TROUBLE IN THE HEIGHTS to Premiere at NYC's United Palace Theater, 1/24

By: Jan. 02, 2013
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gogoPatience c+p and Numeric Pictures have officially announced the date and location for the premiere of the much-talked-about independent feauture film Trouble In The Heights! On Thursday, January 24th the United Palace (4140 Broadway at W. 175th street, New York, NY 10033) will premiere Trouble In The Heights at 7:30pm (Doors open at 7).

The dramatic thriller-driven by strong performances from a Latino cast drawn from Broadway, film and television - was directed by Jonathan Ullman and produced by Dave Steck. It takes place in Upper Manhattan, better known as The Heights, where the director currently resides. Tastemakers, cast members, celebrities and media will be expected at the screening, and an invitation-only after party, which will be held at La Marina (348 Dyckman Street, New York, NY 10034).

The setting of the film is in a neighborhood defined by its people who grow up and grow old together, where black gypsy cabs roam the land, and good or bad is often determined by what side of the street you're on. "This movie truly embodies the spirit of the DIY indie-film tradition," commented producer Dave Steck. "Jon's love for his adopted neighborhood shines through and rings true in every scene."

Trouble In The Heights is Ullman's directorial feature film debut, "Not many people get the chance to make their feature debut with actors of the caliber I had on this set. I feel very fortunate to have been surrounded by such amazing talent on both sides of the camera. I am still in awe of their gifts," states the director.

Producer Steck said, "Everyone involved in the production did a remarkable job in helping capture and present the heart and soul of this great neighborhood and I'm proud to have been a part of it."

Trouble In The Heights was originally entitled GWB and debuted at 2011's New York International Latino Film Festival. The film is being distributed by VIVA Pictures and will begin its roll out on Video on Demand, Pay Per View and outlets such as Redbox, Blockbuster iTunes and more on January 22nd.

Ullman added, "The thrill and excitement of making a movie in my own backyard can only be matched by premiering the movie in the beautifully and meticulously preserved United Palace."

The New York-based filmmaker has a number of projects in various stages of development, among them is the biopic 'Love Is The Message,' the true story of DJ and record producer Larry Levan and the legendary New York nightclub, the Paradise Garage. He is also in post-production on a documentary feature film based on a popular Washington Heights cocktail, 'Nutcracker Inc.'

Originally known as Loew's 175th Street Theatre, The United Palace, is one of the important landmarks in The Heights. The building opened in 1930 as a movie palace and vaudeville hall. It was the last of the five Wonder Theaters to be built in the Metropolitan area. In 1969, when many of the city's grand movie theaters had been demolished or turned into multiplexes, the Palace was purchased, and preserved, by Reverend Ike for his church. In recent years the United Palace has also hosted numerous world-class events making it a prestigious venue for entertainment and arts which are now being programmed by the nonprofit United Palace of Cultural Arts (UPCA). On January 24th the United Palace will be the official home for the Trouble In The Heights movie premiere! "I hope audiences will enjoy it and support the growing independent film scene, both here in the 'Heights and wherever they are," concluded Steck.

Along with all this buzz circulating around the vibrant and diverse New York neighborhood of Washington Heights, MTV will also debut a reality show based on Washington Heights airing on January 9th, 2013.

For more about the film, go to www.troubleintheheights.com.

Cast: Rayniel Rufino, Raúl Esparza, Luis Antonio Ramos, Antonio Ortiz, Alexandra Metz, Olga Merediz, Cruz Santiago, Pablo "International P" Gonzalez, Kareem Savinon and Dominic Colon among many other talented actors.

Plot: It begins one night under the great expanse of the George Washington Bridge. Javy and his friend Robbie are two adolescents growing up in the predominantly Dominican neighborhood of New York's Washington Heights. The boys have no idea what lies ahead when they bury a trash bag stuffed with drug money under the Bridge. What is set in motion is the story of two brothers, Javy and his older brother Diego, and the thugs who want their money back. A mild-mannered prep cook, older brother and de facto parent, Diego must look danger in the face to protect his small but growing family from a merciless drug kingpin seeking revenge. As fate looms and day becomes night, Diego turns to an old neighborhood friend with shady connections to help him out of this perilous mess. The events of the night ultimately lead him to the decision that will change more lives than just his own.

About Numeric Pictures - Numeric Pictures is an award winning creative production company that has been specializing in feature films, television shows, broadcast spots, music videos and digital content for over a decade. Its mission is to tell compelling stories to audiences using the latest techniques and tools to achieve the highest possible production values. Helmed by Dave Steck, NPix has earned eight Telly Awards, two AVA Awards, two Hermes Creative Awards, The Webby Award, an Emmy nomination and recognition at many film festivals. For more information, visit numericpictures.com

About VIVA Pictures - VIVA Pictures, LLC. is an independent film distribution company offering a wide variety of channels for its partners. Led by entertainment industry veteran, Victor Elizalde, VIVA Pictures is a leading distributor that understands and focuses on the needs of the independent producer. The company is ideally positioned for creating a new, modern distribution model leveraging innovative technology and existing relationships with key retailer and rental channels on par with major studios. For more information, visit www.vivafilmco.com.

About The United Palace - The building was originally opened in 1930 as the Loew's 175th Street Theater at 4140 Broadway, presenting vaudeville and "motion pictures." With its spectacular Thomas Lamb design, described by some as "Cambodian neo-Classical," it was the last of the five Wonder Theatres to be built in the Metropolitan area. In 1969, when many of the city's grand movie theatres had been demolished or turned into multiplexes, the Palace was purchased, and preserved, by Reverend Ike for his church. In recent years the Palace has hosted some of the world's top rock and Latin acts and been used for commercial, television, and movie shoots. The United Palace of Cultural Arts (UPCA) was incorporated in 2012 as a nonprofit arts and cultural center. It is located at the United Palace, which also houses United Palace Cathedral and United Palace Theatre. www.unitedpalacecathedral.org.

For more information and to watch the trailer, click HERE.



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