FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kelly Hargraves
Phone: 1-323-662-1930
Toll free: 1-800-229-8575
kelly.hargraves@firstrunfeatures.com

“Up there with BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN
as one of the most powerful gay dramas of recent years.”
-TIME OUT LONDON

SAVE ME

Available on DVD beginning January 20

Though there is no sound scientific evidence that sexual orientation can be changed, the ex-gay movement has been at the polarizing center of religious and sexual debates in the U.S. since at least the 1970s.  A World Premiere at Sundance and selected as both the Opening Night Film at OutFest Los Angeles and the Closing Night Film at New York’s New Festival, the subtly nuanced drama SAVE ME sympathetically examines both sides of this hot button issue, and in the process reveals a path towards a possible reconciliation between homosexuality and Christianity.  At the very least it “encourages mutual respect (and) understanding.” (Christianity Today)

Directed by Robert Cary, this “thoughtful, important film of exceptional insight and quietly devastating power,” (Los Angeles Times) is about a young man, Mark (Chad Allen), a self-destructive addict hooked to anonymous sex and narcotics, who finally hits bottom. Concerned for his welfare, his brother checks him into Genesis House, an ex-gay Christian ministry located in the sandy landscape of New Mexico, and not coincidentally miles from anywhere.

Overseen by a compassionate husband and wife team, ministry organizers Ted (Stephen Lang) and Gayle (Judith Light) have made it their life's mission to convert young gay men to heterosexuality by offering spiritual guidance through a 12-step program. Initially rebellious and suspicious of the ministry's work, Mark soon develops a close bond with some of the other residents, especially Scott (Robert Gant), a long-time Genesis resident and mentor charged with guiding Mark through the steps.  Protective of her role and nursing a painful secret, Gayle becomes increasingly wary of Scott's intentions as he and Mark develop a closer and closer bond.

A provocative yet believable plot and powerful, restrained performances shine a light of compassion and understanding to this contentious and painful subject.  Judith Light was hailed by The Village Voice and LA Weekly for giving “one of the best performances of the year.” Like the recent documentary FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO, SAVE ME is “a genuine and sympathetic illustration of the painful divide between Christians and gays,” (Newsday) offering healing, clarity and understanding to anyone caught in the crosshairs of scripture and sexual identity.

Robert Cary, a Los Angeles native, is the director of the feature film Ira and Abby, which received the Audience Favorite award following its premiere at the 2006 Los Angeles Film Festival and also received the Audience Award at the 2006 Boston Jewish Film Festival.  He is also the director and co-writer of Anything But Love, starring Andrew McCarthy, Isabel Rose and Eartha Kitt, which has received numerous audience and jury awards.  Save Me marks his third feature film as a director.

Chad Allen began his acting career at the age of five. After starring in hit television series such as St. Elsewhere, My Two Dads, Our House, and Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman, he continued his work with guest roles on shows including NYPD Blue, Cold Case, Criminal Minds, and several films.

Judith Light, who captivated audiences worldwide with her portrayal of Angela Bower on the hit comedy series Who's the Boss?, began her television career with two Best Actress Emmys for her work on One Life to Live.  She can currently be seen on the NBC hit series Law & Order: SVU in the recurring role of Supreme Court Judge Elizabeth Donnelly and on the ABC series Ugly Betty in the recurring role of Claire Meade. She has also starred in Phenom, The Stones and in over 15 television movies, including her role as Ryan’s mother in The Ryan White Story.

DVD BONUS FEATURES
Interviews • Deleted Scenes • Director’s Notes • Resources

“Most filmmaking addressing the Great Divide between gays and the religious right has very much reflected its point of origin - delivering full moral condemnation from one side onto the other. Save Me is a welcome exception in that it effectively dramatizes the issues without caricaturing or pillorizing either party.” -Dennis Harvey, VARIETY

“Touching & intriguing.”-Owen Gleiberman, ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

“Shines a fascinating light of compassion and understanding into the controversial world of ex-gay ministries.”-Dan Karslake, Director of FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO

"'Save Me' stands alongside the top-drawer documentary film 'For the Bible Tells Me So' as a film that can build bridges of understanding between gays and the Religious Right."
-Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, SPIRITUALITY & PRACTICE Magazine

"Intelligent direction, admirable even-handedness. Cary's restraint reaps considerable rewards. Judith Light gives an impressive performance." -David Noh, FILM JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

Customers will be able to choose from two DVD sleeves, the theatrical version, left, and an alternate version, right.   UPC: 720229913591 Catalog #: FRF913591D SRP: $24.95/CAN.: $29.95   UPC: 720229913621 Catalog #: FRF913621D SRP: $24.95/CAN.: $29.95 SAVE ME 96 minutes, color Street Date: January 20, 2009