Can One Man Save The Vanishing Hemlock?

For Immediate Release
December 7, 2007

Can One Man Save The Vanishing Hemlock?

In groundbreaking documentary, Back 40 Films joins leading arborist Will Blozan in a race against time to save last ancient Hemlock forest in Southeastern United States.

Charlotte, CA – (12/07/2007) In the Southeastern United States stands one of the most spectacular sites in the world, the ancient hemlock forests. These magnificent old growth trees, towering at times over 170 feet and living as long as 600 years, provide some of the most diverse eco-system habitats in the southeast. Yet, deep in the heart of their pristine tranquility a terror is mounting that, left unchecked, will destroy what small clasp of ancient ecological history remains in this country.

The soaring and majestic native eastern and Carolina hemlocks have been infested by a human-introduced insect pest, the hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA). Few of the remaining ancient hemlock forests are free of this devastating infestation, and without financial and human resources allocated to save them, this precious slice of ecological history will be destroyed forever.

Filmmaker David Huff is raising the alarm through an inspiring and challenging feature documentary, “The Vanishing Hemlock: A Race Against Time.” In the film, Huff will follow arborist and champion tree finder Will Blozan (recently featured in The New Yorker in an article on the plight of the hemlock) deep into the hemlock forests of the southern Appalachian Mountains. There he will document the devastating impact the loss of these ancient trees is having on the rich diversity of southern wild forests. Shot on location in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this film will reveal the devastating loss, which has already occurred, and challenge audiences to take up the cause to protect what remains.

“The Vanishing Hemlock: A Race Against Time” has been heartily endorsed by the Southern Documentary Fund and has been awarded a tax-deductible status so that much needed funds may be raised, hopefully, in time to bring awareness to this rapidly progressing biological crisis. “This is part of our legacy,” said Huff. “We must do all that we can to save these forests, for the rich diversity of life within them, for ourselves and for our children."

“The Vanishing Hemlock” is a production of Back 40 Films in association with Musk Entertainment.

Back 40 Films is an independent film production company based in Charlotte, NC. Rooted in the American South, the company draws on its cultural and geographical surroundings for inspiration. Working with both regional and Hollywood based casts and crews, Back 40 Films pulls together some of the most sought after talent in the industry to make its films. In doing so, Back 40 Films strives to produce the best in high quality films. www.back40films.com

For more information on how you can participate in the groundbreaking documentary, “The Vanishing Hemlock,” visit the Southern Documentary Fund’s project page at http://southerndocumentaryfund.org/works-in-progress/the-vanishing-hemlock or contact producer/writer David Huff, Back 40 Films at david@back40films.com.

To support this documentary, contact Producer, David Huff
Tel (828) 712-6712
1315 East Blvd., Ste. 203,
Charlotte, NC 28203
david@back40films.com

Contact:
Popular Press Media Group (PPMG)
+1 (310) 860-7774
media@ppmg.info

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Simple Things (aka Country Remedy) wins Audience Award at Real to Reel Film Festival

For Immediate Release
July 23, 2007

Contact: Popular Press Media Group (PPMG)
T.(310) 860-7774
Email: media@ppmg.info

Audiences Agree, Simple Things Win
Independent film "Simple Things" (aka Country Remedy) wins Audience Award

Hollywood, CA (07/23/2007) - The independent feature film that is quietly sweeping the country, "Simple Things" took home the Audience Award at the Real to Reel Film Festival this weekend. Executive Producer, David Huff was on-hand to accept the award. This marks the ninth major award “Simple Things” has won this year.

A wonderful family story, "Simple Things" written and directed by award winning Andrew C. Erin and produced by multi award winning Tosca Musk (Back 40 Films in association with Musk Entertainment); is inspired by the writings of Lewis Hine Award Winner , recipient of North Carolina's Order of the Long Leaf Pine and Sr. Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr. Olson Huff.

In "Simple Things", Dr. Evan Gibbs has the world on a string. The leading pediatrician at a Chicago’s children’s hospital, he is poised to takeover as department chair. When cancer suddenly takes the life of his wife, Dr. Gibbs is devastated. Struggling with his loss, he buries himself in work, succeeding only in isolating himself from his son, who so desperately needs him. Begrudgingly and under the very strong suggestion of his hospital medical director, Dr. Gibbs consents to aid a small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina by setting up a medical clinic during his now mandatory summer vacation. Everything is not what he expects; his big city attitude clashes against the ways of the small community. Through the support of a colorful cast of characters, a mix of drama and humor, Dr. Gibbs finds the strength to face his loss and reconnect with his son, while discovering that the “simple things” are the most important.

A triumphant vote that audiences are looking for positive, value-based entertainment "Simple Things" is currently touring the festival circuit and is distributed by Screen Ventures Media.

For more information, please go to www.SimpleThingsTheMovie.com, or call (310) 860-7774, media@ppmg.info

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For Immediate Release
February 12, 2007

North Carolina Film, "Simple Things," Debuts to 3 Top Awards!

Sweeping International Family Film Festival!

Hollywood, CA (02/12/07) -- North Carolina can be very proud of itself today as a movie that was financed, filmed and partially cast within the State swept the International Family Film Festival, taking home three awards including the coveted "Spirit Award" for the film that captured the true essence of a family film; the "Audience Award" celebrating the film most enjoyed by attending audiences and the "Best Child Actor in a Supporting Role" which was awarded to Aidan Mitchell.

