March 21st Los Angeles, CA – ‘Po’, a John Asher directed, inspiring drama about autism will begin its seven-city festival tour during National Autism Month with a free public Awareness Screening at the Paramount Theater on April 5th.
The film stars Christopher Gorham (Covert Affairs, Ugly Betty), Kaitlin Doubleday (Empire) and newcomer Julian Feder (Weiner Dog franchise). The film is scored by legendary composer Burt Bacharach. The Awareness Screening, a “blue carpet” event, will be hosted by Burt Bacharach, Kaitlin Doubleday, Chris Gorham and John Asher. It is free to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis by RSVPing poscreening@janeowenpr.com
Based on a true story, ‘Po’ is about David Wilson (Gorham) whose young wife falls victim to cancer. He is left a single working dad with the sole responsibility of caring for his sixth grade son with autism. Patrick, who prefers to be called Po (Feder), is a gifted but challenged child who is unable to communicate his own sense of loss. As father and son struggle to deal with life after Mom, they each begin to withdraw into their own worlds.
David overwhelmed by his high pressure job he’s close to losing and Po drifting away from the school where he’s bullied into his magical fantasy world, the Land of Color, where he’s just a typical carefree boy with a rich cast of other worldly companions. The growing divide between father and son and the challenges of single parenthood of a special needs child threaten to separate David and Po permanently. Amy (Doubleday), Po’s caring therapist plays a critical role in keeping the family together where the bonds of love are tested in the most real way.
John Asher, whose own son has autism said: “I am so grateful that festivals of this elite level, which are truly focused on independent films, have recognized the importance of our movie and its message.”
Burt Bacharach who scored the movie and had a daughter with Asperger’s Syndrome said: “I was so touched by the film that scoring it was a labor of love.”
‘Po’ then begins its festival tour with its WORLD PREMIERE at the Panama International Film Festival on April 10th, NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE at the Palm Beach International Film Festival April 11th, WorldFest Houston April 16th, Newport Beach Film Festival honoring Burt Bacharach April 23rd, Arizona International Film Festival, and closing night film of Albuquerque Film and Music Experience on April 24th.
The trailer can be viewed https://vimeo.com/158403696 and fans can follow Po on Facebook and IMDb.
The Awareness Screening, a “blue carpet” event, will be at Paramount Studios hosted by Burt Bacharach, Kaitlin Doubleday, Chris Gorham and John Asher. It is free to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis by RSVPing poscreening@janeowenpr.com