Paul Feig Presents Artemis Women In Action Film Festival for the Third Year and Chase Masterson is Set to Host the 2019 Artemis Awards Gala

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Mar. 25, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Artemis Women In Action Film Festival is thrilled to announce producer/director Paul Feig as the presenter of the Fifth Edition. Known for directing blockbuster films such as "The Heat," "Spy," and "Ghostbusters," Feig returns for the third consecutive year to present AWIAFF. Currently in post-production with "Last Christmas," starring Emelia Clarke ("Game of Thrones") and Henry Golding ("Crazy Rich Asians"), and credited co-writer Emma Thompson, Feig continues to demonstrate his love of female-driven comedy through the films he directs. In an interview with Huffington Post, he states that he loves being the unofficial spokesman for women in film. "I embrace it but at the same time, you go, ' . . . really, this is still an issue?'"

"It's difficult to adequately convey our gratitude for Paul's support. His desire to change the landscape for women in the film industry is such that he puts his attention, time, efforts and action into making that difference. We are so proud to be part of the difference that he makes." –Melanie Wise

AWIAFF founders Melanie Wise and Zac Baldwin have remained loyal to the festival's mission to showcase powerful and empowered women onscreen. The increasingly popular film festival has been nothing short of focused and infectious, showcasing outstanding female-driven content with each edition. Wise has been one of the many pioneers leading the effort to eradicate gender inequality in film—an unfair standard since the silent era that has continued to dictate, unchallenged, the types of films moviegoers are offered to view. AWIAFF not only personifies the indomitable spirit of the very films they screen but they've laid out their blueprint for the next generation's producers and creators.

Artemis Women in Action Film Festival is proud to honor Crystal Michelle with the Artemis Stunt Maverick Award for her incredible, death-defying work in film and TV.

Lifelong athlete Crystal Michelle has conquered the world of modeling and stunts. Awarded a full scholarship in college in track and field, it's no surprise that Crystal Michelle's led her to the world of stunts (as is evidenced by her ability to run, jump, do gymnastics, and dance). Ms. Michelle has won awards for her stunt work for falling down stairs, being lit on fire, high falls, driving cars, and car hits. Her first major job was stunt doubling Halle Berry in "Gothica". She has doubled for Sanaa Lathan, Rutina Wesly, and Lupita Nyong'o. Now a part of the Marvelverse, she is working in "Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War and the upcoming Avengers: End Game."

Crystal developed a line of protective pads and body suits, Axtionwear, specifically for wear under slim garments, worn by most female characters – so when a scarcely clad woman is thrown out of a window, she has protection for the landing. Crystal also spends a tremendous amount of time in her community, helping at-risk youth.

Artemis Women in Action Film Festival is proud to honor Dejay Roestenberg with the Artemis Stunt Next Wave Award.

Starting in 2014, Ms. Roestenberg performed as a stunt double on many television shows, including "The Following," "The Mysteries of Laura," and "The OA," which led to doubling Kristen Ritter. Ms. Ritter and Ms. Roestenberg have indelibly created one of the greatest DC heroines, Jessica Jones. Together, they have helped define the perfect superhero: incredibly strong, relentless, sarcastic, and beautifully flawed! Some of the adventures Jessica Jones (in this case, Ms. Roestenberg) experiences include jumping out of an about-to-explode building, carrying her friend on her shoulders and leaping from the top of a giant Ferris wheel. To achieve this last stunt, Ms. Roestenberg did a 35-foot controlled fall all the way to the ground using only a single line of rope.

Ms. Roestenberg's skills include wirework and martial arts, which is why Jessica Jones is so convincing when she is "kicking ass." With all that she's accomplished, Dejay Roestenber's proudest achievement is her family. Her husband and five children are where she focuses most of her attention, giving her children the inspiration of seeing a woman be a mother and a housewife, while maintaining a successful career.

"I'm truly honored for this recognition and grateful to be among a group of other powerful, talented women." –Dejay Roestenberg

Actress Chase Masterson of "Star Trek: Deep Space 9," "VIENNA," "Dr. Who," and founder of the anti-bullying nonprofit the Pop Culture Hero Coalition will be hosting the Artemis Awards Gala on April 25, 2019, at the Aryha Fine Arts Theater in Beverly Hills. Chase founded the Pop Culture Hero Coalition, a 501c3 organization that uses stories from TV and film to help eradicate bullying. The Coalition does life-saving work in schools and uses pop culture icons to transform victims' struggles into strengths, using stories and characters from pop culture TV, film, and comics. Chase serves on the Advisory Board for the United Nations Association for her work in this field. Chase Masterson will be hosting an anti-bullying panel on Saturday at noon on April 28, 2019, during the film festival's screenings at Laemmle, Santa Monica.

