“The Homeboy” Makes London Debut -- U.S. indy film about white rap star will be screened

Added: (Thu Jul 05 2001)

Pressbox (Press Release) - “The Homeboy,” Dave Gebroe’s debut feature film, will make its UK premiere at London’s Highgate Film Festival. The film can be seen at the Jackson’s Lane Theatre on Saturday, July 21, at 8:00pm. The theater is located at 269 Archway Road (Highgate Tube). Tickets are priced from £3.50 – 5.00 and can be purchased by calling 020 8340 5226.

“The Homeboy” is the story of a one-hit-wonder white rapper, MC2 , who’s living the good life in suburban New Jersey. After blowing an interview that may ruin his dreams of a comeback, things start to take a miserable turn for the former star – until he meets a custom sink repairman with an intriguing history. The film stars original MTV VJ “Downtown” Julie Brown, as well as actors Dave McCrea and David M. Wallace.

While distinctly American in flavor and subject matter, “The Homeboy” does have a British twist to it: MC2, our protagonist, joins forces with his idol, former rap star Hoolie Hooligan. Hoolie is one of the cornerstones of the “old school” London rap scene. With hits like “Bangers and Mash” and “Damn Copper” to his credit, Hoolie has been a strong influence on MC2 and his career. Played with comic flair by Wallace, Hooligan is an entertaining character, a unique combination between Johnny Rotten and Benny Hill. (Songs are available for download at http://www.thehomeboy.com/music.)

With stars like Vanilla Ice and Snow still lingering in recent memory, as well as the continuing controversy over the lyrics of Eminem, “The Homeboy” unfolds like a story from today’s music headlines. Rick Kronberg’s sharp-as-teeth script adds a biting humour to the film while allowing “The Homeboy” to touch on many universal themes, like the fleeting nature of fame, the value of true friendship – and the gastrointestinal side effects of Chinese cuisine.

The film has been seen at festivals across the United States, and has received excellent reviews from critics nationwide. Festival appearances have included Knoxville Tennessee’s ValleyFest, the New Jersey Independent Filmmakers Series, San Francisco’s Filmjunkie Festival and at the Moxie! Santa Monica Film Festival.

Dave Gebroe, Director and Producer of “The Homeboy,” has written, produced, and directed almost a dozen short films. In 1997, his super-8 guerilla short, “38 Geary,” won the Bronze Seal Award at the IAC Film Festival. Gebroe also served as Head Writer for the popular movie Web site, Reel.com, and as the co-founder and Marketing Director of the 1996 San Francisco Short Films Festival, which played two sold-out shows at the Roxie Theater.

Gebroe and Kronberg are currently working on a second feature film, due to begin production later this year.

The Homeboy
Highgate Film Festival
Jackson’s Lane Theatre
269 Archway Road (Highgate Tube)
London, England N6 5AA
Saturday, July 21, 2001 8:00pm
For tickets, call: 020 8340 5226
http://www.TheHomeboy.com