinction star Nicola Peltz as a New York socialite.
Affluenza stars Ben Rosenfield as a young photographer who finds himself wrapped up in the Long Island social scene when he moves in with his sultry socialite cousin (Peltz) during the financial crisis of 2008.
The Flash's Grant Gustin has a supporting role as an arrogant jock who doesn't take kindly to his girlfriend's wandering eye.
Director Kevin Asch developed the story for Affluenza and worked on the screenplay with Antonio Macia (Anne B Real).
The pair previously collaborated on the Jesse Eisenberg-starring religious drama Holy Rollers in 2010.
Affluenza opens today (July 11) in the Us. No UK release date has been set.
Affluenza stars Ben Rosenfield as a young photographer who finds himself wrapped up in the Long Island social scene when he moves in with his sultry socialite cousin (Peltz) during the financial crisis of 2008.
The Flash's Grant Gustin has a supporting role as an arrogant jock who doesn't take kindly to his girlfriend's wandering eye.
Director Kevin Asch developed the story for Affluenza and worked on the screenplay with Antonio Macia (Anne B Real).
The pair previously collaborated on the Jesse Eisenberg-starring religious drama Holy Rollers in 2010.
Affluenza opens today (July 11) in the Us. No UK release date has been set.
- 7/11/2014
- Digital Spy
Many who hear about Affluenza may at first assume that the movie is a look inside the thoroughly depressing case of Ethan Couch, a Texas teen who drove drunk and caused a crash, killing four and injuring two. During his trial, a psychologist argued Couch was a victim of “affluenza,” as the product of rich parents who never set boundaries for him or taught him to understand the relationship between actions and consequences. The case made national headlines when the judge sentenced him to ten years of probation and therapy in a cushy rehab facility – a sentence that defied basic ideas of both logic and justice with its leniency.
Unfortunately, Affluenza does not explore that inflammatory case – however, its teenage subjects are certainly comparable to Couch. Set in pre-recession 2008 on privileged Long Island, the film follows an aspiring photographer named Fisher (Ben Rosenfield) who comes to stay with his upper-class relatives after his parents divorce.
Unfortunately, Affluenza does not explore that inflammatory case – however, its teenage subjects are certainly comparable to Couch. Set in pre-recession 2008 on privileged Long Island, the film follows an aspiring photographer named Fisher (Ben Rosenfield) who comes to stay with his upper-class relatives after his parents divorce.
- 7/11/2014
- by Isaac Feldberg
- We Got This Covered
The team behind “Holy Rollers” starring Jesse Eisenberg – director Kevin Asch and writer Antonio Macia – are back. Their latest film “Affluenza” is a drama about an aspiring young photographer who finds himself caught up in a heady world of money, sex, and privilege when he moves to wealthy Long Island in the summer of 2008 The film stars Nicola Peltz, who appears in “Transformers: Age Of Extinction” this weekend, Ben Rosenfield who plays Steve Buscemi’s nephew on “Boardwalk Empire,” Grant Gustin (“The Flash” on The CW), Gregg Sulkin, (“MTV’s Faking It”), Steve Guttenberg and Samantha Mathis. Here’s the official synopsis. Suburbia, 2008. Swept up in a heady pre-recession world of absentee parents, plentiful booze and casual sex, aspiring photographer Fisher Miller (Ben Rosenfield) escapes his middle-class life for the moneyed mansions of the young, beautiful elite. With a stash of high-quality weed and a vintage camera, he gains access...
- 6/25/2014
- by Edward Davis
- The Playlist
The folks that brought up Holy Rollers, director Kevin Asch and writer Antonio Macia, are back with a loosely based take on The Great Gatsby. Affluenza has all the ingredients of The O.C. (money, sex, and privilege) and all the spoiled rich kids you want to punch right in the face. A new Nsfw red-band trailer has hit, but first here is the synopsis: Suburbia, 2008. Swept up in a heady pre-recession world of absentee parents, plentiful booze and casual sex, aspiring photographer Fisher...
- 6/25/2014
- by Graham McMorrow
- JoBlo.com
FilmBuff has acquired the coming-of-age movie “Affluenza” starring Nicola Peltz (“Bates Motel”) and will release the film in theaters and VOD on July 11, the company has announced. Kevin Asch directed from a script by Antonio Macia. The duo previously collaborated on the Jesse Eisenberg movie “Holy Rollers.” Set during the summer of 2008 amid the looming financial crisis, “Affluenza” features rising stars Ben Rosenfield (“Boardwalk Empire”), Gregg Sulkin (“Pretty Little Liars”) and Grant Gustin (“The Flash”), as well as Steve Guttenberg and Samantha Mathis. Also read: Nicola Peltz, Jack Reynor Named CinemaCon's Rising Stars Story follows aspiring photographer Fisher Miller (Rosenfield) as he.
- 3/25/2014
- by Jeff Sneider
- The Wrap
Viva Pictures’ Danish film premiered at Toronto last autumn and is the live-action adaptation of Kenneth Bogh Andersen’s comic book series.
Cinedigm acquired all North American rights and plans a theatrical release on April 16.
Ask Hasselbalch directed the film about a 12-year-old superhero who must save the girl of his dreams from arch enemy The Flea.
Birgitte Hald, Eva Jakobsen and Lea Løbger produced Antboy.
FilmBuff has announced a July 11 theatrical and on-demand day-and-date release for Antonio Macia’s coming-of-age story Affluenza.
Cinedigm acquired all North American rights and plans a theatrical release on April 16.
Ask Hasselbalch directed the film about a 12-year-old superhero who must save the girl of his dreams from arch enemy The Flea.
Birgitte Hald, Eva Jakobsen and Lea Løbger produced Antboy.
FilmBuff has announced a July 11 theatrical and on-demand day-and-date release for Antonio Macia’s coming-of-age story Affluenza.
- 3/24/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Parts Per Billion
Frank Langella, Rosario Dawson, Josh Hartnett, and Gena Rowlands are set to headline Brian Horiuchi's ensemble drama "Parts Per Billion" at Benaroya Pictures.
