America’s current division into Red States and Blue States is given a romantic twist in this smart, contemporary story. Set against the 2004 Republican National Convention, it explores the complicated, bitter love affair between a Republican delegate, Massy, and Lea, a Democrat protesting the RNC. At the same time, Dylan – a former protester who dropped out of the scene after becoming a father – must also confront his dedication to the cause when he is hired as a sign language interpreter for the President’s speech at the convention. Shooting entirely in New York, director Mora Stephens and producer Joel Viertel utilized the 2004 Republican National Convention by incorporating events of the RNC into the storyline of the film. The film blends actors with real events and real activists from both sides of the aisle, and features breakthrough performances by actors Matthew Mabe and Woodwyn Koons as the two star-crossed lovers and Alek Friedman as the interpreter, all of whom must choose between their political ideals and their personal desires during the tumultuous days of the convention.

Mora Stephens graduated with honors from Princeton University, and she is a recent alumna of the Graduate Film Program at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. She has directed numerous plays and short films, including Breaking Bread, which aired on Showtime in September 2003 as part of the Reflections from Ground Zero series, and The Twenty which premiered at the 2003 RIPfest film festival in New York.

Producer: Joel Viertel Screenwriters: Mora Stephens, Joel Viertel Cinematographers: Andreas Burgess, Brian O’Carroll Editor: Joel Viertel Music: Danny Manor, H. Scott Salinas Cast: Matthew Mabe, Woodwyn Koons, Alek Friedman