"In this social climate where so many women's issues and rights are still at risk, it is vital that entertainment depicts our experiences and innate abilities. I am thrilled to host The Artemis Awards Gala, as well as for Pop Culture Hero Coalition to be part of this powerful festival. Join women of all backgrounds, colors, preferences, and creeds as we honor these films which celebrate women's extraordinary strengths." –Chase Masterson

Action Factory joins AWIAFF sponsors and will present Artemis' signature panel discussion, The All-Stars of Stunts. Local dealership, Santa Monica Audi joins sponsors AGENDA Magazine, Bella Composers, Habibi Sport, Final Draft, Entertainment Partners, and InkTip.

About Paul Feig: As a multi-talented filmmaker, writer, producer, actor, and author Paul Feig's films include "Ghostbusters," "Bridesmaids" which received multiple Oscar and Golden Globe nominations, "The Heat," and "Spy," starring Melissa McCarthy and also nominated for a Golden Globe. Feig also created the critically acclaimed series "Other Space" and the beloved cult classic "Freaks and Geeks." Feig was nominated for two Emmys for writing the show's pilot and the season finale. He also directed episodes of other critically lauded comedies on the small screen, such as "The Office," "Arrested Development," "30 Rock," "Weeds," "Parks and Recreation," and the AMC drama "Mad Men." As an actor, Feig is best known for playing Tim the Camp Counselor in the cult comedy film "Heavyweights." He also starred as Bobby Wynn in the sitcom "The Jackie Thomas Show" and as Mr. Eugene Pool on the sitcom "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch." Slated for release later this year, Paul is directing the holiday film "Last Christmas," opening late 2019.

About Chase Masterson: Best known for five years as Leeta on "Star Trek DS9," Chase Masterson has the title role of the "Doctor Who Big Finish" audio spin-off "VIENNA." Fans of CW's "The Flash" know her as Sherry; and Mel Brooks cast Chase in her first role in "Robin Hood: Men in Tights"; Chase's list of film leads and TV Guest Stars includes starring with Mark Hamill in "Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles," starring opposite Bruce Campbell in "SyFy's Terminal Invasion"; hosting "Sunday Night at the Movies with Ryan Seacrest," hosting on "SyFy," playing opposite Jerry O'Connell in "Sliders"; "General Hospital," the Emmy-winning episode of "ER," and a lead in the feature film noir "Yesterday Was a Lie." Chase founded the Pop Culture Hero Coalition, the first 501c3 organization to use stories from TV and film to rise against bullying, misogyny, LGBTQIA-bullying, racism, and cyber bullying. The Coalition's psychologists do life-saving work in schools and pop culture cons, using stories kids love to transform victims of bullying and injustice into real-life superheroes, and supported by the United Nations. As the first female to host the Fed Con (the biggest "Star Trek" Con in Europe), Chase continues to host Comic Cons, lead panels, all while sustaining her acting and singing career.

About Action Factory: Action Factory is a one-stop action resource providing equipment Sales, Rentals, and Services to the Entertainment Industry. Born out of necessity, Action Factory was created to fulfill a need for better technologically designed products for Stunt Professionals by Stunt Professionals. Using exact sciences across multiple platforms, coupled with real life experience, our design process ensures that we deliver products that will be of great benefit and improvement to professional stuntmen and women. Delivering Safety and Professionalism with Class. "For Stunt Professionals, By Stunt Professionals." https://www.afstunts.com/

About Santa Monica Audi: Santa Monica Audi is more than just a dealership--they are a luxury experience that is delivered by a dedicated group of Audi enthusiasts that are truly passionate about the cars they sell and service. Audi has become synonymous with luxury, high performance vehicles that are engineered to a higher standard. This same attention to detail and commitment to excellence is shared by our team of sales and service professionals at Santa Monica Audi. For a sixth year, Santa Monica Audi is a recipient of the Audi Magna Society Award, a program that recognizes the best of the best among Audi dealers across the United States for providing an exceptional customer experience, adherence to Audi Brand standards and achieving outstanding business performance. https://www.santamonicaaudi.com

SOURCE Artemis Motion Pictures

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