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41 – A DOCUMENTARY ON LIFE AND WORK OF NICKY O’NEILL, THE YOUNGEST VICTIM OF THE STATION NIGHTCLUB FIRE HITS FILM FESTIVAL CIRCUIT.
Breaking Branches Pictures in collaboration with Nicky’s Counting Productions is proud to announce the completion of 41 – the feature- length documentary was co-directed by Rhode Island-born filmmakers Christian de Rezendes and Christian O’Neill, Nick’s oldest brother and took just over two years to complete. The film was funded in part by a grant from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts in July, 2006.
The film’s synopsis: In the winter of 2003, a catastrophic fire erupted in a Rhode Island concert club, ultimately claiming 100 lives. For this state of just over a million residents, the devastation was profound, leaving unanswered questions and deep scars in its wake. But out of the ashes of the tragedy arose an equally profound story of hope. One year after the fire, a community theatre in the small city of Woonsocket gathered together to perform a play written by the fire’s youngest victim close to the end of his life – a play that many felt could only be described as prophetic. In turn heartwarming and heartbreaking, 41 tells the remarkable story of Nicky O’Neill, the young actor, writer and musician who left the world at age 18 but who left behind a message of deep spiritual importance that has already inspired thousands. 41 weaves together the story of a beautiful life cut short with the saga of a community in mourning and a family finding its way out of the darkness.
41 features interviews with Nick’s family and friends throughout Rhode Island, including Nick’s father and radio talkshow host Dave Kane, author of 41 Signs of Hope – a written collection of the true stories that inspired the film, Wren Goodrum of All Childrens Theatre, writers Ann Hood and Jon Land and mediums Cindy Gilman of North Kingstown, Maureen Hancock of Bridgewater, MA and Robert Brown of England (author of “We Are Eternal”).
41 had it’s U.S. Premiere at the Bare Bones International Film Festival in Muskogee, Oklahoma on April 26th, 2007. The film was honored with the Best Movie Trailer Award. “I selected 41 for screening at BBIFF, because I felt that it dealt with memories, family and passion for a young man that should not be forgotten,” wrote Festival Director Shironbutterfly Ray. “It is my hope that more people will get the opportunity to see this incredible documentary.”
41 has also been selected for Canadian Premiere screening at the 2007 Blue Mountain Film Festival. “41 is a film that will move audiences from the first fame – a heartfelt tribute – an emotional remembrance,” said Robert Asselstine, Executive Producer, BMFF. “We look forward to screening this remarkable film.”
This past Memorial Day, 41 was once again selected by two Massachusetts-based film festivals – The Massbay Film Festival, running from October 19-28 in Worcester, and Boston-North Shore Film Festival, taking place in November in Rockport.
41 will be shown each day during the Blue Mountain Film Festival’s run from June 1-3. For more information, visit http://www.bluemountainfilmfestival.com.
The Rhode Island Premiere of 41 will take place at the Stadium Theatre in Woonsocket this fall. A date will be announced as soon as it is set.
Learn more about the film at http://www.41themovie.com or become a friend at http://www.myspace.com/41movie. Check out our Trailer!!
Thank you to RISCA and all of 41’s supporters. We will continue to keep you posted on our progress.
Christian de Rezendes
Co-Director & Editor, 41
