March 31.2006

Refugee camps world wide to view “Sea Lions” Documentary
Rio Films donates nature film to Film Aid. Org

FULLERTON CA : Movie directors dream of the day their work is premiered before a packed theater audience and receives world wide attention. Alan De Herrera is no different than any other film maker in that respect, but he also believes the audience doesn't have to be just local residence. “Movies have always been a way of escaping from harsh realities,” says De Herrera. “Viewing a film allows a person to forget about personal tragedy for a few hours and recover from a devastating experience. It helps in the healing process.”

Such rehabilitation is an integral part of the philosophy of FilmAid International, a non-profit organization that premieres inspirational and educational films in the refugee camps of East Africa, (and previously in Afghanistan and Kosovo) to relieve the stress and psychological trauma of the residents. Mr. DeHerrera and his documentary film company, Rio Films, recently donated their award winning nature film California Sea Lions-An Unforgettable Encounter, narrated by Hollywood actor Sean Astin, to FilmAid so that it could be shown in the refugee camps. “It's a privilege to be a part of this effort,” says DeHerrera. “Children in the refugee camps endure trauma and stress that no child should have to suffer. I'd love to have those kids laugh at the antics of the sea lions and forget for a moment of the hardships they must face.”

Nature and wildlife documentaries are some of the more popular films that FilmAid shows, and Alan DeHerrera hopes to supply more in the years to come. “Rio Films has recently launched a multi film project ‘The Eco Adventure Film Series' that will offer top quality nature films to the public. It is based on a concept that originated with Walt Disney and we hope to have a nature documentary produced every year or so”, says DeHerrera “We are currently working on our latest effort, the feature-length film, Island of the Seals , which should be ready by the end of the year. Once it's ready, we will be contacting FilmAid again and continue what we hope will be a long term relationship for the benefit of the children in those camps. I hope the kids enjoy all of our films. Seriously, the applause of those refugees will mean more to me than a standing ovation at The Cannes Film Festival. ”

Mr. De Herrera is available for interviews and those interested should call (714) 680-3011 or email at info@riofilms.com. Rio Films has a web site at www.riofilms.com. California Sea Lions-An Unforgettable Encounter is currently on national tour, aided by the generous sponsorship of a digital projector from Epson America, Inc. For information about FilmAid International got to www.filmaid.org.

February.1.2006Immediate Release

SEA LIONS GO TO THE CLASSROOM
Film Director begins “Taking the Field Trip to the School” program.

 FULLERTON CA : Alan De Herrera is the director of an award winning documentary: “ California Sea Lions-An Unforgettable Encounter.” He is also the proud beneficiary of a public school education. “I'm grateful for all that was done for me in my school years,” says DeHerrera. “I know that because money is scarce, a lot of children aren't able to take field trips that enrich a young person's educational experience. It's sad because the kids miss out on some great learning opportunities.”

His solution to this problem is simple: if the child can't go on a field trip, then bring the field trip to the child. Mr. DeHerrera plans to bring his film to as many California classrooms as possible. Narrated by actor Sean Astin (Sam Gamgee of “Lord of the Rings”), “ California Sea Lions-An Unforgettable Encounter” is a 40 minute documentary about the California sea lions and the Channel Islands where thousands of them live. “The islands are a natural treasure just off the coast of southern California and many children don't even know they exist,” says DeHerrera. “I would like to premiere my film in as many schools as possible, so that children have a chance to see the islands and the amazing animals who live in the surrounding waters. It would be a fantastic lesson in life sciences for any student who views it.”

He also hopes to assist PTA associations in raising money. “People don't fully appreciate what the PTA does, but these organizations purchase additional educational materials or fund learning enrichment activities. I am offering PTA groups the chance to have a viewing of “ California Sea Lions-An Unforgettable Encounter” so they can raise money for their educational projects. Hopefully, what I am proposing in my ‘Taking the Field Trip to the School' will not only increase a child's knowledge of the marine environment, but also raise money to further enrich his or her school years.”

