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Sundance Review: “Prime Minister”

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Prime Minister (Lindsay Utz/Michelle Walshe, 2025) 4 out of 5 stars Born in 1980, Jacinda Ardern was elected Prime Minister of New Zealand in 2017. She was both the first woman to serve in that office and the youngest in over a century-and-a-half. A progressive politician—head of the Labour Party—she led her country via a […]

The post Sundance Review: “Prime Minister” first appeared on Film Festival Today.

US President Joe Biden awarded Pope Francis the prestigious Presidential "Medal of Freedom with Distinction".

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US President Joe Biden and Pope Francis

µUS President Joe Biden awarded Pope Francis the prestigious Presidential “Medal of Freedom with Distinction”. This is the only time Biden has presented the award at its highest level of distinction, highlighting the Pope's exceptional global contributions.

 

 

Before Pope Francis had accepted an award only twice: in 2016 the Charlemagne Prize by European Parliament President Martin Schulz, Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, and Council President Donald Tusk, and last year by Cinema for Peace and Chairman Jaka Bizilj for his daily unprecedented support for the victims in Ukraine, starting on day 1 of the attack, when he demanded to see the ambassador of Russia immediately to protest. Since then many humanitarian initiatives have been accomplished by the Pope’s constant silent interventions and the Vatican’s chief diplomats, including successful prisoner exchanges, food and medical deliveries, saving many people’s lives. 
 

Jaka Bizilj presenting the Cinema for Peace Award to Pope Francis
In addition to His Holiness, the Vicar of Jesus Christ, Cinema for Peace honored the powerful documentary “Freedom on Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom” by Evgeny Afineevsky, which you find below as “Trailer of the Week”. The awards presented to the Pope and to the filmmaker carried the names and engraved photos of three Ukrainian children and babies of one family, which had been wiped out by a Russian missile. 
 
Freedom on Fire is a documentary film written and directed by Evgeny Afineevsky
Pope Francis has emerged over the last decade as the leading global moral authority, embracing all religions and people of all continents. His 2020 encyclical Fratellii Tutti establishes a profound moral framework for the modern world, embodies the vision of global solidarity, and calls for a more inclusive and compassionate world, tackling pressing issues such as inequality, migration, racism, and the urgent need for better governance and truthful politics.

Following Pope Francis two extraordinary leaders will be honored in 2025 — with the “Noble Prize” by Cinema for Peace and The World Forum:

Made in Hungary - Hungarian Film Festival in Los Angeles

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Posted by Robin Menken

 

Celebrate the launch of Made in Hungary - Hungarian Film Festival in Los Angeles

October 25 - October 27 (Lumiere Cinema

9036 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211)

 

The film festival's mission is to showcase the diversity and richness of contemporary Hungarian cinema to American audiences, offering a selection of acclaimed Hungarian full-length feature films across various genres. Additionally, the festival promotes Hungary as a prime destination for international film productions, highlighting its versatile locations, skilled professionals, and favorable conditions for filmmaking. The three-day festival is organized by the Liszt Institute New York in collaboration with the Hungarian National Film Institute.

 

Made in Hungary screenings will take place between 25-27 October at the Lumiere Music Hall in Beverly Hills. They will show 8 movies: 7 current Hungarian full-length feature films and Oscar and Bafta winning “Poor Things” filmed in Hungary with talented local film professionals, among them Best Production Design Oscar winning Zsuzsa Mihalek set decorator.

 

“Made in Hungary is not just about films; it's about building bridges between cultures, sharing stories that touch our hearts, and experiencing the unique perspectives that Hungarian cinema and film industry have to offer.

 

We are honoured to have such a vibrant community of artists and film lovers with us, and we hope you find inspiration, joy, and connection in every screening. Let’s enjoy the magic of Hungarian cinema together!"

