The Make A Film Foundation (MAFF) proudly presents the world premiere and red carpet gala benefit of “Deep Blue Breath” starring Sean Astin (The Lord of the Rings), Miguel Sandoval (Medium), Natasha Gregson Wagner (High Fidelity), Ernie Hudson (Oz, Ghostbusters) and introducing Clay Beabout.
Make A Film Foundation teams children who have serious or life-threatening illnesses with film industry professionals to help them create short film legacies. These children write and star in their own film with the help of famous directors, writers and actors.
Directed by Patricia Cardoso, “Deep Blue Breath” follows the true-life experiences of Clay Beabout, a 13-year-old boy diagnosed with V.A.T.E.R. syndrome, a rare and life-threatening illness (Clay will undergo his 40th surgery just days after the premiere). On screen, while a medical team is battling to save his life in surgery, Clay fictionally travels into the animated world of his body to fight against characters that represent his disease. Supporting Clay on screen is a star-studded cast including Astin who plays his father and Hudson who performs as the voice of Clay’s nemesis. Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris (directors, Little Miss Sunshine), and actor Elijah Wood (from the upcoming film The Hobbit) were among the team members who mentored Clay through the filmmaking process.
MAFF’s Founder and Executive Director Tamika Lamison highlighted the importance of the foundation’s work, this film and premiere: “Make a Film Foundation is about giving children who have serious or life-threatening medical conditions the opportunity to use filmmaking to give themselves a voice and raise awareness about what they go through. This event is a culmination of what Clay has accomplished and a celebration of making a child’s dream come alive in ways in which he may not have imagined possible.”
Hosted by television host and producer Quddus, the benefit will include a musical performance by winner of The Oprah Show’s national singing competition, Abraham McDonald and an award ceremony honoring directors Rodrigo Garcia (Nine Lives) with this year’s Mentorship award and Neil LaBute (In the Company of Men) with MAFF’s Humanitarian award. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in a silent auction with proceeds supporting Make A Film Foundation.
The event will be held at the Writers Guild Theater on Saturday, April 30th at 7:30 PM. Red carpet begins at 6 PM. Find more information here.