The story focuses on three couples who become caught up in a “reality-shaking event” that changes the course of their lives. The third couple have yet to be cast. [Source: The Wrap]
King's Highway
Adrien Brody is attached to star in Kevin Asch's thriller "King’s Highway" for Cargo Entertainment and Appian Way. Shooting kicks off next summer in New York and Israel.
The 1980s-set story follows a former ex-Mossad agent who is torn by split loyalties when he infiltrates the New York mafia. Antonio Macia ("Holy Rollers") wrote the screenplay. [Source: Screen Daily]
Old Folk's Place
Catherine Deneuve and Harvey Keitel are set to play late-blooming lovers in Robert Cantarella's $6.4 million untitled romantic drama at Les Films d'Ici and Cine Plus. Shooting kicks off next Fall in Brussels and Los Angeles.
Frank Langella, Rosario Dawson, Josh Hartnett, and Gena Rowlands are set to headline Brian Horiuchi's ensemble drama "Parts Per Billion" at Benaroya Pictures.
The story focuses on three couples who become caught up in a “reality-shaking event” that changes the course of their lives. The third couple have yet to be cast. [Source: The Wrap]
King's Highway
Adrien Brody is attached to star in Kevin Asch's thriller "King’s Highway" for Cargo Entertainment and Appian Way. Shooting kicks off next summer in New York and Israel.
The 1980s-set story follows a former ex-Mossad agent who is torn by split loyalties when he infiltrates the New York mafia. Antonio Macia ("Holy Rollers") wrote the screenplay. [Source: Screen Daily]
Old Folk's Place
Catherine Deneuve and Harvey Keitel are set to play late-blooming lovers in Robert Cantarella's $6.4 million untitled romantic drama at Les Films d'Ici and Cine Plus. Shooting kicks off next Fall in Brussels and Los Angeles.
- 11/5/2012
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Hold onto your hats ladies and gentlemen, because The Gute may be coming back to movie screens near you; THR brings us the news that Steve Guttenberg and Samantha Mathis are the latest to join the cast of Affluenza, the Holy Rollers follow-up from director Kevin Asch and screenwriter Antonio Macia. The movie, which draws inspiration from the classic F. Scott Fitzgerald novel The Great Gatsby (which itself is getting the 3D, big-screen treatment this year), will take place right before the financial meltdown that nearly destroyed the United States in 2008.
According to Asch himself, Affluenza will deal with an American society that “was unprepared and unwilling to accept the death of the American dream.” Guttenberg and Mathis join a cast that includes Ben Rosenfield as main character Fisher Miller, Nicola Peltz, and Glee stalwart Grant Gustin, among many others. Affluenza begins shooting later this month in Great Neck, NY...
According to Asch himself, Affluenza will deal with an American society that “was unprepared and unwilling to accept the death of the American dream.” Guttenberg and Mathis join a cast that includes Ben Rosenfield as main character Fisher Miller, Nicola Peltz, and Glee stalwart Grant Gustin, among many others. Affluenza begins shooting later this month in Great Neck, NY...
- 7/18/2012
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
The F Word
Daniel Radcliffe and Zoe Kazan have joined Michael Dowse's indie rom-com "The F Word" for Entertainment One Films. Shooting takes place this summer.
Elan Mastai penned the script which takes a comedic look into the lives of two twentysomethings who meet at a party and hit it off. [Source: THR]
Affluenza
Steve Guttenberg and Samantha Mathis have joined the cast of Kevin Asch's sub-$10 million indie movie "Affluenza" which will shoot later this month.
Antonio Macia ("Holy Rollers") penned the Great Gatsby-inspired coming of age story set in the upscale town of Great Neck, New York on the eve of the 2008 global financial meltdown. [Source: THR]
The Wolverine
Talks have broken down between Jessica Biel and 20th Century Fox over her reported role as Viper in Jams Mangold's upcoming "The Wolverine".
Fox is now reportedly talking to other actresses ahead of filming next month in Australia. [Source: Collider]...
Daniel Radcliffe and Zoe Kazan have joined Michael Dowse's indie rom-com "The F Word" for Entertainment One Films. Shooting takes place this summer.
Elan Mastai penned the script which takes a comedic look into the lives of two twentysomethings who meet at a party and hit it off. [Source: THR]
Affluenza
Steve Guttenberg and Samantha Mathis have joined the cast of Kevin Asch's sub-$10 million indie movie "Affluenza" which will shoot later this month.
Antonio Macia ("Holy Rollers") penned the Great Gatsby-inspired coming of age story set in the upscale town of Great Neck, New York on the eve of the 2008 global financial meltdown. [Source: THR]
The Wolverine
Talks have broken down between Jessica Biel and 20th Century Fox over her reported role as Viper in Jams Mangold's upcoming "The Wolverine".
Fox is now reportedly talking to other actresses ahead of filming next month in Australia. [Source: Collider]...
- 7/18/2012
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Steve Guttenberg and Samantha Mathis have been added to the cast of the indie movie Affluenza, the first film from director Kevin Asch since Holy Rollers, his directorial debut which starred Jesse Eisenberg. Holy Rollers was nominated for the Grand Jury prize at Sundance and won Asch the Breakthrough Director Award at the 2010 Gotham Awards. Based on an original script by Antonio Macia, who also wrote Holy Rollers, Affluenza is a coming of age story inspired by The Great Gatsby, set in the upscale town of Great Neck, New York (Long Island) on the eve of the 2008 global
read more...
read more...
- 7/17/2012
- by Alex Ben Block
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
While the word’s still out on his return to Lima, Ohio, Glee‘s Grant Gustin‘s about to make his mark in theaters. Known for his days as the villainous Sebastian Symthe on television’s musical sensation, Gustin has just landed the lead in the indie Affluenza, set to start production next week in Manhattan and Great Neck, N.Y. But aside from that confirmed role, there’s also the possibility of a major break-out coming his way.