 

Csaba KÁEL-Hungary’s Government Commissioner for the Development of the Hungarian Film Industry, Chairman of the National Film Institute Hungary

 

Ádám Breier’s first feature “All About The Levkoviches” is a tender family dramedy set in the Jewish Quarter in Budapest, surrounded by its Communist past. After losing his beloved wife Zsuzsa (Máhr Ági), pugnacious boxer and ex- champion Tamás Levkovich (Bezerédi Zoltán) reunites with his son Ivan (Szabó Kimmel Tamás), an orthodox Jew. Ivan flies in from Israel to sit Shiva, bringing his young son Ariel. The generations face a rocky road to reconciliation.  Secular, atheist Tamás is visibly uncomfortable with his emotions. Roma fighter, Tamás’s student Feri (Váradi Roland) helps melt Tamás.

An antic score by Albert Márkos uses polka music to raise spirits. Breier’s film was a hit at this years Palm Springs Film Festival.

 

Rozália Szeleczki's "Cat Call" ("Cicaverzum") was part of the Hungarian Incubator programme. 

 

Fáni (Franciska Töröcsik is a 30-year-old architect and still single.  Traumatized by her father's early death, she cannot help foreseeing each suitor's death. The only woman architect at her office, she is patronized by her all male staff. Her progressive ideas for repurposing structures fall on deaf ears.

 

Except for the new man, star planner Mihaly(Csaba Polgá) who seems interested in her and her ideas. Mihaly moves in next door. He's interested in her but Fáni bunds with Smoothie, his Tom Cat. Why not, she can hear him speak! Jealous Smoothie warns her that her suitor Mihaly in already married ,and begins courting her instead.

 

The whimsical Tom-Rom-Com is blessed with witty production design by Pater Sparrow and art direction by Adrienn Gal

Made in Hungary - Hungarian Film Festival in Los Angeles

Rick W 0 44

Posted by Robin Menken

 

Celebrate the launch of Made in Hungary - Hungarian Film Festival in Los Angeles

October 25 - October 27 (Lumiere Cinema

9036 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211)

 

The film festival's mission is to showcase the diversity and richness of contemporary Hungarian cinema to American audiences, offering a selection of acclaimed Hungarian full-length feature films across various genres. Additionally, the festival promotes Hungary as a prime destination for international film productions, highlighting its versatile locations, skilled professionals, and favorable conditions for filmmaking. The three-day festival is organized by the Liszt Institute New York in collaboration with the Hungarian National Film Institute.

 

Made in Hungary screenings will take place between 25-27 October at the Lumiere Music Hall in Beverly Hills. They will show 8 movies: 7 current Hungarian full-length feature films and Oscar and Bafta winning “Poor Things” filmed in Hungary with talented local film professionals, among them Best Production Design Oscar winning Zsuzsa Mihalek set decorator.

 

“Made in Hungary is not just about films; it's about building bridges between cultures, sharing stories that touch our hearts, and experiencing the unique perspectives that Hungarian cinema and film industry have to offer.

 

We are honoured to have such a vibrant community of artists and film lovers with us, and we hope you find inspiration, joy, and connection in every screening. Let’s enjoy the magic of Hungarian cinema together!"

 

Csaba KÁEL-Hungary’s Government Commissioner for the Development of the Hungarian Film Industry, Chairman of the National Film Institute Hungary

 

Ádám Breier’s first feature “All About The Levkoviches” is a tender family dramedy set in the Jewish Quarter in Budapest, surrounded by its Communist past. After losing his beloved wife Zsuzsa (Máhr Ági), pugnacious boxer and ex- champion Tamás Levkovich (Bezerédi Zoltán) reunites with his son Ivan (Szabó Kimmel Tamás), an orthodox Jew. Ivan flies in from Israel to sit Shiva, bringing his young son Ariel. The generations face a rocky road to reconciliation.  Secular, atheist Tamás is visibly uncomfortable with his emotions. Roma fighter, Tamás’s student Feri (Váradi Roland) helps melt Tamás.

An antic score by Albert Márkos uses polka music to raise spirits. Breier’s film was a hit at this years Palm Springs Film Festival.

 

Rozália Szeleczki's "Cat Call" ("Cicaverzum") was part of the Hungarian Incubator programme. 

 

Fáni (Franciska Töröcsik is a 30-year-old architect and still single.  Traumatized by her father's early death, she cannot help foreseeing each suitor's death. The only woman architect at her office, she is patronized by her all male staff. Her progressive ideas for repurposing structures fall on deaf ears.

