Seal Lion Documentary wins Festival Award

California Sea Lions" wins the Audience Choice Award for best film at The Channel Islands Film Festival

(PRWEB) September 22, 2004 -- A nature film doesn't often win a major award at a film festival, but it happened for Rio Films when its documentary, "California Sea Lions-An Unforgettable Encounter" won the Audience Choice Award at the Channel Islands Film Festival in Ventura.

"This means a great deal to me," says Alan De Herrera, the producer and director of the film. "Giving the public something they can enjoy is the primary reason why I went into film making. Knowing that the audience, those wonderful people sitting out there in the dark, think my movie was the best they saw at the festival is an awesome thrill. It makes me feel humble and proud at the same time."

The month of September has thus far been full of pleasant surprises for Rio Films and its founder. Earlier in the month, Mr. De Herrera received word that his second project, "Channel Islands Adventure" was chosen as a finalist for the Roy W. Dean Grant/Lost Angeles Film Grant. "The Roy W. Dean Grant is one of the most sought after awards in the industry with hundreds of applicants in competition for it," says De Herrera. "Just to be selected as one of the finalists is a tremendous honor. All of us at Rio Films are delighted by this consideration."

While the future currently looks very bright, Mr. De Herrera is not content to wait for it. "I'm going to make tomorrow happen. We are currently scheduling viewings of California Sea Lions at diving clubs, theaters, museums, and anywhere the public can come and enjoy this film. The response to date has been real positive. Everyone wants to see those "clowns of the sea" do their stunts. We are currently seeking distribution and plan to travel the country so everyone will get the chance to be entertained by the sea lions. I guarantee you that!"

Mr. De Herrera is available for interviews and can be reached at (714) 401-8610. For more information about Rio Films and its projects, please check the company website at http://www.rioflims.com
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