'LEONIE!' FILM IS MADE IN MICHIGAN WITH REDCARPET RECEPTION OF PLAYERS

Made in Michigan!

And, Oakland County players plan to circle the theater's front door drive and walk down the main aisle's red carpet entrance.

That's the anticipated film premiere of Leonie, Monday, August 1 at 7 pm in the Emagine Theater in Novi, MI., with a red carpet reception for players.

More shows will open the same night with tickets purchased at http://www.emagine-entertainment.com/.

"I think I told most of you about this movie that I am in as a prioress. It has been a long time in getting ready for release and the date is finally here. Although I am only an extra and do not have a speaking part, it is exciting to be a part of it," shouted Elaine Fontana of Sterling Heights, who plans to be part of the Barbara Middleton Holy Trinity Productions I redcarpet reception at 6 pm.

Among the all-Michigan cast of eighty-seven players are Genevieve Lang, Megan Wolf and Samantha Lang of Rochester Hills, Jeff Barron of Farmington Hills, and, Mary Rose Maher of Dryden, and, Paige Pilarski of Romeo.


"Leonie!" is directed by Joseph Robert Maher, and, is based on his screenplay about the life of Leonie Martin of Alencon, France, the sister of the patron saint of France, St. Therese Martin, known to Catholics the world over as the "Little Flower."

"In the movie, people will see for the first time, life behind the walls of a monastery in the United States that has preserved the original observance and habits since the founding of their order by St. Francis de Sales, and, St. Jane de Chantel in the 1600s," Middleton said. "It's my understanding that no other U.S. production company has ever been allowed behind the walls of a cloistered religious community."

Leonard Blair, bishop of the diocese of Toldedo, OH., granted approval for filming Leonie in the Monastery of the Visitation, a Papal Enclosure that excludes guests.

"The monastery is magnificient and the austere lifestyle these sisters live with in such joy is truly amazing that I couldn't wait to share this palce with the rest of the world," said writer and director Maher, "who couldn't wait to begin shooting in the Toledo monastery.

"A totally heartwarming story," said Dolores Hart, who left Hollywood fame and fortune to enter the Abbey of Regina Laudis, and, is a film star and Oscar voiting member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

The feature film depicts a chronic, and, emotionally-disordered bourgeoisie woman with learning disabilities, in the late 1800s in France, who wreaks havoc with the religous superiors in the monasteries she tries in vain to enter, and, subsides after encountering a compassionate nun, named Sister Jeanne Marguerite, who is played by Paige Pilarski of Romeo. The befriending helps Leonie endure her trials and tribulations, part of a Christian's rite of passage.

For more information contact executive producer, Barbara Middleton at 586 243 6199, or barabaramm@sbcglobal.net.

Oakland area production designer is Caitlin Callaghan of Troy, editor Brien Dux of Berkley, sound editor Doug Schiete of Clarkston, and producer David Brockman of Rochester Hills. The music is composed by the Rev. Eduard Perrone of Assumption Grotto Church in Detroit.
Emagine Theater is located at 44425 West 12 Mile Road in Novi.