 

Except for the new man, star planner Mihaly(Csaba Polgá) who seems interested in her and her ideas. Mihaly moves in next door. He's interested in her but Fáni bunds with Smoothie, his Tom Cat. Why not, she can hear him speak! Jealous Smoothie warns her that her suitor Mihaly in already married ,and begins courting her instead.

 

The whimsical Tom-Rom-Com is blessed with witty production design by Pater Sparrow and art direction by Adrienn Gal

Made in Hungary - Hungarian Film Festival in Los Angeles

Rick W 0 43

Posted by Robin Menken

 

Celebrate the launch of Made in Hungary - Hungarian Film Festival in Los Angeles

October 25 - October 27 (Lumiere Cinema

9036 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211)

 

The film festival's mission is to showcase the diversity and richness of contemporary Hungarian cinema to American audiences, offering a selection of acclaimed Hungarian full-length feature films across various genres. Additionally, the festival promotes Hungary as a prime destination for international film productions, highlighting its versatile locations, skilled professionals, and favorable conditions for filmmaking. The three-day festival is organized by the Liszt Institute New York in collaboration with the Hungarian National Film Institute.

 

Made in Hungary screenings will take place between 25-27 October at the Lumiere Music Hall in Beverly Hills. They will show 8 movies: 7 current Hungarian full-length feature films and Oscar and Bafta winning “Poor Things” filmed in Hungary with talented local film professionals, among them Best Production Design Oscar winning Zsuzsa Mihalek set decorator.

 

“Made in Hungary is not just about films; it's about building bridges between cultures, sharing stories that touch our hearts, and experiencing the unique perspectives that Hungarian cinema and film industry have to offer.

 

We are honoured to have such a vibrant community of artists and film lovers with us, and we hope you find inspiration, joy, and connection in every screening. Let’s enjoy the magic of Hungarian cinema together!"

 

Csaba KÁEL-Hungary’s Government Commissioner for the Development of the Hungarian Film Industry, Chairman of the National Film Institute Hungary

 

Ádám Breier’s first feature “All About The Levkoviches” is a tender family dramedy set in the Jewish Quarter in Budapest, surrounded by its Communist past. After losing his beloved wife Zsuzsa (Máhr Ági), pugnacious boxer and ex- champion Tamás Levkovich (Bezerédi Zoltán) reunites with his son Ivan (Szabó Kimmel Tamás), an orthodox Jew. Ivan flies in from Israel to sit Shiva, bringing his young son Ariel. The generations face a rocky road to reconciliation.  Secular, atheist Tamás is visibly uncomfortable with his emotions. Roma fighter, Tamás’s student Feri (Váradi Roland) helps melt Tamás.

An antic score by Albert Márkos uses polka music to raise spirits. Breier’s film was a hit at this years Palm Springs Film Festival.

 

Rozália Szeleczki's "Cat Call" ("Cicaverzum") was part of the Hungarian Incubator programme. 

 

Fáni (Franciska Töröcsik is a 30-year-old architect and still single.  Traumatized by her father's early death, she cannot help foreseeing each suitor's death. The only woman architect at her office, she is patronized by her all male staff. Her progressive ideas for repurposing structures fall on deaf ears.

 

Except for the new man, star planner Mihaly(Csaba Polgá) who seems interested in her and her ideas. Mihaly moves in next door. He's interested in her but Fáni bunds with Smoothie, his Tom Cat. Why not, she can hear him speak! Jealous Smoothie warns her that her suitor Mihaly in already married ,and begins courting her instead.

 

The whimsical Tom-Rom-Com is blessed with witty production design by Pater Sparrow and art direction by Adrienn Gal

Made in Hungary - Hungarian Film Festival in Los Angeles

Rick W 0 42

Posted by Robin Menken

 

Celebrate the launch of Made in Hungary - Hungarian Film Festival in Los Angeles

October 25 - October 27 (Lumiere Cinema

9036 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211)

 

The film festival's mission is to showcase the diversity and richness of contemporary Hungarian cinema to American audiences, offering a selection of acclaimed Hungarian full-length feature films across various genres. Additionally, the festival promotes Hungary as a prime destination for international film productions, highlighting its versatile locations, skilled professionals, and favorable conditions for filmmaking. The three-day festival is organized by the Liszt Institute New York in collaboration with the Hungarian National Film Institute.