The actor has also revealed to The Insider that he’s auditioned for the hotly-contested role of Finnick in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Considering Lionsgate seems to be looking at all young male talent – including Armie Hammer, Garrett Hedlund, and Taylor Kitsch – there’s no reason why Gustin may have a leg up, but there’s another hat to throw into the ring.
As for his indie project, one can check out the synopsis below,...
The actor has also revealed to The Insider that he’s auditioned for the hotly-contested role of Finnick in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Considering Lionsgate seems to be looking at all young male talent – including Armie Hammer, Garrett Hedlund, and Taylor Kitsch – there’s no reason why Gustin may have a leg up, but there’s another hat to throw into the ring.
As for his indie project, one can check out the synopsis below,...
- 7/12/2012
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
Holy Rollers
Stars: Jesse Eisenberg, Justin Bartha, Danny A. Abeckaser, Ari Graynor | Written by Antonio Macia | Directed by Kevin Asch
Who doesn’t love a good old true-life story? In particular, who doesn’t love a true-life story that involves drugs? And who doesn’t love a true-life story that not only involves drugs but also involves Hasidic Jews? On paper then, Holy Rollers would seem to have all the right ingredients to be a fun-filled, watchable romp. Unfortunately, things don’t play out quite so successfully.
Everyone’s favourite Social Networker Jesse Eisenberg stars as Sam, a Hasidic Jew living in Brooklyn with his family and amongst other members of the Orthodox community. Money being tight, he takes his friend Yosef’s (Bartha) advice and begins smuggling what he believes at first to be medicine into New York from Amsterdam. Sam quickly finds out that the ‘medicines’ are in...
Stars: Jesse Eisenberg, Justin Bartha, Danny A. Abeckaser, Ari Graynor | Written by Antonio Macia | Directed by Kevin Asch
Who doesn’t love a good old true-life story? In particular, who doesn’t love a true-life story that involves drugs? And who doesn’t love a true-life story that not only involves drugs but also involves Hasidic Jews? On paper then, Holy Rollers would seem to have all the right ingredients to be a fun-filled, watchable romp. Unfortunately, things don’t play out quite so successfully.
Everyone’s favourite Social Networker Jesse Eisenberg stars as Sam, a Hasidic Jew living in Brooklyn with his family and amongst other members of the Orthodox community. Money being tight, he takes his friend Yosef’s (Bartha) advice and begins smuggling what he believes at first to be medicine into New York from Amsterdam. Sam quickly finds out that the ‘medicines’ are in...
- 11/23/2011
- by Jack Kirby
- Nerdly
Inspired by true events, Holy Rollers tells the story of how a group of Orthodox Jews ran a drug ring from Brooklyn that managed to send out over a million illegal pills to Amsterdam. The catch? The majority of these Jews had no idea what they were doing. In fact, they thought they were transporting ‘medicine’ to rich customers.
Set in 1998, we are introduced to the very Jewish society Sam Gold (Jesse Eisenberg) is at the heart of. Searching for a higher purpose than working for his father, Sam is unsure of his path and whether to train as a Rabbi. With Sam naïve about the world he inhabits, next-door neighbour Yosef (Justin Bartha) is his polar opposite. Manipulating this naivety and turning Sam into his puppet, when Sam finally realises what he’s been dragged into, it’s too little too late.
Antonio Macia’s script effortlessly handles the...
Set in 1998, we are introduced to the very Jewish society Sam Gold (Jesse Eisenberg) is at the heart of. Searching for a higher purpose than working for his father, Sam is unsure of his path and whether to train as a Rabbi. With Sam naïve about the world he inhabits, next-door neighbour Yosef (Justin Bartha) is his polar opposite. Manipulating this naivety and turning Sam into his puppet, when Sam finally realises what he’s been dragged into, it’s too little too late.
Antonio Macia’s script effortlessly handles the...
- 10/25/2011
- by Emma Thrower
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Released in select cinemas today is Holy Rollers, starring The Social Network's Jesse Eisenberg.
The film is inspired by real events in the late 90s when Hasidic Jews were recruited as mules to smuggle ecstasy from Europe into the United States.
Sam Gold (Jesse Eisenberg), a young Hasid from an Orthodox Brooklyn community, reluctantly follows the path his family has chosen for him, awaiting a pending arranged marriage and studying to become a Rabbi.
A charming neighbour, Yosef Zimmerman (Justin Bartha), senses Sam's resistance and propositions him to transport 'medicine' for Jackie (Danny A. Abeckaser), an Israeli gangster and drug dealer, and his girlfriend, Rachel (Ari Graynor).
Sam quickly demonstrates his business skills to his boss, Jackie, who instantly takes him under his wing. Now exposed to the exciting and gritty worlds of the Manhattan and Amsterdam nightlife, Sam begins to spiral deeper into their detrimental lifestyle, experimenting with...
The film is inspired by real events in the late 90s when Hasidic Jews were recruited as mules to smuggle ecstasy from Europe into the United States.
Sam Gold (Jesse Eisenberg), a young Hasid from an Orthodox Brooklyn community, reluctantly follows the path his family has chosen for him, awaiting a pending arranged marriage and studying to become a Rabbi.
A charming neighbour, Yosef Zimmerman (Justin Bartha), senses Sam's resistance and propositions him to transport 'medicine' for Jackie (Danny A. Abeckaser), an Israeli gangster and drug dealer, and his girlfriend, Rachel (Ari Graynor).
Sam quickly demonstrates his business skills to his boss, Jackie, who instantly takes him under his wing. Now exposed to the exciting and gritty worlds of the Manhattan and Amsterdam nightlife, Sam begins to spiral deeper into their detrimental lifestyle, experimenting with...
- 7/8/2011
- by David Bentley
- The Geek Files
Jesse Eisenberg stars in the indie comedy, Holy Rollers. Unfortunately, his star presence fails to lift a mediocre film, Michael writes...
Holy Rollers never successfully shakes off one crucial pre-viewing assumption, inspired by the puntastic title, but sustained by the set-up. This is a low budget indie flick starring Jesse Eisenberg as an awkward New Yorker, who gets embroiled in a massive drug smuggling operation, maintained by Hasidic Jews. In other hands, this could be a fish out of water, coming of age comedy, maybe with some gross-out and stoner overtones. But actually, Kevin Asch's debut feature is the polar opposite. It's a tragic crime drama, with ambitions of being a modern religious fable.
