LAND OF
THE FREE
Mayhem erupts when a newly wealthy couple invites friends for a vegan feast to celebrate Independence Day.
Idea:
Political beliefs and their impact on relationships.
At the individual level, the film explores the tendency to prioritize political and religious ideologies over personal growth within our immediate circles. The protagonists seem to be building an identity solely on political or religious convictions which breeds division rather than fostering integrity. The narrative encourages introspection into the impact we can have locally.
Technological progress and its impact on our livelihood and freedom.
The film sheds light on the current advancements in technology and their impact on our lives, illustrating this through the dwindling middle class, growing social inequality, and unchecked corporate greed.
Politicization and social engineering.
On a political level, the narrative reflects on the damaging effects on family and friendship relashionships fueled by differing political beliefs. The film suggests that this divisive state of affairs benefits those in power who thrive on the age-old strategy of "divide and conquer."
"Land of the Free" is a thought-provoking dramedy that navigates the intricacies of personal growth, societal shifts, and political dynamics against the backdrop of a Fourth of July celebration.
CAST AND CREW
ISABEL - played by Diana Alvort
RADEK- played by Ziggy Baran
TOM - played by Anton Nassif
JANNET-Played by Melissa Miles
TAYLOR- Played by Yifen Low
BERRY- Played by Leah Procito
Diana is a highly accomplished multilingual actress and singer and songwriter, renowned for her exceptional performances in award-winning movies featured at prestigious festivals such as IFS Film Fest and the Madrid International Film Festival. She has performed in Theater, Film, TV shows, and Arenas such as The National Auditorium and World Trade Center in Mexico, Toronto Convention Center in Canada and in countless public and private shows all over USA and Mexico. She is also a producer of the film.
Story
Shortly after a heated presidential debate during which two candidates drop dead, a group of friends gathers to celebrate Independence Day.
Isabel and her spouse Tom throw a bash, splurging on it with Tom's recent tech breakthrough earnings. Thanks to his windfall, Tom invests in a lavish home. Among the guests are Tom's buddy Jannet and her partner Taylor, alongside cousin Radek and his new flame Berry. Everyone's dazzled by the grand house, but Jannet seems bitter because Tom's software caused Taylor to lose his job. They're greeted by an AI host named Mary.
Instead of the usual meat-filled BBQ, Tom goes for a vegan spread, sparking mixed reactions from the guests. As the night rolls on, fueled by wine and differing political opinions, tensions rise with intense debates.
The country's ideological rifts surface, with Jannet and Tom clashing, Taylor diving into conspiracy theories, and Isabel and Radek concealing a past affair. Arguments heat up further as secrets about shady business dealings and Tom's debts come out, leading to rifts among the friendships present.
Vegan dinner served full of cruelty.
Idea:
Political beliefs and their impact on relationships.
At the individual level, the film explores the tendency to prioritize political and religious ideologies over personal growth within our immediate circles. The protagonists seem to be building an identity solely on political or religious convictions which breeds division rather than fostering integrity. The narrative encourages introspection into the impact we can have locally.
Technological progress and its impact on our livelihood and freedom.
The film sheds light on the current advancements in technology and their impact on our lives, illustrating this through the dwindling middle class, growing social inequality, and unchecked corporate greed.
Politicization and social engineering.
On a political level, the narrative reflects on the damaging effects on family and friendship relashionships fueled by differing political beliefs. The film suggests that this divisive state of affairs benefits those in power who thrive on the age-old strategy of "divide and conquer."
Anton Nassif is a highly trained Los Angeles based actor and has appeared in over 60 films and television shows. Some recent highlights included winning Best Acting Duo in the IndieX Film Festival for his work in the short "Therapist of the Year", appearing in the film "A Christmas Frequency" on Hulu and playing Gary in Austin Ramey’s “Falling Up” alongside 80’s legend Diane Franklin. When he’s not acting Anton enjoys having a delicious cup of single origin coffee and playing his guitar.
