Manuels To Debut 'Broken Love'

Fall River's Indie King
City Native to Premiere Newest Movie, 'Broken Love'

FALL RIVER � Robert Manuels has always dreamed about making movies. Dreams came true for him in Fall River. Hollywood? Maybe. For now, he's content � right here. The Fall River native is back with his new movie, "Broken Love," which premiers at 7:30 p.m. June 9 at the Galaxy Theaters.

An award-winning, independent filmmaker, Manuels, 32, is known for his first movie, "Two Good Guys," which won Best Dramatic Feature Film at the New Bedford Film Festival in 2001. Manuels embodies the true spirit of an independent filmmaker. Every aspect of the process is under his direct control, including producing, directing, scripting and casting.

For Manuels, it is a logical choice to make movies in the area. "It's easy for me to make movies here because I live here. I have a lot of friends here. That's why I make movies here. It's not that it's cheaper, it's not cheap. It's expensive no matter where you make a movie," Manuels said.

"My dream would be to make it to a higher level. Although it might be tough for me to take directions from somebody or have to do something the way they want it. I have a vision in my head, and I know how I want it to come out."

A main difference between a Hollywood film and Manuels' work is the size of film used. Manuels uses 16 mm film, whereas Hollywood uses 35 mm film. In the end, the pictorial clarity of "Broken Love" will be indistinguishable by viewers.

Manuels describes "Broken Love" as a sad, emotional story. The film is set in the fictional town of Newtonville, which is a combination of Fall River and Berkley, the locations where the movie was filmed.

Manuels takes a turn in front of the camera as he plays the lead. Local actors, including many from his first film, round out the cast. "I like to work with people I trust, and people who do good work," he said.

As children, Manuels and his brother Jamie started making movies with a run-of-the-mill video camera (Earlier Movies). That experimentation served as a valuable foundation and Manuels attended the Boston Film and Video Foundation to perfect his skills.

According to Manuels, each movie he makes is better than the last and he is really pleased with "Broken Love." Manuels is planning to submit this film to the Sundance Film Festival. "I'm hoping this one will [be accepted] but I never give up," he said. "I keep trying, and trying and trying."

Besides "Broken Love," he has shot other films that are currently on the editing table. Next year, Manuels' horror movie, "The Old Ranch," will be released. In addition, he has some screenplays he hopes to make in the future.

All proceeds from the opening weekend screenings will be donated to the Disabled American Veterans. "Broken Love" will be screened at 7:30 and 9:20 p.m. Friday, June 9; 3, 5, 7:30 and 9:20 p.m. Saturday, June 10; and 3, 5 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 11. Tickets are $5 and are available at the Galaxy Theaters box office. An additional 40-minute making-of-the-movie follows the 60 minute feature. For more information, visit www.rmanfilms.com.

To comment on this Herald News article email us at feedback@rmanfilms.com
 

BROKEN LOVE