RI Indie “Sleather” Heading to Boston International Film Festival
Monday, March 14, 2011
When Anthony Ambrosino and his partners finished shooting their first independent film in 2008, then ran promptly out of money, they thought it would never see the light of day.
How sweet it is, then, for Ambrosino et al to see Sleather, an indie comedic adventure about friends, family, and fame, earn a spot at the Boston International Film Festival. The film is scheduled to play Friday April 22 at the AMC/Loews Theater at Boston Common as part of the festival.
Humble, indie roots
The film comes from the humblest of indie roots. Shot mostly in Rhode Island (and some parts of Massachusetts), Sleather was made on weekends by an entirely volunteer crew, from October 2005 until October of 2007. "About 600 people came out to be extras alongside the 40 local actors," Ambrosino said, "all volunteer, to help out this little movie with no budget."
Ambrosino recalled soliciting local businesses not only for locations but for their products and signs... a homegrown product placement campaign. "It's pretty exciting for me as a Rhode Islander to see the characters drinking Rhody Fresh Milk and Yacht Club soda," he said. "Who needs Budweiser when you've got Gansett?"
Much-needed funding arrives
After a year of sitting unfinished, Sleather got a much-needed boost of capital from the 989 Project, which stepped in and funded post-production. The film premiered in Providence at the Rhode Island International Film festival in 2010, and won the Viola M. Marshal Audience Award.
Now it moves up a notch and takes a turn in Boston. For more on the film, check out the Web site, here.
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