Thursday, November 9-----In the satirical film sensation BORAT currently in theaters, America's obsession with fame and financial success is skewered to great effect. That is also the theme of the US/UK co-production TRUST ME, which has its World Premiere at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival on Friday. The film, written and directed by actor-turned-director Andrew Kazamia, is a smart and funny look at the entertainment industry, politics and America's mania for celebrity.

Rising star Cory Pendergast plays Danny Maher, a fast-talking smoothie who comes to Hollywood with a big smile and wild ambition. When he runs into a middle aged janitor obessed with old movies and a gift for impressions, he sees an opportunity to make it big in show biz. The two men embark on a series of hilarious misadventures in Tinseltown where they meet up with a rogue's gallery of greedy, colorful characters.

Among those skewered with right-on performances are a Hollywood agent, a wallflower secretary, a debt collector, a Russian gangster, a porn director and a slew of megalomaniacal film industry executives. Late night talk show Craig Ferguson is hysterical as a demented industry honcho, with veteran actress Shelley Long also making a strong comic impression.

Director Andrew Kazamia, who makes his feature debut with this delicious satire, is a well respected actor in his native UK, with extensive theater and television credits, including his leading role in the highly successful ITV series LONDON'S BURNING. After helming two short films which won awards on the festival circuit, Kazamia tries his hand here with full-length features to engaging and hilarious results.

The director, producer Peter Morris and cast member Enn Reitel will be present at the film's world premiere on Friday, November 10 at 1:30pm and again at 7:30pm at the Las Olas Riverfront. The film has its final Fort Lauderdale screening on Sunday, November 12, 1:30pm at the Las Olas Riverfront. The film will screen in Key West at the Tropic Cinema on Saturday, November 18 at 1:00pm and again at 9:00pm.

For tickets, log on to the Festival's website www.fliff.com or go to the theater box office.

Sandy Mandelberger
Festival Online Dailies Editor