Editor

Chekhov and Maria, a feature film by acclaimed Canadian director Eric Till whose credits include Luther starring Joseph Fiennes, will screen at the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival on July 20th at 4pm at the Laemmle Sunset 5 (8000 Sunset Blvd.)

The film stars Ron Bottitta and Gillian Brashear and is based on the highly successful off-Broadway stage play by Jovanka Bach, directed by her husband, John Stark. The film is a memorial tribute to his wife, who died recently after a lengthy battle with cancer.

The New York production won rave reviews from all the press including the New York Times. Set in Yalta, at the turn of the century, playwright Anton Chekhov is desperately struggling to complete his masterwork, The Cherry Orchard, while ill with tuberculosis. His sister Maria is constantly at his side, until she discovers that he has secretly married the infamous Russian actress, Olga Knipper. Her jealousy ends in a major confrontation with her brother, which finally is resolved and Chekhov leaves for Moscow where he dies a short time later.

The film was very well received at the 2008 Cannes Festival with great interest from buyers and distributors worldwide. Some European sales for the film have been secure and PBS and the CBC are planning television broadcasts.

Founder of NYIIFVF and sales agent for the film Stuart Alson commented, “I am delighted to be representing Chekhov and Maria. The film is very well written and beautifully shot and acted. It contains all the components of a solid film and I am sure our LA audience will love it," said Alson.

For film clips and reviews go to: www.johnstarkproductions.com or call (805) 646-8421. For all media inquiries and to attend the film screening on July 20th, please contact Briege McGarrity at 917 783-4042 or via email at bmcgarritypr@aol.com.