 

Made in Hungary screenings will take place between 25-27 October at the Lumiere Music Hall in Beverly Hills. They will show 8 movies: 7 current Hungarian full-length feature films and Oscar and Bafta winning “Poor Things” filmed in Hungary with talented local film professionals, among them Best Production Design Oscar winning Zsuzsa Mihalek set decorator.

 

“Made in Hungary is not just about films; it's about building bridges between cultures, sharing stories that touch our hearts, and experiencing the unique perspectives that Hungarian cinema and film industry have to offer.

 

We are honoured to have such a vibrant community of artists and film lovers with us, and we hope you find inspiration, joy, and connection in every screening. Let’s enjoy the magic of Hungarian cinema together!"

 

Csaba KÁEL-Hungary’s Government Commissioner for the Development of the Hungarian Film Industry, Chairman of the National Film Institute Hungary

 

Ádám Breier’s first feature “All About The Levkoviches” is a tender family dramedy set in the Jewish Quarter in Budapest, surrounded by its Communist past. After losing his beloved wife Zsuzsa (Máhr Ági), pugnacious boxer and ex- champion Tamás Levkovich (Bezerédi Zoltán) reunites with his son Ivan (Szabó Kimmel Tamás), an orthodox Jew. Ivan flies in from Israel to sit Shiva, bringing his young son Ariel. The generations face a rocky road to reconciliation.  Secular, atheist Tamás is visibly uncomfortable with his emotions. Roma fighter, Tamás’s student Feri (Váradi Roland) helps melt Tamás.

An antic score by Albert Márkos uses polka music to raise spirits. Breier’s film was a hit at this years Palm Springs Film Festival.

 

Rozália Szeleczki's "Cat Call" ("Cicaverzum") was part of the Hungarian Incubator programme. 

 

Fáni (Franciska Töröcsik is a 30-year-old architect and still single.  Traumatized by her father's early death, she cannot help foreseeing each suitor's death. The only woman architect at her office, she is patronized by her all male staff. Her progressive ideas for repurposing structures fall on deaf ears.

 

Except for the new man, star planner Mihaly(Csaba Polgá) who seems interested in her and her ideas. Mihaly moves in next door. He's interested in her but Fáni bunds with Smoothie, his Tom Cat. Why not, she can hear him speak! Jealous Smoothie warns her that her suitor Mihaly in already married ,and begins courting her instead.

 

The whimsical Tom-Rom-Com is blessed with witty production design by Pater Sparrow and art direction by Adrienn Gal

Made in Hungary - Hungarian Film Festival in Los Angeles

Rick W 0 44

Posted by Robin Menken

 

Celebrate the launch of Made in Hungary - Hungarian Film Festival in Los Angeles

October 25 - October 27 (Lumiere Cinema

9036 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211)

 

The film festival's mission is to showcase the diversity and richness of contemporary Hungarian cinema to American audiences, offering a selection of acclaimed Hungarian full-length feature films across various genres. Additionally, the festival promotes Hungary as a prime destination for international film productions, highlighting its versatile locations, skilled professionals, and favorable conditions for filmmaking. The three-day festival is organized by the Liszt Institute New York in collaboration with the Hungarian National Film Institute.

 

Made in Hungary screenings will take place between 25-27 October at the Lumiere Music Hall in Beverly Hills. They will show 8 movies: 7 current Hungarian full-length feature films and Oscar and Bafta winning “Poor Things” filmed in Hungary with talented local film professionals, among them Best Production Design Oscar winning Zsuzsa Mihalek set decorator.

 

“Made in Hungary is not just about films; it's about building bridges between cultures, sharing stories that touch our hearts, and experiencing the unique perspectives that Hungarian cinema and film industry have to offer.

 

We are honoured to have such a vibrant community of artists and film lovers with us, and we hope you find inspiration, joy, and connection in every screening. Let’s enjoy the magic of Hungarian cinema together!"