Mr. De Herrera is available for interviews and can be reached at (714) 401-8610. California Sea Lions-An Unforgettable Encounter is currently on national tour, aided by the generous loan of a Powerlite 8300i projector from Epson America, Inc. Those interested in the “Taking the Field Trip to the School” project are asked to contact Harlow J. Keith at (614) 899-2387, or by email at KEITHBOOKS@aol.com Additional information about Rio Films, including movie trailers and special programs for schools, can be found on the company website: http://www.riofilms.com under the Fundraising link.

July.11.2005
For Immediate Release
GREATER LOS ANGELES ZOO ASSOCIATION (GLAZA) AND RIO FILMS PRESENT LOS ANGELES PREMIERE OF CALIFORNIA SEA LIONS - AN UNFORGETTABLE ENCOUNTER.

Actor Sean Astin Will Provide Introductory Remarks at Event.

What began as a filmmaker's dream will reach another milestone when the award-winning documentary, California Sea Lions - An Unforgettable Encounter, narrated by actor Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings) premieres its final version on Saturday, August 6, 4 p.m., at the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens presented by the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association and Rio Films.

"We are all very excited about the Los Angeles premiere taking place at the Zoo especially with the recent opening of the wonderful new Sea Lion Cliffs exhibit," says Alan De Herrera, the film's writer, producer and director. "The Los Angeles Zoo has an international reputation for excellence and its new theatre will provide the perfect venue."

In addition to Astin, director Alan De Herrera and Los Angeles Zoo Animal Care and Education staff members will make introductory remarks.

The documentary tells the story of the California sea lions who inhabit the western coast and has been an Official Selection at five film festivals nationwide. "Los Angeles is more known for its smog, traffic and amusement parks than it is for being near this incredible population of marine mammals and the Channel Islands they live in," says De Herrera. "What many residents of Los Angeles don't know is that thousands of these sea lions are swimming and playing in waters just off the western horizon. California sea lions live in a fascinating world and this film will take viewers on an adventure to places very few will ever see."

The film features sea lions playing in giant kelp forests, a colorful aquatic playground where mothers and pups unleash mesmerizing acrobatics rarely ever seen. With breathtaking photography underwater and topside, the work of marine biologists and marine mammal rescue centers in Southern California are highlighted as well. Mr. De Herrera is as proud about the educational value of California Sea Lions - An Unforgettable Encounter, a family film for all ages, as for the entertainment value. "Kids and adults all over Southern California are going to learn about sea lions and their Channel Islands environment and have a lot of fun watching them at the same time."

Mr. De Herrera is available for interviews and can be reached at (714) 401-8610. California Sea Lions-An Unforgettable Encounter is currently on national tour, aided by the generous sponsorship of a digital projector from Epson America, Inc.

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January.1.2005
For Immediate Release
California Sea Lions makes a splash at the Ocean Film Festival.

Fullerton, CA. Rio Films, an independent film company specializing in environmental documentaries, has announced that its film, California Sea Lions-an Unforgettable Encounter has been selected to be viewed at the San Francisco Ocean Film Festival later this month.

The documentary centers on the life and habitat of the California sea lion. A project three years in the making, California Sea Lions was filmed in the Channel Islands and at various marine mammal centers along the coast, including the one located in Sausalito . Filming was also done in the San Francisco area.

This is great news for us,” says Alan DeHerrera, executive producer and director for Rio Films. “ California Sea Lions has already been in several large film festivals and being in this one is a major feather in our cap. We now have had viewings on both coasts and have gotten tremendous feedback.”