Holy Rollers' roots are in reality, being based on the true story of the ecstasy smuggling ring, which fooled airport security in the late 90s by hiding pills in the traditional dress of Hasidic Jewish travellers.
Holy Rollers never successfully shakes off one crucial pre-viewing assumption, inspired by the puntastic title, but sustained by the set-up. This is a low budget indie flick starring Jesse Eisenberg as an awkward New Yorker, who gets embroiled in a massive drug smuggling operation, maintained by Hasidic Jews. In other hands, this could be a fish out of water, coming of age comedy, maybe with some gross-out and stoner overtones. But actually, Kevin Asch's debut feature is the polar opposite. It's a tragic crime drama, with ambitions of being a modern religious fable.
Holy Rollers' roots are in reality, being based on the true story of the ecstasy smuggling ring, which fooled airport security in the late 90s by hiding pills in the traditional dress of Hasidic Jewish travellers.
- 7/8/2011
- Den of Geek
Who would have thought one million pills of ecstasy would come into the United States in the pockets and suitcases of Hassidic Jews? Improbable as it seems, Holy Rollers, the new film starring Jesse Eisenberg and Justin Bartha explores a period in 1998 when young Hassidic teenagers acted as mules to smuggle drugs between New York and Amsterdam. Perhaps as a reaction to the film's discussion of drug-running out of what is thought to be an Orthodox community, Holy Rollers has recently come under fire as to whether its portrayal of the Hassidic community is accurate. But, as screenwriter Antonio Macia explains, whether or not the film accurately portrays a particular sect of the Hassidic community is entirely beyond the point. Like his upcoming film, King's Highway, Holy Rollers is a film that captures the dialogue between seemingly conflicting worlds--religious...
- 6/15/2010
- by Fabio Periera
- Huffington Post
Tradition, depending on whether or not you’re adhering to or rebelling against it, has a different reputation. To the former group it’s a guide for how to live your life and sets forth step by step instructions on how to handle certain events that naturally arise in life. Its rhythm and constancy provides a sense of comfort, one that those deeply entrenched in the tradition would be afraid to live without. It answers questions before they arise and can become an unquestionable authority for how things ought to be. For some, that’s a comfort, but for some it’s a smothering force threatening to steal a sense of individuality and choice.
Holy Rollers examines a culture that you’d be hard pressed not to notice living in New York City, Hasidic Jews. It’s a social bubble that, while not completely removed from the overall culture of NYC,...
Holy Rollers examines a culture that you’d be hard pressed not to notice living in New York City, Hasidic Jews. It’s a social bubble that, while not completely removed from the overall culture of NYC,...
- 5/23/2010
- by Lex Walker
- JustPressPlay.net
Rating: 3/5
Writer: Antonio Macia
Director: Kevin Asch
Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Justin Bartha, Q-Tip
If there’s two things that just don’t mix, it’s drugs and religion. These two entities come crashing together in Holy Rollers, starring Jesse Eisenberg and Justin Bartha. Eisenberg plays Sam Gold, a young adult from Brooklyn living in a very strict Orthodox Jewish community. All Sam wants is to make his father happy and marry the girl of his dreams; but in order to do that, he feels he needs to be rich. As Fresh Prince once said, “Life got flipped turned upside down” after his pal Yosef (Justin Bartha) persuades him to deal Ecstacy – you know, the stuff that makes sandpaper feel like cotton.
Read more on Sundance 2010 Review: Holy Rollers…...
Writer: Antonio Macia
Director: Kevin Asch
Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Justin Bartha, Q-Tip
If there’s two things that just don’t mix, it’s drugs and religion. These two entities come crashing together in Holy Rollers, starring Jesse Eisenberg and Justin Bartha. Eisenberg plays Sam Gold, a young adult from Brooklyn living in a very strict Orthodox Jewish community. All Sam wants is to make his father happy and marry the girl of his dreams; but in order to do that, he feels he needs to be rich. As Fresh Prince once said, “Life got flipped turned upside down” after his pal Yosef (Justin Bartha) persuades him to deal Ecstacy – you know, the stuff that makes sandpaper feel like cotton.
Read more on Sundance 2010 Review: Holy Rollers…...
- 5/21/2010
- by Chase Whale
- GordonandtheWhale
The team behind this year's Sundance film entry "Holy Rollers" are aiming to reunite for another feature - the crime thriller "Kings Highway" says The Hollywood Reporter.
Director Kevin Asch, writer Antonio Macia and actor-producer Danny A. Abeckaser will all serve in the same capacity in this mid-1980's set story of a disgraced former Mossad agent now living in New York City who becomes involved in a growing Israeli crime syndicate.
Abeckaser, Allen Bain and Jesse Scolaro will produce through 7th Floor and 2B Productions. Shooting will kick off on location in New York.
Director Kevin Asch, writer Antonio Macia and actor-producer Danny A. Abeckaser will all serve in the same capacity in this mid-1980's set story of a disgraced former Mossad agent now living in New York City who becomes involved in a growing Israeli crime syndicate.
Abeckaser, Allen Bain and Jesse Scolaro will produce through 7th Floor and 2B Productions. Shooting will kick off on location in New York.
- 5/21/2010
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
For years, Hollywood's approach to depicting Hasidic Jews on screen has largely consisted of dying the hair of blonde actresses brown. See: Renee Zellweger in Boaz Yakin's "A Price Above Rubies" and Melanie Griffith in deep undercover in Sidney Lumet's "A Stranger Among us." In "Holy Rollers," director Kevin Asch and writer Antonio Macia were determined to portray modern Hasidic communities as realistically as possible.
- 5/21/2010
- Speakeasy/Wall Street Journal
Kevin Asch’s first feature, Holy Rollers, fictionalizes the true tale of Hasidic Jews smuggling Ecstasy during the late ’90s and its corruptive influences on their traditional culture.