 

Csaba KÁEL-Hungary’s Government Commissioner for the Development of the Hungarian Film Industry, Chairman of the National Film Institute Hungary

 

Ádám Breier’s first feature “All About The Levkoviches” is a tender family dramedy set in the Jewish Quarter in Budapest, surrounded by its Communist past. After losing his beloved wife Zsuzsa (Máhr Ági), pugnacious boxer and ex- champion Tamás Levkovich (Bezerédi Zoltán) reunites with his son Ivan (Szabó Kimmel Tamás), an orthodox Jew. Ivan flies in from Israel to sit Shiva, bringing his young son Ariel. The generations face a rocky road to reconciliation.  Secular, atheist Tamás is visibly uncomfortable with his emotions. Roma fighter, Tamás’s student Feri (Váradi Roland) helps melt Tamás.

An antic score by Albert Márkos uses polka music to raise spirits. Breier’s film was a hit at this years Palm Springs Film Festival.

 

Rozália Szeleczki's "Cat Call" ("Cicaverzum") was part of the Hungarian Incubator programme. 

 

Fáni (Franciska Töröcsik is a 30-year-old architect and still single.  Traumatized by her father's early death, she cannot help foreseeing each suitor's death. The only woman architect at her office, she is patronized by her all male staff. Her progressive ideas for repurposing structures fall on deaf ears.

 

Except for the new man, star planner Mihaly(Csaba Polgá) who seems interested in her and her ideas. Mihaly moves in next door. He's interested in her but Fáni bunds with Smoothie, his Tom Cat. Why not, she can hear him speak! Jealous Smoothie warns her that her suitor Mihaly in already married ,and begins courting her instead.

 

The whimsical Tom-Rom-Com is blessed with witty production design by Pater Sparrow and art direction by Adrienn Gal

Made in Hungary - Hungarian Film Festival in Los Angeles

Rick W 0 45

Posted by Robin Menken

 

Celebrate the launch of Made in Hungary - Hungarian Film Festival in Los Angeles

October 25 - October 27 (Lumiere Cinema

9036 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211)

 

The film festival's mission is to showcase the diversity and richness of contemporary Hungarian cinema to American audiences, offering a selection of acclaimed Hungarian full-length feature films across various genres. Additionally, the festival promotes Hungary as a prime destination for international film productions, highlighting its versatile locations, skilled professionals, and favorable conditions for filmmaking. The three-day festival is organized by the Liszt Institute New York in collaboration with the Hungarian National Film Institute.

 

Made in Hungary screenings will take place between 25-27 October at the Lumiere Music Hall in Beverly Hills. They will show 8 movies: 7 current Hungarian full-length feature films and Oscar and Bafta winning “Poor Things” filmed in Hungary with talented local film professionals, among them Best Production Design Oscar winning Zsuzsa Mihalek set decorator.

 

“Made in Hungary is not just about films; it's about building bridges between cultures, sharing stories that touch our hearts, and experiencing the unique perspectives that Hungarian cinema and film industry have to offer.

 

We are honoured to have such a vibrant community of artists and film lovers with us, and we hope you find inspiration, joy, and connection in every screening. Let’s enjoy the magic of Hungarian cinema together!"

 

Csaba KÁEL-Hungary’s Government Commissioner for the Development of the Hungarian Film Industry, Chairman of the National Film Institute Hungary

 

Ádám Breier’s first feature “All About The Levkoviches” is a tender family dramedy set in the Jewish Quarter in Budapest, surrounded by its Communist past. After losing his beloved wife Zsuzsa (Máhr Ági), pugnacious boxer and ex- champion Tamás Levkovich (Bezerédi Zoltán) reunites with his son Ivan (Szabó Kimmel Tamás), an orthodox Jew. Ivan flies in from Israel to sit Shiva, bringing his young son Ariel. The generations face a rocky road to reconciliation.  Secular, atheist Tamás is visibly uncomfortable with his emotions. Roma fighter, Tamás’s student Feri (Váradi Roland) helps melt Tamás.

An antic score by Albert Márkos uses polka music to raise spirits. Breier’s film was a hit at this years Palm Springs Film Festival.

 

Rozália Szeleczki's "Cat Call" ("Cicaverzum") was part of the Hungarian Incubator programme. 

