CYNALEX PRODUCTIONS, LLC (Immediate Release)

“Leguazamo Will Open and the New York Indie, “Rhythm of the Saints” Will Close The 2003 New York International Latino Film Festival

New York, NY (June 23, 2003) – It made its premiere as one of the 2003 Sundance Film Festival’s selections for the Dramatic Competition section and now Rhythm of the Saints, the debut film effort for New York based Latino production company Cynalex Productions, has been selected as the closing night film of the 2003 New York Latino International Film Festival which takes place from July 22nd-July 27th.

“We are excited to have “Rhythm of The Saints” close this year’s festival. It is a film that truly represents all that this festival is about. With it's diverse cast, New York as the backdrop and a Latina behind the lens. Having “Rhythm” in the festival is a welcome addition,” says Founder and Executive Director Calixto Chinchilla.

Rhythm of the Saints, written by Cynalex partner Cyn Cañel Rossi, produced by Ms. Rossi, Yvette Tomlinson, and partner Alex Rossi and directed by first-time director Sarah Rogacki, tells the story of fifteen year-old Rena Juarez, who with her posse of street friends strikes back at her abusive stepfather through the ancient Afro-Caribbean rites of Santeria. A New York brand type of indie it introduces stunning performances by newcomers Daniella Alonso and Onahoua Rodriguez.

“This invitation is probably one of the more rewarding ones we will receive because New York is our hometown and as Latino filmmakers it’s an honor to close the festival. The festival is also one of the few opportunities we have as Latino filmmakers to come together and celebrate all our accomplishments. As aspiring, independent filmmakers with unique visions, we get to rally together. That’s just fantastic!.” says Cañel-Rossi.

The film was truly a labor of love for partners Cyn and Alex Rossi. After several years of producing theater, specifically the works of emerging Latin American playwrights, the two joined forces with producer Yvette Tomlinson to make the independent film. “The script is completely reflective of Cynalex’s body of work.,” says Executive Producer Alex Rossi. “She has spent years committed to developing these type of character driven stories about young Latinas and we felt strongly that this was a perfect first-time project for us. Getting into SUNDANCE was a great validation of our effort and now being embraced at home is great”.

Also for first-time director Sarah Rogacki and Ms. Rossi, Rhythm of the Saints was truly a collaborative effort. When after principal photography Ms. Rogacki moved on to develop her own feature project, Ms. Rossi took over post-production and spent a year completing the film. “The two had worked very closely during the entire process, so the handing over of the reins seemed quite natural. Everybody knew the story we set out to tell,” adds Ms. Tomlinson.

Rhythm of the Saints also features Sarita Choudhury, Ryan Donowho, Ivan Martin, Gano Grills, Nelson Landrieu, Bridget Barkan and Prinya Intachai.

Rhythm of the Saints will screen at the New York International Latino Film Festival on Saturday, July 26th. For more info and to purchase tickets please visit: www.newyorklatino.com – For information on the film and filmmakers, please visit www.cynalexproductions.com