Sam Gold (Jesse Eisenberg) is a naïve Orthodox Jew living a sheltered life with his parents under the strict laws of Hashem. He’s studying to become a rabbi and working in the family fabric shop, which pleases his pious father.
Increasingly disillusioned with his faith, frustrated by their meager earnings, and upset over the cancellation of his arranged marriage, Sam falls in with a rebellious neighbor named Yosef (Justin Bartha) who promises Sam easy money for transporting “medicine” and a chance to see a world outside of the judgmental Jewish community.
Pre-September 11th and under the assumptions of outsiders, Sam and Yosef tip their brimmed fedoras to airport security while slipping suitcase of illegal pills into the country. He earns the...
Sam Gold (Jesse Eisenberg) is a naïve Orthodox Jew living a sheltered life with his parents under the strict laws of Hashem. He’s studying to become a rabbi and working in the family fabric shop, which pleases his pious father.
Increasingly disillusioned with his faith, frustrated by their meager earnings, and upset over the cancellation of his arranged marriage, Sam falls in with a rebellious neighbor named Yosef (Justin Bartha) who promises Sam easy money for transporting “medicine” and a chance to see a world outside of the judgmental Jewish community.
Pre-September 11th and under the assumptions of outsiders, Sam and Yosef tip their brimmed fedoras to airport security while slipping suitcase of illegal pills into the country. He earns the...
- 5/21/2010
- by Jeff Leins
- newsinfilm.com
Holy Rollers may not have hit theaters just yet, but director Kevin Asch, writer Antonio Macia, and actor/producer Danny A. Abeckaser have already found their next project, as the three are already working to develop Kings Highway, which “centers on a disgraced former Mossad agent who moves to New York during the mid-1980s and falls in line with a burgeoning Israeli crime syndicate.”
Read more on Holy Rollers team rolls on to Kings Highway…...
Read more on Holy Rollers team rolls on to Kings Highway…...
- 5/20/2010
- by Jon Davis
- GordonandtheWhale
"Holy Rollers" director Kevin Asch, writer Antonio Macia and producer/actor Danny A. Abeckaser will assume the same duties in "Kings Highway." The crime thriller will shoot on location in New York and Allen Bain and Jesse Scolaro of 7th Floor produce alongside Abeckaser and his 2B Productions. Story tells of a disgraced former Mossad agent who moves to New York during the mid-1980s and falls in line with a burgeoning Israeli crime syndicate. "Holy Rollers" was nominated for the Sundance Jury Prize. Jesse Eisenberg, Justin Bartha and Q-Tip star in the First Independent Pictures release.
- 5/20/2010
- Upcoming-Movies.com
As "Holy Rollers," their 2010 Sundance Film Festival entry, rolls out in theaters Friday, the pic's filmmakers have reunited for a follow-up feature, "Kings Highway."
"Rollers" director Kevin Asch, writer Antonio Macia and actor-producer Danny A. Abeckaser are taking on those same duties for "Kings." The crime thriller will shoot on location in New York.
Allen Bain and Jesse Scolaro of New York-based the 7th Floor are producing with Abeckaser and his 2B Prods.
The project centers on a disgraced former Mossad agent who moves to New York during the mid-1980s and falls in line with a burgeoning Israeli crime syndicate.
"After reading dozens of formulaic thrillers, I read the first 20 pages of 'Kings Highway,' and I was hooked," Asch said.
Added Abeckaser, "I am excited to bring this new and never-before-seen New York story to the big screen."
Macia calls the trio's reunion "a dream collaboration," adding that...
"Rollers" director Kevin Asch, writer Antonio Macia and actor-producer Danny A. Abeckaser are taking on those same duties for "Kings." The crime thriller will shoot on location in New York.
Allen Bain and Jesse Scolaro of New York-based the 7th Floor are producing with Abeckaser and his 2B Prods.
The project centers on a disgraced former Mossad agent who moves to New York during the mid-1980s and falls in line with a burgeoning Israeli crime syndicate.
"After reading dozens of formulaic thrillers, I read the first 20 pages of 'Kings Highway,' and I was hooked," Asch said.
Added Abeckaser, "I am excited to bring this new and never-before-seen New York story to the big screen."
Macia calls the trio's reunion "a dream collaboration," adding that...
- 5/19/2010
- by By Zorianna Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Looking at this week's release schedule, it would certainly seem like Jesse Eisenberg is the hardest working actor in showbiz. Maybe that's true, but before his last movie Zombieland , he had firmly established himself as somewhat of an "indie poster child," appearing in a variety of movies that have taken a long time to get financing or release, and it's just a coincidence that three of them are playing in theaters this weekend. The first is Holy Rollers , a Scorsese-influenced crime-dramedy--is that an actual genre?--directed by Kevin Asch from a screenplay Antonio Macia and a story idea by producer Danny Abeckaser. Eisenberg plays Sam Gold, a young Hassidic Jew from Brooklyn, who is very serious about his religious studies, while working in his father's garment shop...
- 5/18/2010
- Comingsoon.net
Check out a new clip from First Independent Pictures' "Holy Rollers" starring Jesse Eisenberg, Justin Bartha, Ari Graynor, Danny A. Abeckaser, Q-Tip, Elizabeth Marvel, Jason Fuchs, Haille Eisenberg, Bern cohen, Stella Keitel and David Vadim. The Kevin Asch-directed film was seen at this year's Sundance Film Festival and opens in limited venues on May 21st. Antonio Macia writes. Danny A. Abeckaser, Jen Gatien, Tory Tunnell and Per Melita produced the comedy. The film is rated R for drug content and language throughout, and brief sexual material. "Holy Rollers" is inspired by actual events in the late nineties when Hasidic Jews were recruited as mules to smuggle ecstasy from Europe into the United States. Sam Gold (Jesse Eisenberg), a young Hasid from an Orthodox Brooklyn community reluctantly follows the path his family has chosen for him, awaiting a pending arranged marriage and studying to become a Rabbi. A charming neighbor,...
