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'Slamdance on Stage' Ends Second Season Highlighting the First Place Screenplay, The Apology

Slamdance On Stage presents the top finalists from the Slamdance Screenplay and Teleplay Competitions and culminated Monday, May 23, 2005 with the first place screenplay, “The Apology” by Amir Ohebsion, David Diaan and Babak Shokrian.

Inspired by a true story, "The Apology" is the heartfelt character study of Farokh Forouzan, a legendary showman exiled for his sexuality and outspoken opposition to Iran's fundamentalist regime. Thirteen years after the revolution, Farokh, living in Germany, learns that his mother is gravely ill back in Iran. He soon finds himself at the center of a political conspiracy -- he must offer the regime a humiliating apology in exchange for permission to return home. The reading featured Enrico Colantoni (Elliot from Just Shoot Me, Galaxy Quest, Veronica Mars) in the lead role.

“Produced by Ken Metz and Howard Casner, Slamdance On Stage, is now a vital part of our competition, furthering our goals of promoting new writers and growing our Los Angeles base,” says competition director John Stoddard. “Looking ahead, we are equally excited about bringing the series to New York and Park City, Utah in the future.”

In 2004, the combined total of submissions from the Teleplay and Screenplay competitions came to 2,500 screenplays. Major discoveries from the competition include “The Woodsman” by Nicole Kassell & Steven Fechter, and Joshua Marston’s “Maria Full of Grace” (Independent Spirit Award Winner, Best First Screenplay). More recently the soon-to-be-released “Neo Ned” by Timothy W. Boughn, and Joseph Calabrese’s “Second Coming” (just purchased by Willfilm Productions) all placed in past competitions.

The final deadline to submit a screenplay to the 2005 Slamdance Screenplay Competition is July 1, 2005. The first place winner receives a $5,000 cash prize, Final Draft screenwriting software, a subscription to Scr(i)pt Magazine, the opportunity to join the WGAw’s Indie Writers Caucus, a 2006 Slamdance Film Festival Pass, and a staged reading as part of Slamdance on Stage 2006.

Slamdance Film Festival, January 19-27, 2006 is held in Park City, Utah and continues to be programmed and organized by active filmmakers. Slamdance has established a unique reputation for premiering independent films by first-time directors working with limited budgets. Slamdance films have been picked up for distribution, won Independent Spirit Awards, the Palme d'Or and even an Academy Award. Slamdance Film Festival alumni include "Memento" director Christopher Nolan (festival award winner "Following"), the Emmy Award winning Russo Brothers ("Pieces"), and "Monster's Ball" director Marc Forster (festival audience award winner "Loungers"). Paramount Classics acquired the 2005 Slamdance opening night film "Mad Hot Ballroom".

Updated: 05/23/2005

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