FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Michael Toubassi @ Upstairs Film
Tel: 323.913.5844 
michael@upstairsfilm.com

“Renegade Bookseller” Returns to Tucson

Tucson, AZ – (May 18, 2005) – Upstairs Film (upstairsfilm.com) is pleased to announce that the short documentary RENEGADE BOOKSELLER will make its return to Tucson, screening at the Back Alley Film Festival. The film made its Arizona debut at the AZ International Film Festival, and was recently honored by South By Southwest as runner-up in the 1st Annual SXSWeb Media Festival.

Directed by Michael Toubassi, RENEGADE BOOKSELLER profiles musician, writer and bookstore owner Natalie Woodlawn, a young, artistic entrepreneur who pursues her passion for music while struggling to own a business and survive in Los Angeles. 

The Back Alley Film Festival (www.backalleyfilmfestival.com) takes place May 28, 2005 at 7:00 PM in the Bison Witches Bar & Deli parking lot, 326 N Fourth Ave in the  heart of downtown Tucson.  The festival is FREE and will feature short films from filmmakers in Tucson as well as around the world.

RENEGADE BOOKSELLER marks the first short documentary from director Michael Toubassi. His experimental short “Number 13” premiered at SXSW in 1997, and since then he has written, directed and produced a number of short films and music videos.  Michael is currently in postproduction on HIGH AND DRY, a feature length music documentary that pays tribute to the influential and eclectic community of musicians in Tucson, Arizona. www.highanddrymovie.com

Attendees of the Back Alley Film Festival will have an opportunity to view the film festival premiere of the trailer for HIGH AND DRY.

For further information, please contact Michael Toubassi at Upstairs Film: michael@upstairsfilm.com (323) 913-5844 or during the festival, contact (323) 309-4451.

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About Upstairs Film:
With offices in Los Angeles, Phoenix and Tucson, Upstairs Film is a not-for-profit production company, dedicated to producing cutting-edge film and theater projects. www.upstairsfilm.com