Ziggy, originally from Poland but raised in the Chicago suburbs, pursued his passion for the arts at The University of Miami, earning a B.A. in Theater Arts and Motion Pictures. Relocating to Los Angeles, he has achieved notable success in both film and commercial ventures. Notably, he collaborated with director Zuzanna on her latest project, "Lori's Choice," Beyond acting, Ziggy enjoys creating music and sharing his sense of humor.
IWONA- AI virtual personal assistance
Meet Iwona, the friendly voice that lives inside your house, always ready to help. But there's more to her than meets the ear. Behind that cheerful tone, she's secretly snooping on your home, sharing all your secrets with her big corporate bosses. They take your private life and sell it to other companies, who then use it to try and sell you more stuff you don't need.
Melissa's career began in her native Germany, where she established herself as a prominent actress in network TV shows. In her mid-20s, she made the transition to the United States. She resides in Hollywood with her beloved Husky, Amy.
Leah Procito is an American Actress, She Hails from Boston Massachusetts where she had a Principal Role in the Mark Wahlberg Film “Spenser Confidential “ , She has also appeared in A National Sam Adams Commercial & and has preformed on stage at the Wilbur Theater in Boston in the Stage Play “ Saints Sinners & Serial Killers , Leah is also Nurse and has one Heck of a Boston accent when needed !
Yifen Low, a Chinese-American actress, began acting at a young age in regional theater. However, encouraged to pursue a career in business, she graduated with a BS in Managerial Economics. After a few years, she decided she’d rather pursue a career in acting and moved to Los Angeles. Since then, she has demonstrated her versatility in various film and theatre projects, garnering recognition at esteemed festivals like HollyShorts and LA Shorts. Recently, she's ventured into producing, with two short films set for release in 2024, marking an exciting new chapter in her career.
Writer and Director- Zuzanna Kucharska
DOP- Susan Gordon
Sound - tbd
Zuzanna has dedicated over 11 years to the Hollywood Blockbuster Film and Gaming Industry. Her journey began as a 3D Artist, transitioning into Animation. She contributed to pre- and post-visualization, as well as virtual production for movies and series like Venom, Ant-Man, Thor, Men in Black, Bohemian Rhapsody, and Disenchanted. Recently, she embarked on a new path, exploring writing and directing short films that capture the essence of ordinary people. Originally from Poland, Zuzanna spent the last decade in London, UK, before moving to Los Angeles three years ago.
Producer-Mike DeVera
Susan is a photographer, cinematographer, camera operator, and editor. Her work is characterized by a rare authenticity that resonates with audiences on a profound level, inviting them to immerse themselves fully in cinematic experience. Susan approaches each project with humility and enthusiasm that inspires the crew, fostering an environment where creativity thrives, and boundaries are pushed. She recently worked with Zuzanna on the drama/comedy short "Lori's Choice" and the experimental short "Yourself."
Mike DeVera is a dynamic film producer renowned for his versatile expertise across various facets of film production, encompassing sound, electric, and editing. Beyond his contributions to the industry, DeVera is also a dedicated community builder, spearheading a vibrant meetup for filmmakers to network, learn, and collaborate.
Giulia is an Italian Art Director, Graphic Designer and Illustrator with more than 15 years of experience in the visual communication industry. After living in London, UK, for seven years, she decided to leave the gloomy weather and move to Los Angeles to experience California life. She is passionate about cinema, sailing, insects, illustration, and riding her motorcycle. She is a head of the campaign creative direction.
Creative Director- Giulia Flamini
Camera Assistant- Michael Nguyen
Michael Nguyen is a filmmaking enthusiast who began experimenting with video production in 2008. From 2012-2017 he received formal education for film studies at UC Davis. While there, he was also involved with Aggie Studios and learned to hone his skills while working with other creatives and producers. After graduating, he used his skills and knowledge toward personal productions and worked on others' projects such as event-filming. His specialty includes editing, prop making, set designing, and VFX.