- 5/5/2010
- Upcoming-Movies.com
We had the Sundance trailer, now see the official trailer as well as fresh images and the poster from "Holy Rollers." The Kevin Ash-directed comedy stars Jesse Eisenberg, Justin Bartha, Ari Graynor, Danny A. Abeckaser, Q-Tip, Elizabeth Marvel, Jason Fuchs, Haille Eisenberg, Bern cohen, Stella Keitel and David Vadim. Antonio Macia writes. The film was produced by Danny A. Abeckaser, Jen Gatien, Tory Tunnell and Per Melita abd opens on May 21st in select venues. Rated R for drug content and language throughout, and brief sexual material. Filmed in New York. "Holy Rollers" is inspired by actual events in the late nineties when Hasidic Jews were recruited as mules to smuggle ecstasy from Europe into the United States. Sam Gold (Jesse Eisenberg), a young Hasid from an Orthodox Brooklyn community reluctantly follows the path his family has chosen for him, awaiting a pending arranged marriage and studying to become a Rabbi.
- 4/9/2010
- Upcoming-Movies.com
First Independent Pictures has acquired U.S. rights to Kevin Asch's "Holly Rollers," starring Jesse Eisenberg and Justin Bartha, which debuted at the Sundance Film Festival.
In the film, written by Antonio Macia and based on true events, Eisenberg plays a Hasidic Jew in late '90s New York who becomes involved in an international ecstacy ring.
The cast also includes Q-Tip, Ari Graynor and Danny A. Abeckaser, the latter of whom produced along with Jen Gatien, Per Melita, and Tory Tunnell.
First Independent is planning a summer release.
The deal was negotiated on the producers' behalf by Victoria Cook of Cinetic Media, with First Independent president Gary Rubin and attorney Shelley Surpin.
In the film, written by Antonio Macia and based on true events, Eisenberg plays a Hasidic Jew in late '90s New York who becomes involved in an international ecstacy ring.
The cast also includes Q-Tip, Ari Graynor and Danny A. Abeckaser, the latter of whom produced along with Jen Gatien, Per Melita, and Tory Tunnell.
First Independent is planning a summer release.
The deal was negotiated on the producers' behalf by Victoria Cook of Cinetic Media, with First Independent president Gary Rubin and attorney Shelley Surpin.
- 2/22/2010
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Park City, Ut (January 28, 2010) - Flache Pyramide has acquired from Cinetic International the French distribution rights to the 2010 Sundance Film Festival hit "Holy Rollers." Kevin Asch makes his directorial debut in the gritty coming of age story set against the backdrop of the international drug trade. Written by Antonio Macia, and starring Justin Bartha ("The Hangover"), Jesse Eisenberg ("Zombieland"), and Danny A. Abeckaser, the film made its worldwide debut at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival to critical acclaim. The deal was negotiated by Shebnem Askin-Schreger (head of Cinetic International) and Eric Lagesse (President of Pyramide Int'l). "Holy [...]...
- 1/30/2010
- by Nikki Finke
- Deadline Hollywood
The good news is that a handful of films that I predicted that would be at the fest and that I wanted to see (Blue Valentine, Happythankyoumoreplease, Hesher, Howl, Sympathy for Delicious and Winter's Bone) have indeed been selected. - The good news is that a handful of films that I predicted that would be at the fest and that I wanted to see (Blue Valentine, Hesher, Howl, Happythankyoumoreplease, Sympathy for Delicious and Winter's Bone) have indeed been selected. Then there is a film in Zeina Durra's The Imperialists Are Still Alive! (see pic) that I had wanted to mention because of the delicious trailer, but didn't think would secure a spot. And then there there are a bunch of films flying so low on the radar that'll be a pleasure to discover what and who there all about (Drake Doremus's Douchebag, Ryan Piers Williams' The Dry Land,...
- 12/13/2009
- IONCINEMA.com
Kevin Tyler Asch makes his feature film debut with Holy Rollers, which premieres at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival as one of the 16 films which were selected from 1,058 submissions for the U.S. Dramatic competition. This crime drama stars Jesse Eisenberg (Zombieland, Adventureland) as a young Hasidic man named Sam who is seduced by money, power and opportunity, and becomes an international Ecstasy smuggler. Sam struggles to choose between his strong religious background and the seductive pull of the outside world. This original script written by Antonio Macia is inspired by actual events in the late 1990's when Hasidim were recruited as mules to smuggle drugs from Europe into the United States. The film also stars Justin Bartha, Danny A. Abeckaser, Ari Graynor, and Jason Fuchs. Four photos can be found after the jump. Holy Rollers director Kevin Asch:...
- 12/9/2009
- by Peter Sciretta
- Slash Film
Sundance released their slate for 2010. It includes:43 documentaries on the Middle East12 films about friends who 'discover' something33 movies about people you've never heard about1 comedyHopefully the lineup this year is strong but it doesn't look that way compared to last year. Last year we had Push (Precious), that Lil Wayne documentary that never went anywhere, Mystery Team which might make my top ten, Moon, Mike Tyson documentary, Cold Souls. Just so much last January that was excellent. I hope I don't go out therer and freeze my tail off just to see...I don't know, a documentary about a former Pakistani prime minister or something silly like that.Here's the lineup so far: Premieres To showcase the diversity to contemporary independent cinema, the Sundance Film Festival Premieres section offers the latest work from American and international directors as well as world premieres of highly anticipated films. Presented by Entertainment Weekly.
- 12/3/2009
- LRMonline.com
I feel a special bond with the Sundance Film Festival. Not because I’ve been there, but because the guy in charge of it this year, John Cooper, shares my name. Because we share this bond, I feel that I’m able to take license in referring to the man as Coop for the rest of this article.
For the annual event held in Park City, Utah from January 21-31, thousands of films are submitted and screened — this year, 3,724 films were viewed by the festival’s ten programmers. I wonder when they slept.
Coop has high hopes for the festival as a whole:
“We may even be going into a golden age for independent films, in that the technology will make it possible for the films to be made and for audiences to see them. The industry is going through a major evolutionary stage right now, there’s no doubt about that,...
