'Dongmei' script takes first place at upcoming film fest

New Jersey screenwriter Bob Messinger's latest script has been awarded top honors in the short drama category in the 2015 Indie Gathering International Film Festival's screenplay competition. The award will be presented at the festival's closing ceremonies on August 30 in Hudson, OH.

Messinger plans to independently turn the script into a film. Director Cedric Hill is attached, as are leading actors Heidi Li and Jorge Consejo. Currently in pre-production, principal photography begins in northern New Jersey on August 1.

"Dongmei" is a dramatic thriller about a Chinese woman walking a thin line between reality and madness. It's also a powerful reflection on diverse cultural reactions to mental illness and the varied and often devastating effects of those reactions on individuals.

Messinger is currently raising funds to produce the film on Indiegogo (https://www.indiegogo.com/at/dongmei/x/8504870). While he has already reached his initial $5000 goal, he is trying to raise about $2500 additional to enhance production value.

This is Messinger's fourth Indie Gathering win in as many years.

The Indie Gathering International Film Festival, now celebrating its 20th year, will take place August 27-30th in Hudson, OH.