FREEDOM PARK, the hilarious family comedy about when small town little league baseball meets big time gambling, opened to a packed house at its premier in September at Showcase Cinemas North in Worcester in crisp digital video format. The brainchild of writer/co-director Jon Artigo this film, shot entirely in Massachusetts, has already had a successful theatrical release in the state. This film is witty, fun, and delightful. Special appearances by former Red Sox players Jerry Remy, as the announcer, and Luis Tiant (Hall of Fame Pitcher), and former Boston Bruin Lyndon Byers as the salty T-Ball coach round out the very talented cast.

FREEDOM PARK crew at the afterparty to celebrate their world premier screening at Showcase Cinemas North in Worcester, MA.

Actors Tim Fields and Matt McDonald are David and Stephen, friends who land back in their Bay State hometown after trying and losing their luck in Vegas. On the lam from gambling debts, they hatch a brilliant scheme to win back the money by starting a successful bookie operation encouraging parents and townspeople to place bets on Little League games. Things go awry when they are tracked down by a thug named Tony and his henchmen who realize they have a money-maker on their hands and begin squeezing the odds to horrid results: a father (and childhood friend) becomes a gambling addict, kids are encouraged to throw games for gifts and money, and our heroes must find a way to save the day without the law getting involved.

Luis Tiant, Red Sox Hall of Fame Pitcher, signs an autograph at the premier in Worcester of FREDOM
PARK, a feature movie shot entirely in Massachusetts. Mr.Tiant has a special appearance role in the film.

A lovely subplot is where love blooms in town when Stephen (played by McDonald) and Abby (Andrea Ajamian) begin to rekindle an old affair. She isn’t too sure he has changed for the better, but he tries to woo her away from her new boyfriend Bruce (Paul C. McKinney), a town cop with a literal hair-trigger temper. People of all ages can appreciate the plot and acting of this film, which includes everything from slapstick to riveting drama. The message of how love of money over love of the game can destroy lives is artfully done and not saccharin sweet. Well written with excellent acting and high production value, I highly recommend this film. This group of filmmakers may be able to do for Massachusetts what the Farrelly Brothers did for Rhode Island. Keep your eye on 3 Souls Films and Ludicrous Productions with Jon Artigo and Victor J. Melfa, Jr. They are currently in pre-production for EL TIANTE - THE LUIS TIANT STORY. For more information about FREEDOM PARK visit their website www.freedomparkthemovie.com