LATINO FILMMAKERS LAUNCH FIRST-EVER ONLINE AUCTION FOR GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION RIGHTS

In a first move of its kind, two Latino filmmakers are reaching out to global distributors in an unconventional way: they are auctioning distribution rights to their feature film, Alvarez & Cruz, on eBay.

Alvarez & Cruz is an English-language crime drama that focuses on two Latino conmen/carjackers and their relationships -- or lack thereof -- with their deadbeat fathers. Ricky Alvarez (Alex D¹Lerma) & Jojo Cruz (Vince Lozano) hijack cars, sweet-talk women, have hearts of gold and quote The Godfather left and right. Now, both of their fathers have re-entered their lives causing years of pain and resentment to resurface.

Inspired by the success of El Mariachi, the film, a labor of love for the two filmmakers since 1999, has screened at numerous festivals. In December 2003, Alvarez & Cruz took on its complete form with an original score by noted film composer Tom Batoy of Mona Davis Music/Los Angeles and audio post from Juniper Post/Burbank.

³Vince and I were fed up with the lack of Latino leading roles in Hollywood so our solution was to create those roles in Alvarez & Cruz,² explains Alex D¹Lerma. ³We wanted the audience members, regardless of their racial or cultural backgrounds, to be touched by the father/son conflict, which is semi-autobiographical.²

Alex D'Lerma is a former Los Angeles radio DJ, actor and writer who now focuses on directing and producing independent films. His transition to filmmaker began with Alvarez & Cruz, which he co-wrote, co-produced and co-directed. D'Lerma recently completed postproduction on the dramatic short, God's Little Monster, and wrapped principle photography on a comedy, Where's the Screwdriver?

Vince Lozano has appeared in numerous commercials and movies including ED TV, Father of the Bride 2, Darkwolf and Fallen Arches, as well as popular TV series ³Dragnet,² ³Becker,² ³Naked Truth,² ³E.R.² and ³Wings.² More recently, Lozano was in the films Carolina starring Julia Stiles, and Pirates of the Caribbean with Johnny Depp and Geoffrey Rush. He has written several screenplays and is currently in pre-production on a project.

"We feel that eBay could be an electronic alternative for self-distribution of low budget films,² concludes Vince Lozano. ³We're excited by the prospect of selling our film online during the American Film Market and possibly creating a new avenue for other do-it-yourself filmmakers."

For more info or screeners, contact Tostado Productions 323.255.9300.