Lexus Short Films aims to engage with film enthusiasts and audiences to develop and nurture a new generation of emerging filmmakers. Now in its 4^th season, the series continues to exemplify Lexus' commitment to arts and innovation by recognizing and supporting up and coming talent. Submissions are now open for Season 4 until August 24^th at www.withoutabox.com/LSF.

“Being recognized with a Cannes Lion in addition to the other Film Festival awards is an amazing achievement", said Spiros Fotinos, Global Head of Brand Management and Marketing at Lexus. “It reflects the spirit of our Lexus Short Films program which is to support emerging filmmakers by giving them opportunities to make their career leap forward. We are thrilled to see such fantastic results."

Game has already won several prestigious film festival awards, such as Best Short at The Julien Dubuque, the Audience Choice Award at the Los Angeles Indie Film Festival, Best Live Action Narrative at Tokyo Lift-Off, the Audience Award at the Napa Valley Film Festival and the Special Jury Award: Narrative Short at the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival.

All the films from the Lexus Short Films series are available at www.LexusShortFilms.com and on Amazon to Watch with Prime Video.

ABOUT LEXUS SHORT FILMS

In 2013, Lexus Short Films was launched with the goal of supporting and nurturing a new generation of emerging filmmakers. These aspiring directors and writers have received a unique opportunity supported by Lexus to collaborate with acclaimed film studio The Weinstein Company to produce and showcase their work on an international stage. For more information, visit www.lexusshortfilms.com and follow #LexusShortFilms

ABOUT LEXUS

Since its U.S. market debut in 1989, Lexus has earned a worldwide reputation for high-quality products and exemplary customer service. Renowned for the superior reliability of its vehicles, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader, offering hybrids that combine innovative technology and premier luxury. To date, Lexus has grown into 90+ markets worldwide. The evolution of Lexus is not only reflected in the progressive designs of its latest vehicles, but also in the brand’s mission to captivate the next generation of luxury consumers with consciousness, products, and services that are visionary, original and exciting. http://www.lexus-int.com

ABOUT WITHOUTABOX

Withoutabox (https://www.withoutabox.com) is the premier submission service for film festivals and filmmakers. Since 2001, Withoutabox has enabled nearly 3 million festival submissions to the leading film festivals in the world, and more than 150 of these titles wenton to receive an Academy Award® nomination with dozens eventually winning an Oscar®. To learn more about Withoutabox or to sign up, visit https://www.withoutabox.com. Withoutabox is owned and operated by IMDb, the #1 movie website in the world.

The plot of Game follows a student bidding for a place on a high school’s championship-winning basketball team. On court the player demonstrates all the right skills to earn selection, but has a secret which takes the storyline to another level. The cast includes Canadian actor and three-time NBA champion Rick Fox

Donohoe attended Columbia University’s graduate film programme and has written and directed several short films, including Lambing Season, which won festival awards in Aspen and the Hamptons in 2013/14. She is currently developing her first full-length feature, Flock.

Game is one of four films being part of the third season of Lexus Short Films, a project designed to support up-and-coming film-makers. The Napa Valley Film Festival will also be screening the other three features in the series, Friday Night, MESSiAH and A Nation Holds its Breath.

David Nordstrom, global branding department general manager of Lexus International, said, “Not only will attendees have the opportunity to experience Jeannie’s creativity and imagination with Game. They will have the opportunity to view the other projects created as part of Lexus Short Films Season 3 – all filled with creativity and imagination for a global audience.”

ABOUT LEXUS SHORT FILMS

In 2013, Lexus Short Films was launched with the goal of supporting and nurturing a new generation of emerging filmmakers. These aspiring directors and writers have received a unique opportunity supported by Lexus to collaborate with acclaimed film studio The Weinstein Company to produce and showcase their work on an international stage. For more information, visit www.lexusshortfilms.com and follow #LexusShortFilms

Brussels, Belgium - The Nation Holds its Breath, the latest feature to be released in this year’s Lexus Short Films series, was given its first screening this evening as part of the opening night programme for London’s Raindance Film Festival. Representatives from Lexus and The Weinstein Company attended the West End premiere of the original work by award-winning Irish writer and director Kev Cahill.

Cahill has a successful background in visual effects, known for his work on such popular films as The Huntsman: Winter’s War, Thor: The Dark World and Alice Through the Looking Glass.

His new work is one of four films being produced by Joey Horvitz of The Weinstein Company for the third season of Lexus Short Films. The movie series is presented in a partnership between Lexus and The Weinstein Company to support emerging new film-making talent.

The Nation Holds its Breath is the story of young father who is torn between witnessing the miracle of childbirth, and witnessing the miracle of Ireland reaching the quarter finals of the 1990 football world cup – a monumental event in Ireland and one of the most important sporting events in the country’s history. The film follows the central character on a journey that presents him with a series of difficult challenges.

Irish actors Sam Keeley and Barbara Brennan take the central roles. Keeley’s past credits include Burnt, alongside Bradley Cooper and In the Heart of the Sea, while Brennan is known for her work in the films Veronica Guerin and A Date for Mad Mary.

