Director, Screenwriter, Producer
SUCCESSES OF RECENT INDEPENDENT FILMS INSPIRE LOCAL WAYNE, NJ POET TO PRODUCE “SMOKE & MIRRORS”
Raul Maldonado, poet, writer, and motivational speaker adds new hat to repertoire in taking up a film camera to shoot his own independent movie, "Smoke & Mirrors" currently shooting in Yonkers, NY
Record-breaking success of Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 911, Zach Braff’s runaway hit, Garden State, and Robert Rodriguez’s Mariachi & Spy Kids Series have put stars in the eyes of Raul Maldonado, Wayne, NJ resident and NYC native, inspiring him to take action & commence production of his screenplay, “SMOKE & MIRRORS” a story of a decent man driven to violence by a hostile environment, a family living with the reality of an addict father, and a young boy struggling against temptation of the fast life of the street.
With a crew and cast of over 20 including Fabian Stone playing Mirrors as the male lead and Jennifer Pinto playing Smoke, the female lead, “Smoke and Mirrors” is vaguely reminiscent of Raul’s experiences during his darkest days of drug addiction. “All of my life experiences, the obstacles I’ve overcome, and even living with my disabilities have prepared me and led up to the realization of this dream”, says Maldonado.
Maldonado is a man who does not know the meaning of CAN’T. The first impression one gets when first meeting this scruffy bearded, curly haired cherub of a man is anything but the inspired, dedicated to his craft, determined man on a mission that he really is. By all accounts Maldonado should not have lived to accomplish all he has done and pursue his filmmaking dreams.
Having survived a serious near fatal accident by a drunk driver years ago, a recovered heroin addict for ten years, undergone over 15 surgeries, dealing with diabetes, and living with a disability, Maldonado has accomplished more since 2001 than most of us would in a lifetime. Maldonado has published several books, THIS AIN’T NO POCKET DIARY (2001)-a journal of his heroin addiction years; THE BOOK OF HOPE; and most recently, THE COMPANY WE KEEP (2003), an anthology of poetry, including submitted works by poets Dr. Jimmy Santiago Baca, and Maria Maziotti Gillan.
Maldonado has performed time and time again in the famed NUYORICAN POETS CAFE, produced a CD, among other products. He has succeeded in the motivational speaking circuit to countless students at colleges and universities, and most recently had the honor of having his poetry added as part of the curriculum at Minnesota College.
When asked what’s next on the horizon, Maldonado states, "I really want to continue public speaking, motivate people to pursue their dreams. Hey, if I can reach my goals, even with a disability, imagine what others can accomplish if they only tap into their potential. I also want to continue filmmaking, and have already started another film project. God has kept me around for a reason, and I’m gonna keep on goin’ until he brings me home.”
“Smoke & Mirrors” will end shooting at the end of September, 2004. Log onto www.poetwarriors.org for more information about the movie.
To schedule a booksigning, consultation, or for a speaking engagement call Leticia Acosta, Publicist, LA Public Relations at 973.818.9965 or email to lacosta@lapublicrelations.com.
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