Exposure for California Sea Lions has included showings at the Woods Hole Film Festival in Woods Hole, Massachusetts; a premiere at the New Bedford Whaling Museum in New Bedford, Massachusetts, the Newport Beach Film Festival, and the Channel Islands Film Festival, where the documentary won the Audience Choice Award for Best Film. What makes the Ocean Film Festival particularly appealing for Rio Films is that California Sea Lions will be a part of The Children/Family Program. “We want our documentary to be something school districts can use for environmental education,” says DeHerrera. “Showing the film in front of a segment of a targeted population will help us persuade the schools to consider using the film as an educational tool. By the way, some of the cast are residents of Pier 39,” says the director, in reference to the popular seal habitat in the San Francisco Bay .

Rio Films has the Marine Mammal Center of Sausalito as a fiscal sponsor.

The film will be viewed at 10am and 2pm on the Eureka Ferry at the Hyde St. Pier on January 29 th . Mr. De Herrera is available for interviews and can be reached at (714) 401-8610. California Sea Lions-An Unforgettable Encounter is currently on national tour, aided by the generous loan of a Powerlite 8300i projector from Epson America, Inc. For more information about the national tour and other Rio Films projects, please check the company website at http://www.rioflims.com

April.04.2005
For Immediate Release
Actor Sean Astin narrates “Sea Lions” documentary.

FULLERTON, CA: Rio Films, an independent nature documentary film company, has announced that Sean Astin ("Lord of the Rings") has provided his voice as the narrator of their latest project: California Sea Lions: An Unforgettable Experience.

"All of us at Rio Films are both thrilled and honored to have a person of Sean Astin's stature as a part of the project," says Alan De Herrera, executive producer and director for Rio Films. "Besides being a major Hollywood talent, Mr. Astin is well known for his support of environmental causes. Having him as the narrator will help us persuade film festivals and other venues to show the movie. We will be able to send our message about the marine ecology to larger audiences."

A documentary that centers on the life and habitat of the California sea lion, the film has already been seen at several major film festivals prior to Mr. Astin's voice over, having won the Audience Choice Award for Best Film at the Oxnard Film Festival. Mr. DeHerrera foresees the film being entered in other high visibility festivals thanks to Mr. Astin's contribution, but is mainly enthusiastic about the potential benefit for another major undertaking.

"We want non-profit organizations and school districts to use California Sea Lions for environmental education and to promote awareness about marine ecology. Having Sean Astin's voice will generate greater interest in using our documentary for such communication. It's a definite plus for everyone!"

Mr. De Herrera is available for interviews and can be reached at (714) 401-8610. California Sea Lions-An Unforgettable Encounter is currently on national tour, aided by the generous loan of a Powerlite 8300i projector from Epson America, Inc. For more information about the national tour and other Rio Films projects, please check the company website at http://www.rioflims.com.

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JAN.01.2005 iate Release

National Tour Begins for Sea Lion Film.

Rio Films, an environmental film company headquartered in Fullerton, California, has begun a national tour for its award winning documentary, California Sea Lions-An Unforgettable Encounter.

"This tour is intended to introduce the American public to the California sea lion," says Alan DeHerrera, the executive producer and director. "Most people are familiar with harbor seals or fur seals, but know very little about this species that can be found in southern California. Our award-winning 40-minute documentary will definitely educate the audience about the sea lions and the marine world they inhabit."

As well as entertain audiences, young and old. California sea lions have a reputation for playfulness and fun and De Herrera can personally attest to that. “I don’t know how many hours I have spent filming these clowns of the sea. They are such hams! All you have to do is point the camera in their direction and they are ready for their close up. This film is sheer underwater entertainment at its best.”

The national tour is unique for the venues that are being considered. Rio Films has decided to approach nonprofit organizations and allow California Sea Lions to be used for fundraising efforts. “We worked with the Fullerton Historic Theatre Foundation to save the Fox Fullerton Theatre, and there are other worthwhile causes, particularly environmental, that need financial help,” explains De Herrera. “Premiering our film with nonprofit organizations helps them raise money and creates a win-win situation for both parties. More importantly, the whole community benefits and that’s something we hope will come of this tour.”