 

Fáni (Franciska Töröcsik is a 30-year-old architect and still single.  Traumatized by her father's early death, she cannot help foreseeing each suitor's death. The only woman architect at her office, she is patronized by her all male staff. Her progressive ideas for repurposing structures fall on deaf ears.

 

Except for the new man, star planner Mihaly(Csaba Polgá) who seems interested in her and her ideas. Mihaly moves in next door. He's interested in her but Fáni bunds with Smoothie, his Tom Cat. Why not, she can hear him speak! Jealous Smoothie warns her that her suitor Mihaly in already married ,and begins courting her instead.

 

The whimsical Tom-Rom-Com is blessed with witty production design by Pater Sparrow and art direction by Adrienn Gal

Programming Progressively and Responsively in Challenging Times

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Following on from a successful panel discussion at ID Screening Days 2024, Nadia M. Oliva explores how organisations can navigate programming and conversations that reflect their values while assessing the risks and challenges of operating in the charged era of contemporary discourse. Cinema offers us a lens on the world.  As an intrinsically empathic medium, […]

The post Programming Progressively and Responsively in Challenging Times appeared first on Independent Cinema Office.

Stonecutter Media Acquires North American Rights to Frost Pictures’ The Path

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Feature Thriller to Have World Theatrical Premiere Followed by Digital and Cable Release in Mid-September

 

Stonecutter Media has acquired North American rights to The Path, the new feature thriller, written and directed by Tom Archdeacon, co-founder of Frost Pictures. The Path will have its world theatrical premieres on September 12 in New Jersey and September 19 in Beverly Hills and will be tentatively released digitally on September 24th on streaming/TVOD on VUDU, Amazon, Apple TV, and iTunes, as well as on most major cable and satellite on demand platforms in the US and Canada, including Dish, DirecTV, Spectrum, Xfinity, Sling TV, Verizon Fios, Altice USA, etc.

 

Official Trailer: https://youtu.be/chFp9YqjoGA

 

The film is about a young woman, who after losing her parents in a fatal car crash, returns home to care for her younger sister and help to manage the family farm. She soon begins to suffer strange and unsettling moments that grow into unexplainable happenings and terrifying events. Determined to sell the failing farm, the young woman and her sister eventually discover the dark past linked to their childhood home, as well as the strange circumstances surrounding her parents’ deaths.

 

Steve Karel, founder of The Stonecutter Group, comments, “We’re delighted to add The Path to our feature film offerings. We look for quality films in niche categories, and we feel the film will resonate very well with fans of the thriller/horror genre as we approach Halloween.”

 

“My goal was to make a truly scary film that delivers fright without cheap tropes and without blood and gore.  I wanted to create subtle tensions and have them build from the opening moments until the end credits roll,” explains Archdeacon.  “My vision was to produce a horror film that delivers terror through real drama and a twisting plot.”

 

The film stars Tess Hanna (Stuff from the 90's, The Sighting, Highway to Havasu), Taylor Colwell (Gotham, Only Murders In The Building, The Sinner), Brian McManamon (Gotham, Succession, American Horror Story, FBI, The Subject, Seeking: Jack Tripper), Alex MacNicoll (Brilliant Minds, The Society, Transparent) and Archdeacon, who has a featured role in the film. Frost Pictures' Brian Arnott is producer of the film, while Steve Karel and Spero Stamboulis negotiated the deal on behalf of Stonecutter Media.

 

Additional producers include Timothy Evan Jones, along with executive producers Stephen J. Scanapicco, Justin Bristoll, Al DeBatto and Bob Hertlig. Directors of photography are Christopher Hewitson and Patrick Joseph Greene and the film's score was composed by Michael James Romeo, renowned guitarist from the progressive metal band Symphony X.

 

The film was an official selection at the New Jersey HorrorCon Film Festival, Knoxville Film Festival, FANtastic Horror Film Festival and Garden State Film Festival. 

 

Irish American filmmaker/actor Tom Archdeacon began his acting career at the suggestion of the police officer who arrested him in a bar fight. The officer said, “You look like an actor... Why not put your energy into that instead?” So, he did. Tom took to acting right away and trained formally in Europe before moving to New York City.

 

In NYC, Tom quickly got work in

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