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EIN Presswire

Reza Abdoh, A Lasting Legacy in Film

LOS ANGELES - (EINPresswire via NewMediaWire) - November 17, 2014 - Reza Abdoh was globally recognized as a prolific artist who managed to create an impressive body of theatrical spectacles throughout his short life. Reza was known for being a very talented director who delivered his best and demanded the same from those around him. Reza was also a theatre visionary who routinely pushed boundaries in his work. The Iranian born Reza died from AIDS in 1995 at the young age of 32

As we approach the 20 year anniversary of his death, Reza’s longtime friend and collaborator, filmmaker Adam Soch has chosen to honor his memory. This will be done through a documentary film about the life of Reza Abdoh and his performance company Dar a Luz. Adam’s list of accomplishments include work on compelling and difficult issues such as teenage pregnancy, overpopulation and religious fundamentalism. This new project is an opportunity for Adam to pour over a compelling and difficult opportunity once again. Reza was once reviewed as being “a theatrical Wunderkind who had matured into one of the most adventurous presences in the modern theatre.” This is according to Burt A. Folkart of the L.A. Times. Peter Sellars once said that “Reza always had a way of cutting to an image that cut to the heart of the question”. These reviews reflect the fact that Reza orchestrated large-scale productions of sensory overload, ferocious energy and hallucinatory dreamscapes.

The work of Reza Abdoh has left an incredible influence on his medium and his peers. The release of this documentary is a joint effort from those who knew him including company members, friends and family. Abdoh’s work has also left a lasting mark on the world of experimental theatre. Abdoh’s plays are still being discussed within the theatre community two decades after his death. His many works are being referenced in these circles and in college and university courses. Reza requested that his pieces never be restaged which makes it harder for modern artists to relate to his work. The lack of reproduction also makes it harder for artists to get a complete sense of what Abdoh’s work was like. The brand new feature-length documentary will provide a really good look at Abdoh himself. It will also include a look at his company with help from some of the Dar a Luz members themselves. Reza’s decision making including his creative process will be explained in detail. The true beauty of this documentary is the inclusion of some of the best incredible live performances ever produced by Dar a Luz. This is interspersed with interviews from those who have been there. Along with those performances, the film will also feature extended portions of the greatest pieces of Abdoh’s director career with comments from theatre critics. There is a rich archive of video material that has been recorded over Reza’s storied career and this will be used to its fullest potential. Ultimately this opening up of Reza’s work will inspire a new generation of artists and remind them to push artistic boundaries.

The goal is have the Reza Abdoh documentary ready for both theatrical and DVD release in the spring of 2015. The release of this project requires professional level post-production. This level of production is needed to ensure that the documentary is well received as it tours film festivals. In order to achieve this goal there is a current Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign in place until December 1st. There are several crowdfunding rewards available for those who make a pledge:

• $10 – Add your name to the end credits of the film and be added to the mailing list
• $25 – Receive a digital download of the film and add your name to the end credits
• $75 – Premiere passes to the film opening for yourself and a guest to the east coast or west coast premiere. Plus the previous rewards.
• $100 – Promotional poster for the documentary. Plus the previous rewards
• $500 – Coffee table picture album plus the previous rewards.
• $1,000 – The Reza Abdoh DVD Collection featuring 29 DVDs of production, rehearsal and other video material. Plus the previous rewards.
• $3,000 – Associate Producer title plus the previous rewards

About:
Dar a Luz was the performance company of critically acclaimed director Reza Abdoh. Reza, who died of AIDS in 1995, was well known for creating large-scale productions which used devices like sensory overload and fantastic dreamscapes. Currently there is a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign in place in order to support the production of a documentary about the life and career of Reza Abdoh.

Adam Soch
+818-642-4335