HOLLYWOOD ICONS RAYMOND J. BARRY AND TOM BERENGER RECEIVE AWARDS

HOLLYWOOD ICONS RAYMOND J. BARRY AND TOM BERENGER RECEIVE AWARDS FOR ACHIEVEMENTS IN ACTING AT 2010 FILM FESTIVALS

Barry and Berenger are on Opposite Sides of the Law in the
Feature Film “Charlie Valentine” to be Released in 2010

Veteran Hollywood film, television and stage actor Raymond J. Barry and Academy Award nominee Tom Berenger will both be honored at two of the country’s largest independent film festivals for their respective roles in the soon-to-be-released feature film “Charlie Valentine”.

A rich and gritty motion picture written and directed by Jesse V. Johnson (“The 5th Commandment”, “Green Street Hooligans 2”), “Charlie Valentine” chronicles the exploits of the title character, Charlie, played by Raymond J. Barry (“Training Day”), a career criminal intent on scoring one last big pay day. When his perfect crime goes bad, Charlie flees to Los Angeles to hide out with his estranged son, Danny, played by Michael Weatherly (“NCIS”). What ensues reveals the true nature of some of the most unsavory of characters.

“We were absolutely thrilled upon learning that Raymond and Tom are being acknowledged for their work in ‘Charlie Valentine’ as well as for their longevity within the entertainment industry,” stated Bill J. Gottlieb, president of Gorilla Pictures. “These two men are Hollywood legends and helped to create a phenomenal work of art by playing instrumental roles in this film.”

Barry, who plays the title role of Charlie in "Charlie Valentine”, was honored with the Gasparilla International Film Festival's Career Achievement Award on March 18, 2010 in Tampa, Florida.
One of Florida's largest and fastest growing film festivals, the Gasparilla International Film Festival (GIFF) is organized and operated by the non-profit Tampa Film Institute, dedicated to expanding art opportunities in the Tampa Bay community through the medium and culture of independent film.

On being honored with the Career Achievement Award, Barry stated, “Whenever I receive such an award, I am reminded of how difficult it was for me to become an actor. I feel proud of myself for having won out against my main opponent, namely myself and my personal demons, to the point where I actually am relaxed now and thoroughly enjoy my work. I overcame something personal that was in my way to pull off an acting career, and lifetime achievement awards confirm that I was brave enough to continue.”

Berenger, who plays Becker, Charlie’s parole officer and respectful foe in the film, will be honored with the Golden Honu award at the Big Island Film Festival, which will be held May 12 – 16, 2010 at The Mauna Lani Resort in Hawaii where "Charlie Valentine" will also be featured as an Official Selection. The festival is a celebration of independent narrative filmmakers and their work.

Shot in 35mm Technoscope widescreen, “Charlie Valentine” has received positive audience response at film festivals throughout the world including Monaco, Naples, Boston, and Orlando, winning over 12 awards, from Best Picture to Best Screenplay. To view the movie trailer, read cast bios, and learn more about “Charlie Valentine”, visit www.CharlieValentinetheMovie.com.