Michael Urie's THANK YOU FOR JUDGING Hits Select Theaters Today
DigiNext, the In-Venue Film Festival, a joint venture between Digiplex Destinations (NASDAQ CM:DCIN) and Nehst Out LLC, announces the theatrical release of Michael Urie's Thank You for Judging, a documentary that focuses on high school students attending the Texas Forensic Association's state competition. The movie opens with a limited national theatrical release exclusively at Digiplex Destinations theaters beginning today, April 18, 2014.
Thank You for Judging features Texas-born actor Michael Urie (Ugly Betty, The Decoy Bride, Partners, Hot in Cleveland) as the gatekeeper to the competitive world of debate, dramatic interpretation and extemporaneous speaking. It's familiar territory for Urie, who participated in similar events when he was a student at Plano [Texas] Senior High School. The skills he honed in competition there opened the door to study at the Julliard School and receiving recognition for outstanding performances from both the Drama Desk and the Screen Actors Guild.
"Mike Urie and his team have an intimate familiarity with their subject," said Nehst Chairman and Founder, Larry Meistrich. "As a dad, I know that entering into the world of teenagers can be difficult. Mike's common experience with his subjects breaks through barriers to get an unvarnished view of all the hard work and emotion that is behind the often effortless looking polished presentations debate and public speaking judges ultimately see."
"Thank You for Judging gives a lively and reassuring look into the lives of high school students who demonstrate passion and intensity as they cultivate their skills as effective communicators," said Bud Mayo, Digiplex CEO and Chairman. "If you've ever worried that kids have lost the ability to express themselves without texting shorthand or emoticons, this movie will be the perfect antidote."
The movie garnered accolades on the festival circuit as an "official selection" at the Dallas International Film Festival, Outfest and Austin Film Festival and was winner of the "best documentary feature" at the Williamsburg Independent Film Festival.
Credits:
Co-Directors: Michael Urie, Sean Fornara, Travis Flournoy and Selma Al-Faqih
