July 11, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Kevin Donovan To Direct “Land Of The Free” Starring Santa Monica Actress:

By Peter Barent Lewis

Calling it a “dream come true”, Kevin Donovan, who directed the popular action comedy “The Tuxedo” starring Jackie Chan and Jennifer Love Hewitt, has agreed to helm “Land of the Free, Except for Me”, based on the harrowing true story of Santa Monica actress Marie Paquim.

Paquim, who will be playing herself, the lead role in the film, is also the main writer, along with co-writer Peter Barent Lewis, and is Creative Producer for Utopia Lumiere Films.

Donovan, since his auspicious feature debut with “The Tuxedo”, has also been an award-winning commercial and music video director, with five Cannes Lions to his credit. His American Heart Association sixty-second spot aired twice in the 2007 Super Bowl. Donovan is currently in pre-production for “What Would Trejo Do?” starring Danny Trejo.

“Land of the Free, Except for Me” is an action thriller drama on the important socio political theme of human trafficking. Based on a still ongoing criminal case, the true-life story is being told thanks to special permission and support from the F.B.I. The story is about an F.B.I. agent who fights demons from his past, and combines forces with an enslaved Portuguese woman to shut down a notorious human trafficking ring.

“Few people can understand the horrors I went through,” says Paquim, who is sharing her story to raise awareness on the alarming rise of slavery in the world. “I want people to feel me. To be a slave is to be dead.”

Before her ordeal, Paquim had established herself as a child star in Europe, working alongside notables Gerard Depardieu, Catherine Deneuve and John Malkovich. She continues a family tradition in show business, her father a professional dancer, and her mother, Lisette, a renowned Fado singer.

Also attached to the project are: co-producer/line producer James Spies (“Commander In Chief”, “Nothing But the Truth”), co-producer Tarah Paige (Transformers, Alice In Wonderland), and actors Christopher Rich and Rance Howard. Further casting is courtesy of Carla Hool.

Paquim’s film has been gaining steady interest here and abroad. Paquim appeared on CNN’s “Sin Limites” program with Elizabeth Espinosa, and was the keynote speaker at Pasadena’s Human Rights Summit. Eco Filmes, Portugal, has agreed to sign on as distributor.

“Land of the Free, Except for Me” is currently scheduled to be shot in the spring of 2015.

in News
<>Related Posts

Suspect Arrested in Santa Monica Pier Arson Incidents

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The suspect, matching video footage from an arcade, was taken into custody Santa Monica Police Department officers arrested a suspect...

SMPD Launch New Recruitment Website Amid High Vacancy Rates

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The site features multimedia content, including day-in-the-life videos and officer profiles, highlighting the impact of serving the community The Santa...

Father-Daughter Authors to Host Book Signing to Aid Fire-Affected Women

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

Ten percent of proceeds from book and art sales will benefit the Pacific Palisades Rebuilding Fund, a nonprofit initiative created...

Metro Reports Crime Drop, Higher Rider Satisfaction, and Progress on Major Projects

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The Authority said the drop in violent incidents—down to the lowest level since May 2019—coincided with more uniformed personnel and...

Santa Monica Joins Regional Lawsuit to Halt Unconstitutional ICE Raids

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The motion to intervene seeks to ensure that Santa Monica and other plaintiff-intervenors can advocate for their residents’ rights in...

Promenade Restaurant Introduces Lunch Menu Set at $18 Per Person

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The fixed $18 price point targets commuters and those seeking a power lunch or a change of scenery The restaurant...

Santa Monica Council Votes in Support of Park-Centric Future at Airport Site

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The decision followed a contentious meeting with over 140 public speakers and more than 1,000 emails received by the council...

Housing for Health Chief Appointed to Lead Unified Homeless Services Department

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

Veteran Housing Advocate to Oversee Streamlined LA County Services The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday confirmed the...

‘Adoptapalooza’ Pet Adoption Festival Returns to Main Street This Weekend

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The free, family-friendly event aims to connect adoptable animals with new owners Green Dog Dental & Veterinary Center will host...

Virtual Town Hall to Discuss Proposed Resilient Rebuilding Authority

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The agency, to be run by political appointees, would manage permitting, development, zoning, and funding, modeled after post-disaster recoveries Los...

New Agenda Coaching: Changing Lives in LA

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Students Work Toward Applied Success with Executive Function Coaching Services The demands of daily routines and studies sometimes bear weight...

Saint Monica Prep Students Win Award for Anti-Street Racing PSA Video

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The winning public service announcement, titled “Not Worth It,” was highlighted in a post on X by @LADOTofficial  Students from...

Anti-Drunk Driving Resolution Introduced as City Council Honors Late Palisades Teen Killed in Crash

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Levi, who was set to attend the University of Virginia this fall, was killed by a drunk driver on May...

Free and Reduced Price School Meals Available for Eligible Families in Santa Monica-Malibu District

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Parents in Need Encouraged to Apply, SMMUSD Commits to Nutritious, Accessible Meals By Brandyi Phillips, SMMUSD Chief Communications Officer Santa...

Big Blue Bus to Raise Fares for First Time in Nearly a Decade

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The fare increase aims to offset rising costs for fuel, utilities, and supplies, according to the agency. The Santa Monica...