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University of Texas Film Institute and Burnt Orange Production’s “Homo Erectus” Invited to Screen at Slamdance Film Festival

AUSTIN, Texas — Dec. 6, 2006 – “Homo Erectus,” a comedy set in prehistoric times and produced by Burnt Orange Productions in association with The University of Texas Film Institute, has been selected from 3,600 submissions to screen at the 2007 Slamdance Film Festival, Jan. 18-27 in Park City, Utah.

“Homo Erectus” follows the exploits of the hapless Ishbo, a philosophical caveman who yearns for more out of life than sticks, stones and raw meat. Adam Rifkin (“Detroit Rock City,” “The Chase”) wrote, directed and stars in the film, which also stars Ali Larter, David Carradine, Hayes MacArthur, Gary Busey, Talia Shire and Carol Alt.

“Having a festival credit of this caliber on their resumes to go along with a feature film credit will be great for all the students who worked on ‘Homo Erectus’” said Tom Schatz, executive director of The University of Texas Film Institute and the executive producer for “Homo Erectus.”

More than 40 University of Texas at Austin graduate and undergraduate students worked as interns and apprentices in all stages of production on the film, including the camera department, production design, props, costumes, casting, publicity, accounting and office management.

Produced by Burnt Orange Productions and Brad Wyman Productions, in association with the University of Texas Film Institute, principal photography on Adam Rifkin’s “Homo Erectus” took place in and around Austin during November and December 2005. Filming locations included nature preserves and state parks like Enchanted Rock, Hamilton Pool, Pedernales Falls and the Longhorn Caverns. All of “Homo Erectus” green screen photography was made possible by Robert Rodriguez and Elizabeth Avellàn and was shot at their Troublemaker Studios.

“Slamdance has a knack for picking modest-budget, highly creative films that go on to great success,” said producer Carolyn Pfeiffer, president and CEO of Burnt Orange Productions. “We are delighted to be a part of this film festival celebrating the independent filmmaker.”

The film will screen in the 21+ special screening program, Slamdance’s late night series, along with two other films, “Dante’s Inferno” and “Cold Prey.”

About Slamdance Film Festival

Slamdance Film Festival, considered an alternative to Sundance Film Festival, was started in 1995 by a group of independent filmmakers. Slamdance Film Festival has established a unique reputation for premiering independent films by first-time directors working with limited budgets. The festival continues to be true to its roots and is organized and programmed by active filmmakers. Past Slamdance films have been picked up for distribution, invited to festivals around the world and have won Independent Spirit Awards, the Palm D’Or, and an Academy Award Oscar®. Slamdance Film Festival alumni include “Memento” Director Christopher Nolan, the Emmy Award-winning Russo brothers and “Monster’s Ball” Director Marc Forster. For more information, visit www.slamdance.com.

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Contact: Erin Geisler

Gregory Collins

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