"Simple Things" champions the heart of America; the pulse that resonates through every individual, recognizing that beyond the complexities of life, the simple things are the most important. Through the looking glass of the film, audiences are given a serious, yet very entertaining, bird's eye view of some of the moments that renowned pediatrician Dr. Olson Huff (Lewis Hine Award Recipient) experienced in his career of caring; evoking in many a new awareness and sensitivity to the world around them.

The film stars Cameron Bancroft ("Love and Human Remains," TV's hit series, "24") as Dr. Evan Gibbs, who takes his 10-year-old son, Nate (Aidan Mitchell, FX's "The Riches"), to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina after the sudden death of his wife to cancer to set up a medical clinic in the small town of Dunn's Rock. Through the support of the town's mayor, Terry Hudson (Bellamy Young, "Mission Impossible III") and her daughter, Christina (Channing Nichols, "Six and The City"), Dr. Gibbs and his son discover more than they expect.

Helmed by award-winning director/writer Andrew C. Erin ("Sam's Lake"), under the experienced eye of award-winning Producer Tosca Musk (Musk Entertainment www.muskentertainment.com), "Simple Things" has launched far more than Executive Producer David Huff's North Carolina production company Back 40 Films (www.back40films.com), it has put the spotlight on the vast and valuable motion picture business as being a viable industry for North Carolina. Back 40 Films and Musk Entertainment are teaming up next on "American Racer."

A dedicated and committed cast, including Joshua Leonard ("Blair Witch Project"), Amber Benson ("Buffy: The Vampire Slayer"), Mickey Jones ("Sling Blade"), Melissa Fitzgerald ("West Wing"), Zac Gardner ("Akeelah The Bee") and Edie McClurg ("Ferris Bueller's Day Off"), a beautiful story and a hard-working, skilled crew, "Simple Things" is a return to the true essence of family entertainment, and is poised to capture the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide!

Further information about the film may be found by visiting www.simplethingsthemovie.com or www.ppmg.info

Stars Come To Asheville, North Carolina for "Simple Things"

For Immediate Release
October 18, 2006

Stars Come To Asheville, North Carolina for "Simple Things"

Celebrities come out to support the charity fund-raising screening of North Carolina filmed movie.

Hollywood, CA (10/18/06) – The movie "Simple Things", based on the stories written by renowned pediatrician, Dr. Olson Huff (“The Window of Childhood”), directed by Andrew C. Erin was filmed in Asheville, Brevard and Dunn's Rock, North Carolina. Next week on October 25 and 26, 2006, the stars of the movie along with the producers and director are returning to celebrate with two star-studded, red carpet screenings in support of the Mission Children's Hospital and the Transylvania Community Hospital.

On Wednesday, October 25, 2006 in Asheville, NC at the Fine Art Theater, “Simple Things” will screen in support of the Mission Children’s Hospital and on October 26, 2006 “Simple Things” will screen in Brevard, NC at the Falls Theater in support of the Transylvania Community Hospital.

Join the stars and support these two extraordinary organizations by ordering your tickets or simply join the Simple Things online community now!!
Join www.myspace.com/simplethingsthemovie

“Simple Things” stars Cameron Bancroft (“Love and Human Remains”, TV’s “24”) as Dr. Evan Gibbs, a leading pediatrician poised to take the helm at Chicago’s Children’s Hospital who, after the sudden death of his wife Beth, takes his his 10-year old son Nate (Aiden Mitchell, "The Riches") to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina to set up a medical clinic in a small town called Dunn’s Rock. Dr. Gibbs' big-city attitude quickly clashes against the laid back ways of the small community, forcing him to deal with his suppressed grief, while finding a way to reconnect with his son. With the support of the town's mayor, Terry Hudson (Bellamy Young, “Mission Impossible III”) and her daughter, Christina (Channing Nichols, “Gilmore Girls”), Dr. Gibbs discovers more to the mountain life than he could have ever expected. With an astounding supporting cast including Joshua Leonard ("Blair Witch Project"), Amber Benson ("Buffy: The Vampire Slayer"), Mickey Jones ("Sling Blade") and Edie McClurg ("Ferris Bueller's Day Off"), “Simple Things” is sure to inspire audiences worldwide.

Transylvania Community Hospital, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization whose basic mission is to assume a leadership role in organizing, collaborating, coordinating, and providing a quality healthcare delivery system to serve the residents of Transylvania County and surrounding areas. TCH is also a 5-Star Hospital in terms of community value – only one of five in the State of North Carolina. For more information, visit www.tchospital.org

Mission Children’s Hospital in Asheville is the only children’s hospital in Western North Carolina. It cares for more than 10,000 children, and provides more than 21,000 patient visits a year just in its Children’s Clinic for subspecialty care housed in a new outpatient center. Other services of the hospital include its neonatal intensive care unit, pediatric intensive care unit, Mission Children’s Clinic for subspecialty care and specialized inpatient pediatric units. http://missionhospitals.org/childrens.htm

For more information on “Simple Things”, Executive Producers David Huff, Dr. Olson Huff, Producer Tosca Musk, Director / Writer Andrew C. Erin and the cast and crew of Simple Things, please contact PPMG at media@ppmg.info, or call (310) 860-7774.