California Sea Lions-An Unforgettable Encounter was the winner of the Audience Choice Award for Best Film at the 2004 Channel Islands Film Festival. The national tour will begin with a viewing on December 4 to benefit the International Bird Rescue and Research Center in Rancho Palos Verdes, California and will then travel to New Bedford, Massachusetts for a premiere at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Epson America has loaned Rio Films the use of a PowerLite 8300i projector for the tour, and Rio Films is willing to help with press releases and publicity. Interested 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organizations should contact Associate Producer Harlow Keith at (614) 899-2387 or by email at HKEITH8019@aol.com.

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NOV.10.2004elease

Sea Lion Shootings common and largely unreported Wildlife experts ask the public for help.

Torrance, CA - November 10, 2004 -- A long-fought war between fishermen and sea lions off the coast of California for the fish is getting uglier, and deadlier. "This recent episode of a fishing boat captain shooting sea lions is only unusual in the fact he was apprehended," said Alan DeHerrera, a local filmmaker who has personally witnessed sea lion abuse and killings. "The carcasses of California sea lions who are victims of gunshot wounds have been washing up on California beaches for years."

Rio Films of Fullerton, spent 3-years documenting California sea lions in the Channel Islands, emphasizing the work of researchers and the Marine Mammal Centers. The first and only film ever made about California sea lions, California Sea Lions- An Unforgettable Encounter, began a national tour last month.

The concept for the film came from director Alan De Herrera's own experience with seeing sea lions shot. "Once I found out what was going on off the shores of Southern California with sea lions and fisherman, I knew this film needed to be made. Sea lions are dying and suffering from the bullet wounds everyday and nobody is doing anything about it. Fisherman are literally getting away with murder", says De Herrera. "If the same thing were happening to dolphins and whales off shore, there would be public outrage. There is not one environmental organization in California trying to put a stop to this and it's very sad."

Fishermen say the sea lions are a nuisance and need to be controlled. This contentious issue is the result of many fish stocks that have been declining and many fisherman blame seals and sea lions. Yet scientists can trace the severe declines in squid, steelhead, and salmon as caused by over fishing, both commercial and sport fishing, habitat degradation, and fisheries mismanagement.

Sport and commercial fisherman say they need to do what ever is necessary to get the fish - and some don't have tolerance for the animals that rely on fish to live. The shooting of endangered brown pelicans in San Pedro harbor in December 2001 caused a national outrage. Animal advocates say most fisherman go unpunished for violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, the only remaining safeguard for seals and sea lions.

Rio Films will be previewing California Sea Lions - an Unforgettable Encounter, the recent recipient of Audience Choice Award for Best Film at the 2004 Channel Islands Film Festival, as a benefit fundraiser for the San Pedro bird rescue center that treats hundreds of brown pelicans every year. The Rio Films/IBRRC benefit will be at Miraleste Intermediate School, 29323 Palos Verdes Drive East on December 4th at 2PM. The public is invited. Information about the film can be found at www.riofilms.com.

Animal advocates are asking the public to report any violations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) by calling their hotline at 1-800-853-1964.

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SEP.14.2004e Release

California Sea Lions-An Unforgettable Encounter wins the Audience Choice Award for best film at The Channel Islands Film Festival.

APRIL.2.2004mediate Release

Major environmental group agrees to work with an independent film maker on a nature documentary about the Channel Islands of southern California. This will be the first film in over twenty years about the Channel Islands.

April 2, 2004 -- The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California has agreed to act as the fiscal sponsor for the Rio Films documentary, Channel Islands Adventure, thereby strengthening the film company’s ties with the environmental movement on the West Coast.

“We are all excited about this development,” says Alan De Herrera, director and producer of Channel Islands Adventure. “The Marine Mammal Center is the largest marine mammal rescue organization on the West Coast. Its willingness to be our fiscal sponsor will demonstrate to foundations how serious we are in communicating our environmental message to the public.”