For the annual event held in Park City, Utah from January 21-31, thousands of films are submitted and screened — this year, 3,724 films were viewed by the festival’s ten programmers. I wonder when they slept.
Coop has high hopes for the festival as a whole:
“We may even be going into a golden age for independent films, in that the technology will make it possible for the films to be made and for audiences to see them. The industry is going through a major evolutionary stage right now, there’s no doubt about that,...
- 12/3/2009
- by John Cooper
- ReelLoop.com
Sundance released their slate for 2010. It includes:43 documentaries on the Middle East12 films about friends who 'discover' something33 movies about people you've never heard about1 comedyHopefully the lineup this year is strong but it doesn't look that way compared to last year. Last year we had Push (Precious), that Lil Wayne documentary that never went anywhere, Mystery Team which might make my top ten, Moon, Mike Tyson documentary, Cold Souls. Just so much last January that was excellent. I hope I don't go out therer and freeze my tail off just to see...I don't know, a documentary about a former Pakistani prime minister or something silly like that.Here's the lineup so far: U.S. Documentary Competition This year’s 16 films were selected from 862 submissions. Each film is a world premiere. Bhutto(Directors: Jessica Hernandez and Johnny O'Hara; Screenwriter: Johnny O'Hara)—A riveting journey through the life and work of recently assassinated Benazir Bhutto,...
- 12/3/2009
- LRMonline.com
The Sundance Film Festival has unveiled the lineup of films playing in competition from January 21 through January 31, 2010. The early fest typically debuts some of the best films the year has to offer, like 2009’s Precious, (500) Days of Summer, and Moon.
I’m bummed I won’t be in Park City, Utah next month because the lineup looks great, and these are just the films playing in competition. Here’s a few that stood out to me:
The Allen Ginsberg trial film Howl starring James Franco, a documentary by Alex Gibney (a truly great filmmaker) on Jack Abramoff, Mark Ruffalo’s directorial debut Sympathy for Delicious, a doc about Joan Rivers, the directorial debut of “How I Met Your Mother” star Josh Radnor titled Happythankyoumoreplease (I wrote a glowing script review of it here), Hesher with Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Natalie Portman, and Blue Valentine starring Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams.
I...
I’m bummed I won’t be in Park City, Utah next month because the lineup looks great, and these are just the films playing in competition. Here’s a few that stood out to me:
The Allen Ginsberg trial film Howl starring James Franco, a documentary by Alex Gibney (a truly great filmmaker) on Jack Abramoff, Mark Ruffalo’s directorial debut Sympathy for Delicious, a doc about Joan Rivers, the directorial debut of “How I Met Your Mother” star Josh Radnor titled Happythankyoumoreplease (I wrote a glowing script review of it here), Hesher with Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Natalie Portman, and Blue Valentine starring Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams.
I...
- 12/3/2009
- by Jeff Leins
- newsinfilm.com
Sundance Film Festival 2010 is a little over a month away and that means we can now bring you a list of the competition films that will be playing. Here you go boys and girls… enjoy!
Documentary Competition
“Blue Valentine” – Directed by Derek Cianfrance, written by Cianfrance, Cami Delavigne and Joey Curtis, a portrait of an American marriage that charts the evolution of a relationship over time. With Ryan Gosling, Michelle Williams, Mike Vogel, John Doman. “Douchebag” – Directed by Drake Doremus, written by Lindsay Stidham, Doremus, Jonathan Schwartz and Andrew Dickler, in which a man about to be married takes his younger brother on a wild goose chase to find the latter’s fifth-grade girlfriend. Features Dickler, Ben York Jones, Marguerite Moreau, Nicole Vicius, Amy Ferguson, Wendi McClendon-Covey. “The Dry Land” – Directed and written by Ryan Piers Williams, in which a returning U.S. soldier tries to reconcile his experiences overseas with his life in Texas.
Documentary Competition
“Blue Valentine” – Directed by Derek Cianfrance, written by Cianfrance, Cami Delavigne and Joey Curtis, a portrait of an American marriage that charts the evolution of a relationship over time. With Ryan Gosling, Michelle Williams, Mike Vogel, John Doman. “Douchebag” – Directed by Drake Doremus, written by Lindsay Stidham, Doremus, Jonathan Schwartz and Andrew Dickler, in which a man about to be married takes his younger brother on a wild goose chase to find the latter’s fifth-grade girlfriend. Features Dickler, Ben York Jones, Marguerite Moreau, Nicole Vicius, Amy Ferguson, Wendi McClendon-Covey. “The Dry Land” – Directed and written by Ryan Piers Williams, in which a returning U.S. soldier tries to reconcile his experiences overseas with his life in Texas.
- 12/3/2009
- by Scott
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Photo: Sundance Today the Sundance Institute announced the films that will be in competition at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival in both the U.S. and International dramatic and documentary categories. The festival will run from January 21-31 in Park City, Utah. There are a few changes this year as there will be no opening-night picture and the festival will take select festival films to eight cities during as the fest plays out.
Last year notable films such as this year's major Oscar contenders Precious and An Education debuted at Sundance 2009 as did audience and critical favorite (500) Days of Summer.
As for this year's crop I have highlighted a few titles among the list below in red, but I have primarily done so considering the names attached to the pictures not necessarily based on any advanced buzz I've heard around any of the films. Names to look out for include Ryan Gosling,...
Last year notable films such as this year's major Oscar contenders Precious and An Education debuted at Sundance 2009 as did audience and critical favorite (500) Days of Summer.
As for this year's crop I have highlighted a few titles among the list below in red, but I have primarily done so considering the names attached to the pictures not necessarily based on any advanced buzz I've heard around any of the films. Names to look out for include Ryan Gosling,...
- 12/2/2009
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
I've been fortunate enough to attend Sundance Film Festival for the past two years, and it's quite an experience. I tend to spend my time there gorging on as many movies as possible. In my two trips and 10 cumulative days spent in Park City, Ut, I've seen roughly 50 screenings. Not even as press really; writing would consume too much time.
