Chalk May 19, 2007

Presented by SomeDaySoon Productions

* Directed by Mike Akel
* Written by Mike Akel, Chris Mass
* Director of Photography: Steven Schaefer
* Edited by Bob Perkins
* Cast: Troy Schremmer, Chris Mass, Janelle Schremmer, Shannon Haragan
* 85 min, MPAA rating: PG-13

Join the Austin Film Society in celebrating the national theatrical release of this award-winning Austin-made feature film. CHALK will be released in Austin, Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, New York, Atlanta and other cities in the coming weeks through Morgan Spurlock Presents, a new distribution partnership between Morgan Spurlock (SUPER SIZE ME, "30 DAYS") and Hart Sharp Video.

For the 6:45pm and 9:20pm shows on May 18 and 19, director Mike Akel, co-writer/star Chris Mass and other members of the CHALK team will introduce the film and do Q & A's. All ticket-holders for those shows are invited to Friday and Saturday night after-parties at La Feria, co-sponsored by the Austin Film Society.

In the comedic tradition and “documentary” shooting style of 'Arrested Development' and 'The Office', the made-in-Austin CHALK tells the frenetic and awkwardly painful journey of three novice teachers as they navigate one memorable public school year. Share in the unforgettable comedic trials of Mr. Lowry, the former software engineer and misguided altruist turned history teacher; Coach Webb, the relationally starved shrew of third period gym class; Mr. Stroope, the power hungry small town philosopher; and Mrs. Reddell, their former peer turned assistant principal who has been newly assigned to reign-in the Harrison High staff.

Director Mike Akel provides a rare and realistic teacher’s perspective into the absurd, provocative and occasionally volatile world of public education. In a country where 50% of teachers quit within the first three years, CHALK delivers an enormous dose of heart, hilarity, and hope for America’s most important institution.

CHALK picked up oodles of awards on its film festival run. Here is a sampling:

2007 Independent Spirit Award Nominee - John Cassavetes Award
Grand Jury Prize - 2006 Independent Film Festival of Boston
Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award - 2006 Austin Film Festival
Best Ensemble Performance - 2006 Los Angeles Film Festival

Official Website: http://www.austinfilm.org/film/chalk