WHAT RECESSION? SINGLE MOTHER INSPIRED BY TRAGEDY STARTS FILM COMPANY, SELF-FUNDS INDEPENDENT FILM

(Oakland, CA January 4, 2010) Oakland filmmaker Carissa Weir was inspired to produce the short film Two Weeks from Monday after the mysterious disappearance of her father in 1987 and the death of her younger brother from Muscular Dystrophy in 2004. Born in Jamaica, Weir is a 33 year old single mother with two boys. Taking the road less traveled, in 2006 she founded Cacao Films, a production company that produces uplifting films that capture the diversity of the human experience. Weir wore many hats for the debut project, as she produced, directed, and acted in the film; self-funding the 30k production value through personal savings and a business loan.

Weir’s participation in an elementary school drama club sparked her love for acting. Departing Jamaica as a child, Weir lived in London and Miami before settling in the Bay Area in 1988. Taking a more traditional route in business she repressed her passion for 20 years, until rekindling her love at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco in 2000. Fearlessness is what allowed Weir to leave a business career in 2009 and commit herself full time to her production company. “I knew I was taking a risk, as a single mom during a horrible recession, but knew I had to live fully. I was told to take the conventional route in life but that wasn’t making me happy,” said Weir.

The premise of Two Weeks from Monday surrounds the idea of choice and the fear that can often prevent us from following our heart’s desire and taking the road less traveled. Weir claims, “The fact that there is choice makes life worth living. My brother had no choice about his health condition but chose to live life to the fullest.” Set amidst the redevelopment of West Oakland, the film covers the period of a single day. The main character, played by Weir, appears anxious as she wrestles with a difficult decision that she must make about her life; a decision not revealed until the final scene.

Two Weeks From Monday has a run time of 20 minutes and was filmed in Oakland, California.  Carissa Weir is the director, Legendary Jazz musician Khalil Shaheed provides music for the soundtrack, George Sakellariou directed the sound production, and Phyllis Bowie was the lead art director. The cast includes Carissa Weir, Josh Pringle, Dan Wilson, Alex Plant, and Eric Reid.

Cacao Films will be hosting an invitation only screening of in San Francisco on January 16^th 2010. This event is a fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.  Media contacts are welcome to attend, please RSVP to the contact information below. To find out more about Cacao Films please visit www.cacaofilms.com