FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Michael Toubassi @Upstairs Film
Tel: 323.962.3381 or
email Upstairs Film

Renegade Bookseller To Premiere At The Arizona International Film Festival
Los Angeles & Tucson – (March 25, 2003) – Upstairs Film (www.upstairsfilm.com) is pleased to announce the Arizona premiere of RENEGADE BOOKSELLER, directed by Michael Toubassi.

The short subject documentary will be screening as part of the 12th Arizona International Film Festival, Friday April 4, 2003, at The Screening Room, 127 East Congress. Showtime is 7:00 PM. RENEGADE BOOKSELLER will precede the feature film “Angry Young Man,” directed by Tucson filmmaker Robert Loomis, as part of the Reel Frontier Film & Video Competition.

RENEGADE BOOKSELLER marks the first documentary short film from Arizona director Michael Toubassi. Shot in the artistic Silver Lake community of Los Angeles, this independent short features former Arizonian Natalie Woodlawn – writer, poet, musician and bookstore owner. The short film, shot in the summer of 2002, illustrates the dichotomy of a young independent woman who continues to pursue her passion for music while struggling to own a business and survive in Los Angeles.

Michael Toubassi, a resident of Tucson from 1990 to 1998, is the co-founder of Upstairs Film & Stage, a not-for-profit production company. A graduate of the University of Arizona, Michael produced the Multi Media Mondays screening series at the Hotel Congress, and has written, directed and produced a number of short films and music videos. Currently living in Hollywood, Michael is in post-production on “High N Dry ,” a feature length documentary about the Tucson music scene.

There will be a second screening of RENEGADE BOOKSELLER on Monday, April 7, at the Reader's Oasis, 3400 East Speedway, at 8:00 PM as part of a short film program. Tickets are $6 for each screening. Festival passes are also available. More information can be found at the Arizona International Film Festival website www.azfilmfest.com.

For further information contact Michael Toubassi of Upstairs Film at (323) 962-3381.

RENEGADE BOOKSELLER featuring Natalie Woodlawn. Directed by Michael Toubassi. Edited by Ross G & Mike T. Screening Friday, April 4th at The Screening Room and Monday, April 7th at Reader’s Oasis as part of the 12th Annual Arizona International Film Festival , Tucson, AZ.