Burning Annie is an 2003 American independent comedy film starring Gary Lundy, Sara Downing, Kim Murphy, Brian Klugman, Jay Paulson, Rini Bell, Todd Duffey, and Kathleen Rose Perkins. It is the directorial debut of Van Flesher. The film was produced by Randy Mack of Armak Productions and in 2007 was distributed by Lightyear Entertainment via Warner Bros. In 2017 it was re-distributed by the filmmakers through Sundance Institute's Creative Distribution Initiative.
Contents
Plot
A dysfunctional romantic comedy about Max, a college student in 1998 who's obsessed with Woody Allen's film Annie Hall. He believes the film holds all the answers to life, including the futility of romance. Just as he begins to suspect the film might actually be ruining his life, he meets Julie, a young woman who might be the modern day equivalent of Annie Hall herself, and goes into a romantic tailspin.
Cast
Gary Lundy as Max
Sara Downing as Julie
Kim Murphy as Beth (as Kim Murphy Zandell)
Brian Klugman as Charles
Jay Paulson as Sam
Rini Bell as Amanda
Todd Duffey as Tommy
Kathleen Rose Perkins as Jen
David Hall as Andy
Jason Risner as Scott
Carrie Freedle as Sara
Release
After premiering at the Hamptons International Film Festival in 2003, the film spent three years on the film festival circuit, playing as a work-in-progress. It was eventually released by Lightyear Entertainment. Its theatrical run began February 7, 2007 at the Two Boots/Pioneer Theater in East Village, Manhattan, New York City, and it was released on DVD was on March 20, 2007. In 2017 the filmmakers re-acquired the rights to the film and re-released it on HD (high-definition) streaming platforms in dozens of countries, via the Sundance Institute's Creative Distribution Initiative.
Awards and honors
2004 MassBay Film Festival (Worcester, MA.)
Won: Best Feature
2004 West Virginia Filmmakers Film Festival
Won: Best Feature
2004 Strictly Midwestern Movies and Short Hits (SMMASH)
Won: Best Director
Won: Best Screenplay
Won: Best Actor
Nominated: Best Supporting Actor
Nominated: Best Actress
Nominated: Best Feature
Nominated: Audience Award
2005 Seattle's True Independent Film Festival (STIFF)
Won: Best Debut Feature
Won: Best Use of a Donnie Darko Cast Member