IN PRODUCTION

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A Major Documentary:  Based on the autobiographical memoir of the same name, "A Garden of Thorns" is the story of a young boy in Dijon, France who gets caught up by the dark clouds of World War II. Nine year-old Roger de Anfrasio grew to be a remarkable young man during The Nazi Occupation, spying for The French Resistance. Roger, our young hero, is an extraordinary boy. Rather than allow himself to be defeated, or, to ease the pain of war by collaborating, succumbing to The Nazis, he becomes an integral part of The French Resistance at the tender age of 12. This story recalls the horrific machinations of war, as seen through the eyes of a child, whose inevitable loss of innocence is heart-wrenching, yet whose spirit and unwavering determination, his sheer grit, is truly inspirational!  Some 70 years later on 9-11-2011, he received The Medal of Honor, in acknowledgement for his brave contributions to his beloved France, and The Allies, defending the principles of liberty and  freedom, presented by The Honorable Mayor/Senator  Mr. Francois Rebsamen, The City of Dijon, France.  

“A Garden of Thorns” is proudly presented by Identity Features. This documentary, is a world-class Feature Film Documentary Project, inspired by the autobiographical memoir of Roger de Anfrasio.  A tribute to the coming of age of the living author, Roger de Anfrasio, it will acknowledge and honor the previously “unsung heroes” of The French Resistance, who so bravely fought the evil Nazi Regime to keep French and Allied democracy alive and thriving... "A Garden of Thorns" will embody heartrending stories of survivors, liberators, hidden children and rescuers, all of whom were impacted by the catastrophic events of World War 2.  This, is not another story about the horrors of The Holocaust (alone), though there are far too many countless heart wrenching testimonies yet untold; on January 7th, 2014, at The Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County, New York, this truly compelling film was dedicated to The 1.5 Million Jewish Children who perished in The Shoah.

Our Judeo-Christian heritage is enriched by the primordial lesson that teaches us, to save but one, single life, it is as if the whole of humanity has been saved! One young, innocent French-born child, Roger de Anfrasio, sought to save Joeh Eisenberg, the young, Jewish boy who was his closest childhood friend. For Roger, Joeh Eisenberg, was like his beloved "kid brother"; Roger, ever faithful to his cherished friend, tried desperately to defend and protect Joeh, first, from their classmates, then neighborhood bullies, later on from The Milice. Ultimately, Roger tried to rescue Joeh from the depraved clutches of the evil Nazi Regime. "A Garden of Thorns", tells the poignant story of their true friendship; Joeh Eisenberg was seized by The Gestapo right before a classroom full of young children's eyes! Though Roger failed to save Joeh, Roger bravely answered the heroic call to action, saving hundreds, if not thousands of lives; their identities, if not their very existence, were unbeknownst to him. An unlikely hero, tender in age, still diminutive in stature, joined the battle for liberty and freedom!

Roger became an unlikely hero, while still an innocent youth, a naive boy of less than 12 years old. This wonderfully positive American story, which inspires all of us to never give up on our dreams, will hauntingly remind each generation of the darkest period in human history. Roger dreamed of “America”, "The United States of America”, he imagined from America's Hollywood movies, wonder-filled America, the one that The American GI’s told him of, as they liberated France from the nefarious grip of The Third Reich. Roger then a young man, barely 15 years of age, set his sights on his very own, American Dream. In 1957, he came to America. Roger, happily became a citizen in 1964. Roger worked diligently toward obtaining his elusive American dream. He became a very famous international celebrity hairstylist. Roger has cut and styled the hair of most of Hollywood’s legends, the greatest, iconic stars, such as Kirk Douglas, Michael Douglas, Charles Bronson, Douglas Fairbanks, and Tony Bennett, just to name but a few... His lifelong dream now realized, Roger turned his sights on writing the story of his boyhood experiences relating his prolific story to the youth of today.  His, is a wonderfully touching story with deep roots in his (Italian) French culture, heritage and upbringing. 

Given what is happening today across college and university campuses, as well as all around the globe where once thriving Jewish communities are, and have been, previously part of the fabric of nations, they are suffering vicious, unfounded daily attacks, often forcing them to leave these once safe dominions behind. Where can they go in peace ? Where will they live and prosper?  It is certainly crucial to further enlighten society regarding moving stories which are part of our commitment to legacy past, and also, our obligation to the future yet to come. As Christianity is threatened daily, with multitudes slaughtered without mercy, we once again face yet other, evil empire-building adversaries whose geopolitical desire to impose their omnificent rule has been proliferating through radical terrorism and occupation. These, all too familiar adversaries, enemies of our Judeo-Christian heritage, and  other cultures too, who have espoused our principles, morals, and values, have entered our daily lives in what sometimes seems a never-ending battle! We see an outstanding parallel in past history, similar socio-economic circumstances; there are lessons we can learn, those from the not so distant past. We must make every effort to resolve completely, the issues and concerns left unanswered for generations that followed World War II.  

Based on a true story, Jake Matthews, an ordinary married man has his world turned upside down when his wife dies from a long illness. Struggling to keep his past buried his unsuccessful and now he repeats what has been hidden. Trying to be normal, Jake seeks help from a psychologist who little by little uncovers some uncomfortable moments that at that time cannot be connected. Jake revisits the crime scenes of his past victims leaving a connection so the police can eventually apprehend him. 

Starring: Matthew Imparto, Holly Zuelle, Lauren Levine, Director: James Arcuri