Powerful First Feature Film From Writer/Director Moritz Rechenberg And Producer Ralf Weinfurtner Brings a Moving and Hard Hitting Slice of Life Story From The Streets of Los Angeles to the Big Screen.
On the eve of his West Coast premiere at the Dances With Films Film Festival, director Moritz Rechenberg and his Reflektiv Film Company have announced the acquisition of his feature film I AM GANGSTER by distributor FilmBuff. This is the first acquisition at the 2016 Dances With Films festival.
FilmBuff will release I AM GANGSTER Worldwide on all VOD platforms, including iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, and Vudu, later this year.
I AM GANGSTER tells the story of three young men in East Los Angeles trying to survive on a daily basis. While idealistic rookie cop David is able to keep his family safe until use-of-force incidents put him under pressure to make a fateful decision, hardcore gang member Lito steps into dangerous territory when he defies gang matriarch Tia in his hustle for wealth and power. At the same time, rebellious teenager Rio flirts with gang life until he has to deal with his own guilt over a tragic death.
I AM GANGSTER was birthed from a collaboration with members of the Teen Club of Hazard Park in East Los Angeles, when Rechenberg and these teenagers created a short film called TICKED back in 2008. Eight years later, he’s come full circle with this insightful feature length film. Rechenberg was inspired by their stories, as well as by legendary Los Angeles filmmaker Charles Burnett and his classic KILLER OF SHEEP. I AM GANGSTER brings a non-judgmental, unapologetic portrait of life on the streets of the City of Angels.
“We are excited to be working with FilmBuff as our distributor for the film,” states producer Ralf Weinfurtner.
CLIP COURTESY OF: Reflektiv Film Company
“We at Reflektiv wanted to make a good film, tell an important story and get it out to the people,” says writer/director Rechenberg. “FilmBuff is a great place for our film as they have successfully distributed other indie films in the marketplace.”
Along with industry veterans Marlene Forte (FEAR OF THE WALKING DEAD, DALLAS) and David Barrera (THE BRIDGE, AMERICAN HORROR STORY), I AM GANGSTER presents three new dynamic and talented actors in the lead roles. In an era of #OscarsSoWhite, this film places the spotlight on this diverse group of newcomers. Rick Mancia (EAST LOS HIGH), Gilberto Ortiz (LADY DYNAMITE) and impressive first timer Abraham Bobadilla lead the cast with explosive and touching performances that will leave audiences wanting to see more of them on screen in the future.
“Our collaboration with the youth, the leaders, families and community in East Los Angeles is key to the film, and we are proud to have been able to work with them in making the feature,” adds director Rechenberg. “Our actors are all new and we were astonished by their performances. We know that they will have successful careers, whatever path they choose.”
FILM CREDITS:
WRITERS: Moritz Rechenberg, Caroline Chang, Mark McKeown, Kelly Parker
DIRECTOR: Moritz Rechenberg
PRODUCER: Ralf Weinfurtner
CAST: Abraham Bobadilla, Gilberto Ortiz, Rick Mancia, Mario Ardila Jr, Kelli Strader, Alex Ortiz, Gloria Garayua, Ada Luz Pla, Hector Bucio, David Barrera, Marlene Forte