Plymouth Rocked

This past Saturday marked the 12^th screening of Justice Is Mind since our world premiere last August. And while we have screened to enthusiastic audiences from New England to Los Angeles, our screening at Plimoth Cinema was particularly exciting as audiences were tremendously enthusiastic and supportive of the film.  Adding to the excitement, fourteen actors from Justice were present. Not since our world premiere in Albany did we have such a turnout.  The result? A record single screening box office gross for Justice Is Mind!

Mark Lund, Vernon Aldershoff and acting coach Kevin Lasit (who trained many of the actors in Justice from the Plymouth region).

The enthusiasm and support carried forward to some terrific unsolicited posted comments “Justice Is Mind was brilliant and a film worth seeing more than once.” “Quite the twist and an amazing piece of movie magic.” “As good or better than so-called “studio” films.”

Meeting my cousin Jean Cote after more years than I can remember.

For me personally the evening was an emotional roller coaster. While I knew the local actors in the film were going to be in attendance, I didn’t expect to see Vernon Aldershoff (who lives in the Albany, NY region). Here I am standing around talking to some attendees and I casually look over at the box office and there he is buying a ticket! What a wonderful surprise that was. Oh but it didn’t stop there. No sooner after talking with Vern for a few minutes than did a gentleman introduce himself to me – a cousin who I have not seen since I was about five.  When he told me he has been following my career and came down special to see me it was pretty moving. In that instant I realized that I have a family bigger than what I’ve always thought. Something tells me it’s time for a family reunion!

Gail Sullivan, Jeanne Lohnes, Mary Wexler, Carlyne Fournier and Mark Lund.

As I’ve posted before, successful screenings like this do not magically come together. A very special thanks to Mary Wexler (Judge Wagner) and Gail Sullivan (Helen Granger) for all their hard work and dedication.  Since the January 11 screening was announced both of them have worked tirelessly to promote the event. Their hard work was front and center on Saturday night.

A box office gross record for Justice Is Mind!

Just before the weekend started we had some great media placements. PAC-TV was our first TV interview. Based in Plymouth, they just did an amazing job presenting Justice Is Mind and bringing the story to the Plymouth actors that were in the film. The Barnstable Patriot also published a terrific article titled “Whose mind is yours, anyway?” My favorite passage by writer Lee Roscoe, “In the film, past life memory and future mind tapping by machines merge in a psychological thriller, which develops slowly and then grips you with its logical twists and mysteries, haunting you afterward.” Sadly, despite a written agreement, Cape Cinema (Dennis, MA) pulled Justice Is Mind (the day after our screening in Plymouth) claiming we weren’t supporting the upcoming screening. Seriously. To protect the reputation of the film I forwarded the email trail to the press we were working with and our lawyer. The trail not only proves opposite what Cape Cinema stated but that this “theatre” wasn’t supporting us either despite their agreement to us.  Unfortunately, there are those unprofessional types you come up against in this industry but I’ve never been one to let one small storm cloud get in the way of great weather. Moving on.

And so with a new box office gross record in hand for Justice Is Mind, a thank you again to Mary, Gail, the actors, the attendees (including my cousin!) and the Plimoth Plantation for a fantastic screening. As we prepare for our VOD release, while working on additional theatrical screenings, please take a moment to view our pictures from Facebook from Saturday’s screening.

Next Stop