TALK TO ME Opens the 2007 LA Film Festival
 June 21, 2007


























Nestled nicely into the entertainment capital of the world, the 2007 LA Film Festival rolled out its red carpet and began with a flourish on Thursday, June 21, 2007. Blessed with a perfectly sunny day and ideal temperatures, the Opening Night Premiere of Focus Features' Talk to Me pulled in a crowd so large the film screened at two separate theatres in the posh surroundings of Westwood Village.

The film's lead actors, including Don Cheadle, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Vondie Curtis Hall, Cedric the Entertainer, Taraji P. Henson and Martin Sheen meandered down the plush red carpet, brimming with pride over their film and genuine excitement from being in each others company once again. Before sweeping into the Mann Village Theatre alongside festival filmmakers, industry professionals and a crowd of fans, the cast spoke humbly and sincerely about their film.

Controversial, historical and daring, Talk to Me tells the story of radio DJ Ralph Waldo "Petey" Greene (Don Cheadle), an ex-convict who wasn't afraid to shine a spotlight on the black community during the turbulent 1960s. With a "tell it like it is" attitude, a compassionate station manager (Martin Sheen) and his best friend and producer Dewey Hughes (Chiwetel Ejiofor) watching his back, Petey played off the blossoming social consciousness in Washington DC, ultimately overhauling the face of radio, changing the mindset of a nation and inspiring a generation.

Commenting on the making of a true story, Don Cheadle points out, "When making a movie about a real character - and I've made several - I always refer to the script. It's your Bible. Yes, you do your research and try to understand who the person you're playing is. But you're trying to find the truth in the story that you're trying to tell."

And in regards to being drawn to this story, Director Kasi Lemmons notes, "The material began to - no pun intended - talk to me, and really loudly, too. I fell in love with the story and the characters, especially the contrast between these two friends. As a story about friendship, it's universal. Petey and Dewey, like many men, shy away from revealing their vulnerabilities. It didn't mean that they weren't close; it meant that they had trouble expressing themselves to each other. Vernell was also very special to me, because she embodies strong women from our history that we don't see depicted often enough."

Talk to Me opens in theaters on August 3, 2007 while the 2007 LA Film Festival will run from June 21st to July 1st. With over 230 films screening at 10 venues through out Westwood Village, the Film Independent presentation will celebrate the best of American and international cinema while simultaneously offering Coffee Talks, Poolside Chats and a plethora of other star-studded events. For further information and ticket sales, visit www.lafilmfest.com http://www.lafilmfest.com or call 1.866.Film.Fest.