praxis [prak-sis] prāk'sĭs

def. The act of doing; translating an idea into action.  i.e.  Theory into Praxis.

JUNE 2010

Sorry I haven’t been so up to date with this site, but as usual, there’s been a ton of stuff going on. 

PRAXIS was officially released on DVD from ARIZTICAL ENTERTAINMENT and is now available on a variety of different sites, including Ariztical’s direct site, AMAZON.COM, AMAZON DIGITAL RENTAL, NETFLIX, and NETFLIX STREAMING.  LINKS TO ALL THESE VIEWING OPTIONS ARE ON OUR START PAGE OF THIS SITE.  So for those who have yet to see the film, you now, have a ton of different ways to check it out.

We’ve also revamped and tightened this website a little bit as well, with links to our blog, facebook, and myspace pages (tho honestly, we’re not really on myspace that much.)

Check out pics of the DVD RELEASE PARTY at VLADA in New York City in January 2010.  It was a really great time shared by all who attended.

PRAXIS is also in talks with International DVD Distribution through Ariztical Entertainment.  If we find out any more info on this, we’ll let you know.

As for myself, I’m gearing up for a new production in the fall, which is really exciting. 

So, it’s nice to have PRAXIS finally spread it’s wings, leave the nest and have a life of it’s own out in the film world.

xo,

-al 

DECEMBER 2009

PRAXIS IS SLATED TO BE RELEASED FOR US DVD DISTRIBUTION IN JANUARY OF 2010 FROM ARIZTICAL ENTERTAINMENT.

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESS RELEASES, DVD RELEASE PARTIES, ETC. COMING SOON!

SO STAY TUNED!

FEBUARY 2009

- Huge overhaul and massive re-do of current website, and damaged films llc / DICHROIC [MPR] website.

1. -New videos on VIMEO.
   

2. -Currently PROCESSING DVDs to be available on Amazon and Netflix to name a few.
   

3. -Currently PROCESSING PRAXIS - Music from the Motion Picture soundtrack to be up on iTunes.
   

4. -An invitation to speak and host a Producer’s Seminar at the DC Independent Film Festival 2009.
   

- Email and Postcard adverts and all for the DVD release of PRAXIS.

SEPTEMBER 2008

UPCOMING SCREENINGS AT:

1. -GAYLAXICON 2008, WASHINGTON DC.  THE GAY SCI-FI CONVENTION.  SUNDAY OCTOBER 12, 2008
   

2. -THE OUTER FILM FESTIVAL 2008, AUSTIN, TX.  THE GAY SCI-FI FILM FESTIVAL. NOVEMBER 8TH, 2008.
   

RECENTLY SCREENED AT:

1. -THE TAKOMA PARK FILM FESTIVAL, TAKOMA PARK, MARYLAND IN AUGUST.
   

PRAXIS is also featured on DoorQ.com, the Gay Sci-Fi Myspace.

NEW PRAXIS soundtrack at the presses!  Soon to be on Amazon and iTunes.  (beeyooutiful music!)

PRAXIS to be distributed on-line at New Filmmakers on-line!

and finally, PRAXIS DVDs are also currently at the presses as well.  soon to be available on Amazon as well.

lots of stuff going on, so it’s back to work!  :)

- al

MAY 2008

Back in DC from the New York Premiere @ New Filmmakers / Anthology Film Archives

We had such and awesome New York Premiere and such a huge turn out! 

Read more about it, and the whole New York trip as well on our director’s blog:

http://blog.damagedfilms.com

btw: we’re currently putting together the soundtrack CD for the film, which will hopefully be out soon!

Latest News: LA PREMIERE PRAXIS @ BRILLIANT LIGHT FILM FESTIVAL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

18 March 2008

FIL-CAN-DC FILMMAKER (FILIPINO-CANADIAN-DC) ALEX PACHECO'S DEBUT FEATURE 'PRAXIS' TO HAVE LOS ANGELES PREMIERE AT THE BRILLIANT LIGHT INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, SUNDAY APRIL 6TH, 2008 @ 5PM.  (RALEIGH STUDIOS, 5300 MELROSE AVE, LOS ANGELES, CA)

When most Washingtonians are asked about filmmakers from DC, not a whole lot of names come to mind: Jeff Krulik of HEAVY METAL PARKING LOT fame, Eduardo Sanchez of THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT.  It's not a very long list.  The majority of local films are either documentaries, shorts, or student work.