David Glasser, The Weinstein Company COO and President said: “We cannot be more pleased with the work and opportunity that the Lexus Short Films series has created thus far. Cahill’s film is just one of four that demonstrate how magic happens when you give talented people a chance to fulfil their dreams.”

David Nordstrom, General Manager of Lexus International’s Global Branding department, said: “Each year the work of our directors never ceases to amaze us. We are honoured to be in partnership with The Weinstein Company to bring these film-makers’ aspirations to life.”

Raindance will also feature two other works from this year’s series, Friday Night and MESSiAH. These have also been selected for screening at Vancouver, Calgary and other leading festivals worldwide.

Lexus a main partner to the Raindance Film Festival

In addition to contributing works from its current short films series, Lexus is supporting this year’s Raindance Festival as a main partner. Its involvement includes the festival’s first Virtual Reality arcade and an Origami Lounge. The new Lexus LC luxury coupe will also be on display.

Brussels, Belgium - Walshe-Howling will attend the premiere to share his story and celebrate his achievement as a part of the third Lexus Short Film series. Representatives from Lexus will also be on-site to speak about how this program has impacted Walshe-Howling and other Lexus Short Film directors, as well as to discuss how MESSiAH came to fruition.

David Nordstrom, global branding department general manager of Lexus International, said, “We are so pleased to support these talented filmmakers and their capability and vision following the overall theme “Anticipation” have truly exceeded our expectations thus far.

After being featured at Sydney Film Festival, MESSiAH, will premiere along with the other three films from the third series of Lexus Short Films during an exclusive World Premiere event at the 2016 Napa Valley Film Festival. This event will be the first time all four films will be presented at the same time as they continue to be showcased at screenings during other film festivals worldwide.

“The Weinstein Company aims to bring these skilled filmmakers’ creativity to fruition,” said The Weinstein Company COO and President David Glasser. “We are very happy to provide this opportunity for viewers to witness the films’ powerful messages and listen to the directors explain how they got to this point in their career and what exciting things lie ahead.

ABOUT LEXUS SHORT FILMS

In 2013, Lexus Short Films was launched with the goal of supporting and nurturing a new generation of emerging filmmakers. These aspiring directors and writers have received a unique opportunity supported by Lexus to collaborate with acclaimed film studio The Weinstein Company to produce and showcase their work on an international stage. For more information, visit lexusshortfilms.com.

ABOUT LEXUS

Since its debut in 1989, Lexus has earned a worldwide reputation for high-quality products and exemplary customer service. Lexus is the hybrid leader among luxury brands, offering hybrids that provide the best in innovative technology and premier luxury. The evolution of Lexus is reflected in the progressive designs of its new vehicles. The signature spindle grille, dynamic light treatments and sculptured lines create a distinctive look of luxury for Lexus. http://www.lexus-int.com

Brussels, Belgium - This premiere will be followed by an after party at INTERSECT BY LEXUS - TOKYO, a unique space located in Tokyo’s Aoyama district, which allows guests to experience Lexus through design, art, fashion and culture. The after party will be hosted by Lexus to celebrate this achievement for Alexis as well as the third series of the Lexus Short Films overall. Representatives from Lexus will be in attendance as well as other prominent individuals who have played a part in producing this film and bringing it to life.

David Nordstrom, global branding department general manager of Lexus International, said, “We are thrilled to produce the Lexus Short Films Series with The Weinstein Company and this journey has been an incredible one thus far. Lexus appreciates the opportunity to provide support for these filmmakers to pursue their dreams and achieve greatness in their films overall.

After being featured at Tokyo Short Shorts, Friday Night, will premiere along with the other three films from the third series of Lexus Short Films during an exclusive World Premiere event at the 2016 Napa Valley Film Festival. This event will be the first time all four films will be shown at the same time as they continue to be highlighted at screenings during other film festivals worldwide.

“The Weinstein Company strives to bring emerging filmmakers’ imaginations to life and boost their confidence and passion for film,” said The Weinstein Company COO and President David Glasser. “We are very excited for the world to experience and see these inspiring and unique films and hear their stories.”

ABOUT LEXUS SHORT FILMS

In 2013, Lexus Short Films was launched with the goal of supporting and nurturing a new generation of emerging filmmakers. These aspiring directors and writers have received a unique opportunity supported by Lexus to collaborate with acclaimed film studio The Weinstein Company to produce and showcase their work on an international stage. For more information, visit lexusshortfilms.com.

ABOUT LEXUS

Since its debut in 1989, Lexus has earned a worldwide reputation for high-quality products and exemplary customer service. Lexus is the hybrid leader among luxury brands, offering hybrids that provide the best in innovative technology and premier luxury. The evolution of Lexus is reflected in the progressive designs of its new vehicles. The signature spindle grille, dynamic light treatments and sculptured lines create a distinctive look of luxury for Lexus. http://www.lexus-int.com