Arizona-based Film accepted to Sedona International Film Festival

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Independent film “The Appearance of a Man” has been accepted to the prestigious Sedona International Film Festival February 24^th – March 1^st.

“The Appearance of a Man” has received many awards including two awards at the San Diego Film Festival 2008. The Heineken’s Red Star Award for outstanding film for writer, director, editor and executive producer Daniel Pace, and the award for Best Actor for lead actor/producer Michael Tassoni.  The film was shot almost entirely in Arizona and features only Arizona-based actors and crew.

“The Appearance of a Man” begins the night of March 13, 1997, when strange lights were seen in the Phoenix sky.  The story takes a turn when a strange man appears in the streets of Phoenix unfolding a series of extraordinary events. The film’s lead characters, a priest named Father Michael (Michael Tassoni), and a Vietnam Vet (Richard Glover), see their lives changed forever by the mysterious man who intersects their lives. The film is about the unknown and the supernatural, blending passages in the Bible and ancient scripture with current events.

Pace made a decision early in the film’s production to keep everything within the state of Arizona.  ”I chose to keep this an Arizona production, not only because it was partially based on the Phoenix lights, but because there is great talent here,” said Pace.  “These awards are an amazing part of the journey.  I feel all my hard work and the work of these talented actors and crew is being recognized in a great way.”

The film took just under five years to complete.  Pace and actor/producer Tassoni found all local talent and locations around Phoenix to utilize for production.  Pace used a skeleton crew; at most times having only an assistant and grip on hand during filming.  He edited the over 200 hours of footage himself, all while working full time as an engineer and spending time with his wife and daughter.

“I knew during our first film that ours was a great partnership, and I wanted to work with him again,” said actor/producer Michael Tassoni of Daniel Pace.  The two went to Slamdance Film Festival in 1999 with “14 Ways to Wear Lipstick,” Pace’s second feature.  “Daniel is a great talent, and a true innovator.”

Tassoni, a long time stage and film actor won San Diego Film Festival’s award for Best Actor for the role of Father Michael.  “This award is such an honor, and it is an amazing feeling to receive it,” said Tassoni.  “I’m proud to be a part of such a great piece of art and to have worked with such amazing people throughout the process,” he said.

About Daniel Pace
Daniel Pace was born in Argentina and emigrated to the United States in the early 1980’s. He studied Computer Science and started a successful consulting career in the software business. In 1993 he began his incursion in film. He wrote, produced and directed a 16mm feature film titled “Twisted Fate” that was distributed on video.  Soon Daniel wrote and produced “14 Ways to Wear Lipstick,” a 35mm full length picture with very little budget.  The film premiered at Slamdance Film Festival in January, 1999. “14 ways…” went on to play in several other festivals and showcases including the Bangkok Film Festival, the Arizona Film Festival and the Ohio University Cinema Guild.  In his latest film, “The Appearance of a Man,” Daniel explores the phenomenon of UFOs and the paranormal from a new perspective, taking his characters through a journey of mystery and discovery.

About Michael Tassoni
Michael began his career as an actor at the age of 15.  Since then, after receiving a BS in Acting from Arizona State University, he became an Equity actor and has performed in regional theatre around the country for the past 19 years. In 1995 he had the opportunity to work with the legendary Don Bluth on the 20th Century Fox Feature Film “Anastasia.”  Michael performed the lead role of Dimitri.  From this experience his love for the camera began.  In 1997 Daniel Pace hired Michael to associate produce and star in the Feature Film “14 Ways to Wear Lipstick.”  The Film was accepted in the 1999 Slamdance Film Festival, the 1999 Independent Feature Film Market, the 1999 Arizona International Film Festival, and the 1999 Bangkok International Film Festival, among others.  From this film Los Angeles called and Michael signed with the prestigious J. Michael Bloom Agency.  “The Appearance of a Man” marks Michael’s second feature as producer.  Michael also stars as the lead protagonist “Father Michael.”

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