FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Diana Takata
Phone: 212-465-3125
FAX: 212-658-9627
Email: info@nextpix.com

The two films are THE TRIALS OF DARRYL HUNT (producers Annie Sundberg and Ricki Stern) and CHANGING IDENTITIES (dir. Daniel Labbato). Diana Takata, program director for firstPix, states: "Both of these films are unique and powerful expressions of humanistic filmmaking. They force us to rethink any preconceptions we might have about their subject matter and reflect on our common humanity."

THE TRIALS OF DARRYL HUNT is a powerful and moving feature documentary about a brutal rape/murder case and a wrongly convicted man, Darryl Hunt, who spent nearly twenty
years in prison for a crime he did not commit. Both a social justice story and a
personally driven narrative, the film explores the bitter legacy of race and class in
America, and its harrowing impact on a man accused. This exclusive look at one man’s
loss and redemption offers a provocative and haunting examination of a community --
and a criminal justice system -- subject to racial bias and tainted by fear.

CHANGING IDENTITIES: A STORY OF TRAUMATIC INJURY AND ART, documents the inspiring story of artist Bill Richards and his work with the disabled. Directed by Daniel Labbato, CHANGING IDENTITIES documents how Richards, who had recently retired, founded The Art Studio in 1999, modeled on a similar program he created at Harlem Horizon Hospital for young, severely injured adults. "It had a profound effect on the individuals and they were making great works of art, which was a dynamite combination," Richards states in the film.

Now in its fourth year, the firstPix program has supported a diverse mix of projects, ranging from narrative features to documentaries. One of the 2003 selections, CALL IT DEMOCRACY (dir. Matt Kohn), documented the checkered history of electioneering in the United States, and went on to be distributed by Seventh Arts Releasing and toured 100 colleges and universities in late 2004, just prior to the November elections.

States nextPix president Don Thompson: "We are particularly proud of our selections this year. We are also inspired by the number of filmmakers interested in creating film art that addresses humanistic issues and concerns. We know both of our 2004 grant winners will go on to great things, and will have all the positive impact and acclaim they deserve."

nextPix was founded in 2000 and has produced, co-produced and provided finishing funds to both film and digital video projects. The company has also been on the forefront of promoting new digital video production techniques and using the Internet as an effective filmmaker resource. For more information about nextPix, please email info@nextpix.com.

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