Christopher Annino and Tag Team Friendship Productions LLC of Mystic, CT, will hold a world preview of the new film, “Silent Times,” at the Mystic & Noank Library on May 25, 2018. This event is open to the public. There will be a suggested donation of $5 at the door. All proceeds will go to the Andrea Tegan Post Memorial Fund. The fund was created to help artists who are struggling financially. The screening will begin promptly at 6pm. Followed by a Q & A with the cast and crew. In case you miss the premier there will be an after party at the Jealous Monk 27 Coogan Boulevard Building #20.
Directed by Christopher Annino, “Silent Times” is a Roaring-Twenties escapade set in a fictional New England town. The story centers on Oliver Henry III (played by Westerly native Geoff Blanchette), a small-time crook turned vaudeville theater owner. From humble beginnings in England, he immigrates to America in search of happiness and fast cash. He becomes acquainted with people from all walks of life, from burlesque performers, mimes, hobos to classy flapper girls. As his fortunes rise his life spins out of control. The film is a loving homage to the silent films of the 1920s, and features a wide cast of characters based on archetypes and personalities common in those films, such as Charlie Chaplin, Emmett Kelly, Annie Oakley, Buster Keaton, Keystone Cops, Gypsy Rose Lee and many more. Much of the written comedy was inspired by Benny Hill, Mr. Bean, and Monty Python. Notably, it is the first silent feature film of its kind in 80 years. Shot in black and white the film speed was also sped up to match with 1920’s film speed. The soundtrack has traditional 1920s music from that era including delta blues. The film features local talent drawn from Groton, Hartford, Groton, New Haven, Providence and Westerly, RI. Some of the local talent who starred in the film were David Blair, Bill McNally (Essex Steam Train Conductor), Enzio Marchello (Clown), Brian Olsen, Joel Melendez (acrobat), Tyquan Anderson from (CT Sun Dance team), Row Dasilva (Sister Funk), (former Ms. Fabulous Ct) Melody Lucas, Elena Bright, , Dexter Herron (Retired Groton Town Police), Anna and Veronica Convery. Celebrities such as WWE Legend Brian Blair, Olga Kurkulina star of “Kick Ass 2,” Queen of the Paranormal” Kadrolsha Ona Carole, Sunny The California Girl from G.L.O.W. , (Patricia Summerland), Ric Silver the creator of the “Electric Slide” dance, comedian Skip Daniels, and WWE Legend Ron Bass appear in the film. The film is produced by award winning film maker Biju Viswanath.
Director and Co-Writer Christopher Annino, is a graduate of Mitchell College in New London, Connecticut and won best community outreach award at the 2017 ICONIC film festival for his film “Trans Rights are Human Rights.”
Co-Writer Geoff Blanchette is a graduate of The University of Rhode Island and Co-directed “Waves” with Annino which won Best Romantic Drama at 2017 The Avalonia Film Festival.
