Women's Rights Film THE RED LOTUS Makes World Premiere in NYC

The dramatic short film "The Red Lotus" is an official selection at The New York Shorts International Film Festival. The Red Lotus is a narrative short film with a bone chilling story. Two sisters go away for a weekend to strengthen their relationship and uncover a secret that will bind them for life. Set in a world much like today, The Red Lotus is a tale of strength, women's rights, sisterhood, and the human spirit. Michelle drags her sister Debbie to a yoga retreat only to reveal that there is something much bigger than Vinyasa going on. In her traditional storytelling style, Shara interviewed many women who have had abortions for the source material that inspired the film.

The screening will take place in NYC at Anthology Film Archives at 7:00pm on May 31st on 32 Second Ave. New York, NY 10003. The screening will be followed by a talkback with the filmmakers in the block. Tickets can be purchased in advanced at www.nyshortsfest.com

The cast includes Jennifer Plotzke, Shara Ashley Zeiger, Paula Rossman, Jared P Smith, Dani Baum, Walker Hare, and Jen Lyon. The film is written by Shara Ashley Zeiger, directed and edited by Jessica Green, with an original score by Leeran Z. Raphaely. The creative team is rounded out by Mike Magilnick, Scott Aviles, Jack Bradley, David Sikora, Adrian Bosi, and Jonathan Wetjen. The Red Lotus is co-executive produced by Shara Ashley Zeiger's company The Platform Group and Paula Rossman's Wall is the Way: Works.

The film was shot on location at The Dragon's Egg in Mystic CT, and at the prestigious Eugene O'Neill Theater Center in Waterford CT, where Shara trained with the National Theater Institute.

The New York Shorts International Film Festival showcases the finest short-form cinema from around the world to enthusiastic audiences in the vibrant filmmaking enclave of New York City.

A trailer for The Red Lotus is available on www.ThePlatformGroup.org