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Brian McDermott’s MFA thesis film about aging entitled “Cigarettes and Fresh Air” was recently named a Finalist in the 2007 Moondance Film Festival and has just been selected to be shown there. Hosting the MoonDance Festival is Universal Studios in Hollywood. The Festival is September 7, 8 and 9, 2007.

After completing an undergraduate degree in Philosophy from Villanova University, Brian McDermott traveled to Seoul where he taught English as a second language for one year and became an expert at using chopsticks.

Upon returning to the U.S., he completed an MSW from the University of Pennsylvania and then worked as a social worker for two years before enrolling in the M.F.A. program in filmmaking at Temple University.
Now an aspiring poet/screenwriter/filmmaker/therapist, Brian sometimes rides his bicycle 4 hours per day and also teaches Public Speaking at Temple University part-time while he decides what to do next.

CIGARETTES & FRESH AIR

Produced and directed by filmmaker Brian McDermott. CIGARETTES & FRESH AIR is an outstanding example of compassionate filmmaking. Inside this fictional assisted living facility, we are introduced to familiar characters who are not easily lovable, but who earn our respect with their integrity. The film takes us to a place we don’t want to go, one that makes us uncomfortable. CIGARETTES & FRESH AIR raises our reluctant sights to the reality of how many of us live and die in America, and maybe why we should care before we get there. The beauty of the cinematography helps us keep on looking, the subtext is gentle but firm, and the structure is irresistible.

About MoonDance
Moondance International Film Festival’s primary goal is to present films and scripts which have the power to raise awareness about vital social issues, educating writers and filmmakers, as well as our film festival audiences, and inspiring them to take positive action. Through meaningful films, we begin to realize that our routine perspectives can give way to new ways of seeing the world, ourselves and others. Moondance believes in the unique power of the world entertainment media to create great social and environmental change. Our goal is to deliver compelling entertainment that will inspire and encourage people to actively get involved in the issues that affect all of us.

To purchase Brian’s film on dvd or vhs, to hire Brian, make a donation towards his work, offer him grants, film proposals, or other such gestures of support, please contact him via PhillySpeak@gmail.com