This is where the debut feature film 'PRAXIS' from FIL-CAN-DC Filmmaker, Alex Pacheco, stands out.  It was shot on film, not video.  It's decisive, and difficult to categorize: Experimental, Art House, Dramatic, Narrative, Gay/Straight, Surreal, Fantastic, Sci-Fi, Existential.  It's not the typical 'indie' film, with snappy dialogue or a story centered around people with animal suits.  In fact, PRAXIS is more in tune with the work of Hungarian filmmaker Bela Tarr, and Pacheco's previous films have been compared to the likes of David Lynch, Stanley Kubrick, and Luis Buñuel.  "I'm more interested in the subtle, unspoken connections, the visual experience - that a film can invite you in to make your own assumptions."  Pacheco declares.  PRAXIS is a story that is told through the visuals and cinematography, versus dialogue.

Produced completely outside of Hollywood by a small, dedicated group of volunteers and talented local crew, the film features powerful acting from Tom Macy, (Brian) a graduate of the School for Film and Television in NYC, and Andrew Roth (Joe), an accomplished method actor also from New York.  PRAXIS also features an innovatory music score from DC music virtuoso Bob Massey, of The Gena Rowlands Band, Nitrate Hymnal, and Telograph Melts fames.

Greg Marzullo from THE WASHINGTON BLADE describes PRAXIS as:

"Told in a rich visual sense...Pacheco sends his protagonist on a journey to piece together his decent into depression, suicide, and the inevitable hereafter."

PRAXIS is an incredibly ambitious film - A young writer named Brian suffers a mental breakdown, and is forced to come to terms with his own identity and the meaning of the universe.  Pacheco says,"It basically can be summed up to one line, 'If you could be anywhere, where would you be?' This is what Brian is questioning, and the possibilities are endless."

Matt Borlik from THE WASHINGTON CITY PAPER describes PRAXIS as:

"...A bold first step into the foray of feature filmmaking." (June 8th,2007)

In January of 2008, PRAXIS was chosen as an Official Selection of the CINEQUEST FILM FESTIVAL, a festival known for showcasing daring and edgy experimental work.  PRAXIS also recently screened at the DC INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL 2008, and was featured on NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO (NPR).  PRAXIS is also slated to screen at NEW FILMMAKERS/ANTHOLOGY FILM ARCHIVES in New York later this spring.  Anthology Film Archives was started by one of the grandmasters of American indie/experimental film, JONAS MEKAS, which Pacheco finds,"...a true honor."

PRAXIS is honored to screen at the upcoming Brilliant Light Film Festival of Los Angeles, a festival that prides itself on showcasing visually inspiring works outside of the typical mainstream genre.

FOR INFO OR TO REQUEST A SCREENER/PRESS KIT, CONTACT:

ALEX PACHECO, DAMAGED FILMS LLC, 1629 COLUMBIA RD NW #533 WASHINGTON, DC 20009

TEL. 202.489.5481c / alex@damagedfilms.com

OFFICIAL SITE: http://praxis.damagedfilms.com / www.damagedfilms.com

FOR INFO ABOUT THE BRILLIANT LIGHT INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, contact:

Jennifer Corinna, Festival Director, (818) 602 - 5462

info@brilliantlightfest.com / www.brilliantlightfest.com

Feb 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

LOCAL FILMMAKER ALEX PACHECO'S DEBUT FEATURE 'PRAXIS' TO PREMIERE AT THE WASHINGTON DC INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL, SATURDAY MARCH 8, 2008 @ 9:30PM.

(GWU JACK MORTON AUDITORIUM, 805 21st Street NW,Corner of 21st and H St NW.)

COULD 'PRAXIS' BE THE MOST IMPORTANT 'INDIE' FILM MADE IN DC?

When most Washingtonians are asked about filmmakers from DC, not a whole lot of names come to mind: Jeff Krulik of HEAVY METAL PARKING LOT fame, Eduardo Sanchez of THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT.  It's not a very long list.  The majority of local films are either documentaries, shorts, or student work.

This is where the debut feature film 'PRAXIS' from DC Filmmaker, Alex Pacheco, stands out.  It was shot on film, not video.  It's decisive, and difficult to categorize: Experimental, Art House, Dramatic, Narrative, Gay/Straight, Surreal, Fantastic, Sci-Fi, Existential.  It's not the typical 'indie' film, with snappy dialogue or a story centered around people with animal suits.  In fact, PRAXIS is more in tune with the work of Hungarian filmmaker Bela Tarr, and Pacheco's previous films have been compared to the likes of David Lynch, Stanley Kubrick, and Luis Buñuel.  "I'm more interested in the subtle,unspoken connections, the visual experience - that a film can invite you in to make your own assumptions." Pacheco declares.  PRAXIS is a story that is told through the visuals and cinematography, versus dialogue.

     

Produced completely outside of Hollywood by a small, dedicated group of volunteers and talented local crew, the film features powerful acting from Tom Macy, (Brian) a graduate of the School for Film and Television in NYC, and Andrew Roth (Joe), an accomplished method actor also from New York.  PRAXIS also features an innovatory music score from DC music virtuoso Bob Massey, of The Gena Rowlands Band, Nitrate Hymnal, and Telograph Melts fames.

