7 Stones film premieres at the GRAM

3rd Coast Film Partners, in association with Collective Development, Inc., announces the world premiere theatrical release of 7 Stones, slated for Jan. 26 in a by-invitation event at the Grand Rapids Art Museum.

The political drama, filmed locally in 2011, stars actors DJ Perry and Melissa Anschutz, who will be in attendance at the premiere, as will writer/director/producer Tom Norton and other well-known names in the Michigan film industry.

"7 Stones is a powerful film and a powerful opportunity for an extremely talented local cast and crew," Norton said, himself a recipient of a national Telly Award. "The risk to produce this film is a story in and of itself -- our key investor and others have been thrilled to be a part of this project."

7 Stones chronicles an imprisoned journalist, Laura Brummels, who is sentenced to death in a third world prison after cooperating for too long with a corrupt regime that has now turned on her.  The film was shot in a former Steelcase facility now known as The Paul Building in Wyoming on a set created by West Michigan production designer and Emmy winner John Despres. With the exception of Perry, the film's actors are represented by Grand Rapids-based MP Talent Management Group.

Lansing, Mich.-native Perry, the movie's male lead, is an active actor in the international independent-film circuit, with recent films Deadly Renovations, Darkest Night and Outside the Wire: Forgotten Children of Afghanistan in various stages of distribution.

The film's female lead, Saugatuck, Mich., resident Melissa Anschutz, said 7 Stones helped her to land a lead role in a SAG feature titled Long Road Home, where she will once again share the screen with her co-star DJ Perry. She has in the past two months seen some incredible success, which includes a role in A Chance of Rain starring Matt Lanter of the new 90210, and most recently, The Genesis of Lincoln in which she'll portray a fictional character "loosely modeled after Lindsay Lohan's mom, Dina Lohan," she said. The film begins production in February in New York City. Anschutz's gown for the 7 Stones premiere is being designed by
Chantal Amir Nissim, owner of Chantal in Saugatuck.

7 Stones is featurette length, approximately 45 minutes. The film has not yet been rated. Producers plan to market it throughout Michigan, nationally and internationally as well as submit it to major film festivals. For movie clips, stills, posters and more, please visit the 7 Stones Media Room at http://www.3rdcoastfilm.com/index-4.html.