Sundance 2010 is going to be different: either I'll be here manning the blog or out in Utah seeing only the occasional movie while participating in MTV's ongoing coverage. And manning the blog, of course. After looking at the competition lineup, just released today, I'm very much hoping that I'll be able to attend. There are some cool-looking movies in contention, and many more yet to be announced that aren't competing. Hit the jump to check out some of the highlights and then head over to the Sundance website for the full list.
Sundance 2010 is going to be different: either I'll be here manning the blog or out in Utah seeing only the occasional movie while participating in MTV's ongoing coverage. And manning the blog, of course. After looking at the competition lineup, just released today, I'm very much hoping that I'll be able to attend. There are some cool-looking movies in contention, and many more yet to be announced that aren't competing. Hit the jump to check out some of the highlights and then head over to the Sundance website for the full list.
- 12/2/2009
- by Adam Rosenberg
- MTV Movies Blog
And the first announcement is upon us and includes quite a few movies we've already reported on.. What does that include?
The incredible looking Estonian drama The Temptation of St. Tony for which we got the exclusive trailer on a while ago. It's by Veiko Õunpuu who did the incredible Sügisball and I'm greatly looking forward to seeing this.
From Spencer Susser, the director of the incredible zombie short I love Sarah Jane comes Hesher, his first feature which stars Jgl!
David Michôd's Australian thriller Animal Kingdom which stars Guy Pearce.
From Taiki Waititi, director of Eagle vs Shark comes Boy which we previously reported on, but then it was known as The Volcano.
Full list after the break!
U.S. Documentary Competition
This year’s 16 films were selected from 862 submissions. Each film is a world premiere.
Bhutto (Directors: Jessica Hernandez and Johnny O'Hara; Screenwriter: Johnny O'Hara)—A riveting...
The incredible looking Estonian drama The Temptation of St. Tony for which we got the exclusive trailer on a while ago. It's by Veiko Õunpuu who did the incredible Sügisball and I'm greatly looking forward to seeing this.
From Spencer Susser, the director of the incredible zombie short I love Sarah Jane comes Hesher, his first feature which stars Jgl!
David Michôd's Australian thriller Animal Kingdom which stars Guy Pearce.
From Taiki Waititi, director of Eagle vs Shark comes Boy which we previously reported on, but then it was known as The Volcano.
Full list after the break!
U.S. Documentary Competition
This year’s 16 films were selected from 862 submissions. Each film is a world premiere.
Bhutto (Directors: Jessica Hernandez and Johnny O'Hara; Screenwriter: Johnny O'Hara)—A riveting...
- 12/2/2009
- QuietEarth.us
Although the Sundance Film Festival might have tried to wring some extra sunshine from its selections last year, the 2010 lineup looks to be back to its typical mirthless self. One could say it has gone from "You gotta give 'em hope" to "You gotta give 'em mope."
"That's our filmmakers," festival director John Cooper said with an amused mix of pride and resignation. "There's some lightness in here somewhere."
Yes, it's wedged back behind the assassinations, political corruption, war carnage, crumbling educational system and Khmer Rouge revelations. The fest, which runs Jan. 21-31 in Park City, Salt Lake City, Ogden and Sundance, Utah, might start to feel like 11 Days of Glummer.
But perhaps that's to be expected. The implosion of the independent distribution system amid the ever-present threats of a maimed economy and two wars has provided festival organizers and filmmakers an opportunity to cut loose and follow their probing passions,...
"That's our filmmakers," festival director John Cooper said with an amused mix of pride and resignation. "There's some lightness in here somewhere."
Yes, it's wedged back behind the assassinations, political corruption, war carnage, crumbling educational system and Khmer Rouge revelations. The fest, which runs Jan. 21-31 in Park City, Salt Lake City, Ogden and Sundance, Utah, might start to feel like 11 Days of Glummer.
But perhaps that's to be expected. The implosion of the independent distribution system amid the ever-present threats of a maimed economy and two wars has provided festival organizers and filmmakers an opportunity to cut loose and follow their probing passions,...
- 12/2/2009
- by By Jay A. Fernandez
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
NEW YORK -- Jesse Eisenberg and Justin Bartha are set to star as drug-dealing Hasidic Jews in Kevin Asch's comic drama Holy Rollers.
The film, one of the first to emerge from the burgeoning "Jewsploitation" genre, is ripped from true-crime headlines and follows an impressionable youth (Eisenberg) from an Orthodox Brooklyn community. He's lured into becoming an Ecstasy dealer by a friend (Bartha) with ties to an Israeli drug cartel. Newcomer Danny Abeckaser is set to play the owner of a club where they do their decidedly unkosher business.
Set in 1999, Antonio Macia's screenplay was loosely inspired by real-life 1990s-era crimes where Hasidim were recruited as mules to smuggle drugs into the U.S. Production is slated to begin in the spring in New York.
Holy Rollers marks the feature directorial debut for Asch, who worked at production outfit the Shooting Gallery and went on to produce the feature "Point & Shoot."
Caro Entertainment's Cary Jones will produce alongside PS Pictures' Rob Profusek and Ryan Silbert.
The film, one of the first to emerge from the burgeoning "Jewsploitation" genre, is ripped from true-crime headlines and follows an impressionable youth (Eisenberg) from an Orthodox Brooklyn community. He's lured into becoming an Ecstasy dealer by a friend (Bartha) with ties to an Israeli drug cartel. Newcomer Danny Abeckaser is set to play the owner of a club where they do their decidedly unkosher business.
Set in 1999, Antonio Macia's screenplay was loosely inspired by real-life 1990s-era crimes where Hasidim were recruited as mules to smuggle drugs into the U.S. Production is slated to begin in the spring in New York.
Holy Rollers marks the feature directorial debut for Asch, who worked at production outfit the Shooting Gallery and went on to produce the feature "Point & Shoot."
Caro Entertainment's Cary Jones will produce alongside PS Pictures' Rob Profusek and Ryan Silbert.
- 11/15/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.