PRAXIS is an incredibly ambitious film - A young writer named Brian suffers a mental breakdown, and is forced to come to terms with his own identity and the meaning of the universe.  Pacheco says,"It basically can be summed up to one line, 'If you could be anywhere, where would you be?'  This is what Brian is questioning, and the possibilities are endless."

Matt Borlik from THE WASHINGTON CITY PAPER describes PRAXIS as:

"...A bold first step into the foray of feature filmmaking." (June 8th,2007)

In January of 2008, PRAXIS was chosen as an Official Selection of the CINEQUEST FILM FESTIVAL, a festival known for showcasing daring and edgy experimental work. PRAXIS is also slated to screen at NEW FILMMAKERS/ANTHOLOGY FILM ARCHIVES in New York later this spring.  Anthology Film Archives was started by one of the grandmasters of American indie/experimental film, JONAS MEKAS, which Pacheco finds,"...a true honor."

This year marks the Tenth Anniversary of the DC Independent Film Festival, and Pacheco's previous short UNFORTUNATE MAN screened at the 2002 DCIFF.  In June 1999, UNFORTUNATE MAN had an unprecedented DC premiere at the Hirshhorn Museum: roughly 700 people showed up to a theatre that could only hold 250.

PRAXIS is proof that an incredibly beautiful feature film can be produced within the nation's capital, regardless of physical location, albeit New York, L.A., Park City, or even Adams Morgan.

Jan 2008

- PRAXIS is chosen as an Official Selection of the Cinequest Film Festival! 

1. -PRAXIS is slated to screen in New York at NEW FILMMAKERS / ANTHOLOGY FILM ARCHIVES later this spring of 2008!
   

2. -New Designs for Posters, websites, and all the other fun stuff that goes along with making a movie.
   

3. -New Streaming Server for all the beautiful video now on-line. 
   

Sept 2007

- MORE FESTIVAL ENTRIES AND ‘THE BIG WAIT...’

To add to the list of Film Festivals that we have submitted PRAXIS to, we have also officially entered: Sundance, Slamdance, Ann Arbor, Whistler, Malibu, and Gen Art.  We are currently in THE BIG WAIT, which is basically waiting to hear back to see if PRAXIS will screen at any of these festivals.   Notification can be as late as next April.  We will continue to submit to other festivals, including SXSW and CineVegas.  Let’s keep our fingers crossed!

- PRAXIS TRAILER FINISHED #8 on OurStage!

Great news!  The trailer for PRAXIS finished in the top ten for the month of August on Our Stage, a user created and voting website.  We received an official email from Our Stage that congratulated us on finishing in the top ten, and how the trailer will automatically be considered for a long list of other screening opportunities.  Woo hoo!  At least the trailer did well - top ten out of about 70 other entries.  Let’s hope the exposure will lead to other things!

July 2007

-  FESTIVAL SUBMISSIONS IN PROGRESS

Current Film Festival Submissions to: NYFF, AFI Fest, Austin, Chicago, Boston, Telluride, Montreal, and Rendevous With Madness (Toronto).  Planned submissions in the next few months to Sundance, Slamdance, Whistler, and Malibu. 

-  PRAXIS TRAILER #11 on OursStage!

The new trailer is gaining popularity.  Hopefully soon, it’ll crack the top ten.

www.ourstage.com

- PRAXIS on myspace! 

finally, we have a new cyber presence on one of the biggest sites out there.  even though we’ve only been on ther a short time, we’re gaining popularity, and hopefully we’ll gain more fans of the PRAXIS revolution.

www.myspace.com/praxis2007

- GREAT ARTICLE IN THE WASHINGTON CITY PAPER!

We got this great review of the film from Matt Borlik over at the Washington City Paper.  Check it out!

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/display.php?id=1774

If you could be anywhere, where would you be?

PRAXIS, the debut feature from director Alex Pacheco, peels away the layers of narrative even as Brian (Tom Macy), the film’s axis, struggles to create his true self.  Brian, a writer on the verge of a breakdown, is aided by Joe (Andrew Roth) and an Elusive Woman (Regina Aquino) as he sifts through the fragments of his persona to discover his true core.  Fighting against fear and the indifference, his quest reflects the classical myth of Proteus, and the human search for meaning in the universe.

KEEP UP TO DATE ON THE LATEST NEWS ABOUT PRAXIS!

READ THE DIRECTOR’S BLOG:

http://damagedfilms.wordpress.com/

PRAXIS on MySpace:

http://www.myspace.com/praxis2007

PRAXIS on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=56688&id=47142608832&saved#/pages/PRAXIS-2007/47142608832

What We’re Up To: