The Rhode Island Film & TV Office is pleased to announce that TANNER HALL, which filmed entirely in Rhode Island utilizing local crew and talent, will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on Monday, September 14, 2009.
TANNER HALL was written and directed by Tatiana von Furstenberg and Francesca Gregorini and is based on their childhood experiences as boarding school students. The film is produced by Rhode Island resident Julie Snyder and features Brie Larson, Tom Everett Scott, Amy Sedaris and Chris Kattan in the ensemble cast.
Steven Feinberg, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Film & Television Office, praised the production, "We are extremely happy for filmmakers Tatiana von Furstenberg, Francesca Gregorini, Producer Julie Snyder, Executive Producer Richard L. Bready and the entire team of TANNER HALL. Due to their vision, dedication, and with the support of the Motion Picture Tax Credit program, this special film not only promotes our beautiful Ocean State; it is being recognized at the renowned Toronto International Film Festival. Once again, what started as a dream in little Rhode Island is now a real gift being showcased to a worldwide audience!"
Co-writer/Co-Director Tatiana von Furstenberg said, "Francesca and I have a very strong connection to Rhode Island as we met there while attending Brown University. It was so wonderful to be able to return to collaborate on our first film together and capture the unique locations, which could not have been more appropriate for TANNER HALL. It is our hope that the natural beauty of autumn in Rhode Island is captured in our film - our production took us deep into the orchards of Blackstone Valley and along the lakefront at Mishnok Barn. But home for the cast and crew was Providence... and everyone loved being there. This movie would not have been possible without the support and welcome that Rhode Island and the Film & TV Office gave us, and we are ever grateful. Rhode Island looks great on film!"
Added Producer Julie Snyder, "In many ways, Tanner Hall is a testament to Rhode Island filmmaking. I met our Executive Producer, Richard L. Bready, when we were both involved in starting the Newport International Film Festival. A true visionary, Rick also became my business mentor. While looking for film scripts to produce, I came across a wonderfully moving script co-written by Brown University graduates. Rhode Island has so many beautiful and naturally scenic locations and also offers a nurturing environment for first time filmmakers. I am so honored and excited to share what we produced in Rhode Island with the audiences at the Toronto International Film Festival, the largest and most prestigious film festival in North America."
The Rhode Island Film & TV Office is a division of The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts. Please visit our website at www.film.ri.gov.
(This is not an RIFC Production)