Channel Islands Adventure will be an educational film about the Channel Islands of southern California. “This will be the most complete photographic record of the Channel Islands that has ever been filmed,” says De Herrera. “It will highlight the ecology and marine life of this natural treasure. We also intend to show on film some of the scientific research that is currently being conducted in and around the islands. The finished product will be an amazing documentary that will educate the public, particularly elementary and secondary school students.”

Mr. De Herrera’s confidence in the film’s outcome stems from his experience with the last Rio Films project, California Sea Lions, which will be shown to the public at the Newport Beach Film Festival in April. “We have taken what we learned in filming California Sea Lions and are applying it to Channel Islands Adventure, explains De Herrera. “Although this project is still in its early stages, we already have a major cable channel interested in some of the footage. I am convinced Channel Islands Adventure will be a film everyone will want to see.”

Mr. De Herrera is as dedicated to environmental causes as he is to making films. “We have worked, and are currently working, with marine environmental groups all over the country. The ecosystem of the ocean is a very fragile work of art, and any imbalance can affect not only marine mammals, but also the fish and birds that depend on the ocean for sustenance. The more the general public knows about marine ecology, the more they will appreciate the need for conservation, That public awareness is a goal every environmentalist needs to strive for, and Rio Films is committed to such education.”

Mr. De Herrera is available for interviews and can be reached at (714) 401-8610. For more information about Rio Films and its projects, please check the company website at http://www.rioflims.com

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JAN.24.2004mmediate Release

A decision to postpone a plan to create marine sanctuaries in California harms more than the fish .

January 24 2004--A proposed shift in environmental policy is “devastating” and “counterproductive” according to Alan De Herrera, producer and director of the California Sea Lions documentary. “I have spent months filming marine life and the potential consequences of these budget decisions are frightening,” says De Herrera. “Marine ecology is so intertwined that not only fish, but the pinnipeds that feed on them, will be adversely affected.”

The danger Mr. De Herrera envisions centers around a decision by the Schwarzenegger administration to postpone a plan to create a network of marine reserves off California’s coast. While research will continue on existing reserves, including a newly established one off the Channel Islands, the original plan is being stalled due to lack of money. “Fish aren’t the only species affected by all of this,” says Mr. De Herrera. “The pinnipeds that eat the fish will suffer from anything that might allow more commercial fishing.”

Pinnipeds-California sea lions, northern elephant seals, northern fur seals, and harbor seals- all breed off the California coast. Mr. De Herrera and his filming crew have spent months in the Channel Islands filming the seals and their sea mammal cousins. “The originally intended marine reserves would allow these creatures the food needed to sustain their populations,” says Mr. De Herrera. “Without protected areas for fish to spawn, commercial fishing will seriously reduce the food supply and the affect on the seal herds will be devastating.”

Mr. De Herrera is critical of those fishermen who are advocating the right to fish more aggressively. “Fish don’t recognize property lines,” he explains. “Once they mature, the fish will swim out of the marine reserves into deeper water where they could be caught. Harvesting fish close to where they spawn is counterproductive because it means the commercial fishers are eating their seed corn. They’ll get a few large catches in the short run and go bankrupt later as the number of fish drop off radically.”

Mr. DeHerrera and his film company, Rio Films, are currently in the pre-production stage of a new documentary, Channel Islands Adventure, which will concentrate on the ecology of the Channel Islands. “All of us at Rio Films are excited about this new project,” say Mr. DeHerrera. “It’s the first film done about the Channel Islands, and it will portray the contributions these islands make to global marine ecology.”
De Herrera’s passion for this new project is accentuated by his commitment to educating the public. “Information is the key to positive results,” he emphatically points out. “The more decision makers and the general public know about marine ecology, the more they will appreciate the need for marine reserves to protect the food supplies other wildlife species need to survive.”

Mr. De Herrera is available for interviews and can be reached at (714) 401-8610. For more information about Rio Films and its projects, please check the company website at http://www.rioflims.com

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