Written and Directed by Mark Houghton

Starring

TOMAS BOYKIN as Alaba DAVE ROBERSON as Byron

KARIMAH WESTBROOK as Angela MALICK DIOUCK as John

Financing: Awaiting Executive Producer Commitment Specifications: HD 2:35-1 Theatrical Feature, 22 shooting days Shooting Locations: Downtown Los Angeles/Beverly Hills/Venice To Date: Complete Script * Initial locked locations * Initial locked cast Partnerships: Producers are seeking financing Underlying Material: Original Screenplay

SYNOPSIS When Hollywood super agent Barry Clark's prized client (Reverend Byron Keyes), a prominent Inglewood minister becomes influenced by a mysterious African stranger (Alaba Ibori), his entire world begins to unravel. Neurotic, obsessed and fame driven, Barry will go to any length to ensure that Reverend Keyes stays focused on the goal: namesake global worship. Tension builds as Alaba intuits that Reverend Keyes begins to question his own integrity and harbors doubts about the merits of signing on with Barry's powerful agency. When inquiries into Ibori's identity yield nothing, Clark takes matters into his own hands and has Alaba abducted. During an intense interrogation, the African suffers several injuries but refuses to give out any details as to his origin or associates, saying only that he has come to help Reverend Keyes. When Keyes’ wife has a spiritual awakening in the hospital, the minister is forced to see a side of himself that is less than flattering and as a result, is humbled into a state of awakening himself. Alaba affects the lives of all with whom he comes in contact as this film aims to highlight the healing power of love, which all of us possess within.

PRODUCTION TEAM

WRITER/DIRECTOR/PRODUCER

MARK HOUGHTON Mark Houghton is a self-taught filmmaker right out of the Cassavetes/Kiarostami school. His first feature was the meditative crime piece “HUM” (88 min 2006), shot in guerrilla style on the streets of Los Angeles. Since then he has been writing prolifically, and currently has numerous projects in various stages of development. Along the way, he has also directed several plays and short films. In 2003, he formed his own independent production company, Mahto Pictures International, LLC. Houghton began his acting career in 1981 studying with various teachers; among them Uta Hagen, Bobby Lewis, Charlie Laughton, Jack Waltzer and Mira Rostova. He was selected for the Willamstown Theatre Festival in 1987 after working in the theater in NYC. He has performed onstage in Los Angeles, New York and London, England. During his extensive film and television career, he has worked with such notables as John Turturro, Samuel L. Jackson, Dana Delany, Alec Baldwin, Jennifer Garner, Brian Cox, Jennifer Beals and Jack Palance, along with directors Brian De Palma and Nicolas Winding Refn.

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

CHRISTINE WILSON Christine was born and raised in the hills of Marin, though her parents and family were from San Francisco, enabling her to have the best of both worlds. She attended San Domenico, known for its’ intense discipline in curriculum and performing arts programs. Rapidly excelling as a classical pianist, her frequent performances caught the attention of respected musical director, the late Faith France, and at age 10, Christine became the youngest student ever to be taken under her wing, which included the coveted opportunity to play Davies Symphony Hall. Later in life, she managed several bands and musicians yet also had a flair for promoting. When Terry McGovern noticed her distinguishable voice, he encouraged her to get behind the mic as a voiceover artist. Since then, she’s guest DJ’d on San Francisco’s universally-broadcasted KSAN’s 107.7 THE BONE, and delights in taking advantage of the

standing invitation to drop in and “stir things up live” for their worldwide audience. Her passion for photography and capturing live performance finds her shooting stills and videos of arena acts as well as for well-known SF/Bay Area musical talent. Most recently, she was chosen to contribute footage to the 2013 documentary “ONE DAY ON EARTH”. It was her discipline, work ethic and meticulous approach to detail that caught writer/director Mark Houghton’s attention while collaborating on a mutual project. Christine is pleased to bring her skillset to the creative team of his latest project ALABA, and is honored to be a producing partner in his production company, Mahto Pictures International.

LINE PRODUCER

HENRIETTA SPARKS Henrietta Sparks grew up in Northern California where she spent her formative years playing music and shooting home movies for fun. Upon graduating from high school, she decided to study cinema at San Francisco State, where she discovered a career in film making was the way to go. Moving to Los Angeles shortly after graduating, she became a full time office coordinator but has since emerged as a freelance production manager that currently produces her own web show called “Dispatches from the Hood”. Getting her start as a production assistant on Miami Vice and working her way up the production ladder through such roles as accounting, coordination and 2nd AD'ing, she soon found herself in the roles of production manager and line producer. With a great understanding of all aspects of production and beyond, Henrietta is a fearless visual artist that doesn't see roadblocks, only challenges. With countless years spent on Bollywood films, indie features, super-low budget music videos and web shows, there is nothing that could shock or rock her foundation. Striving to work on projects with great messages, entertainment value and substance, Henrietta finds herself part of the ALABA team.

PRODUCTION MANAGER

ALICE FOYER Alice is an experienced Production Manager who studied at Cornell University and The American Film Institute. Over the last 13 years she has continued to accept freelance budget assignments while also working at major studios (Sony and Fox) and small independent companies as a production manager and/or production coordinator. Each of these positions required her to be the nexus of information in busy production offices;

her speciality is the ability to assemble, analyze and disseminate vast amounts of information efficiently. While still in film school she started a business that specialized in creating production schedules and budgets for independent filmmakers, providing them with essential components of their investor prospectus such as script breakdown, shooting schedule and a detailed budget.

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

DOUGLAS GORDON Douglas Gordon is a director and director of photography whose credits include narrative films, documentaries and music videos. These projects have allowed him to work throughout the US and overseas including France, UK, India and Uganda, as well as South China where he acted as director of photography for a NASA funded documentary. His feature film credits include “THE MUSE” (a supernatural drama), “CLIMBING WITH PRIDE” (a documentary that captures the largest LGBT rock climbing convention in the world called Homoclimbtastic), and the upcoming action drama, “LAZARUS RISING”. It is the spirit of collaboration and a passion for the craft that drives Doug on set and he is looking forward to helping bring ALABA to the screen.

EDITOR JESSIE FOWLER Jessie has been digitally editing for six years; it is her passion, profession, hobby and everything in between. She is originally from South Jersey where she started her own independent film business (JFProductions). A year ago, she moved to LA to study at California State University Long Beach and work in independent film. She has two amazing parents who together have raised and supported her throughout her journey as an editor, and continue to do the same to this day, as she constantly works to grow, learn and perfect her craft. With this, her first full length feature, Jessie looks forward to editing ALABA and collaborating with all involved on this exciting project.

PRODUCTION DESIGNER

STEPHANIE VALSEK Educated as a filmmaker at Lodz University in Poland and also a graduate of the Vanderhaven School of Architecture in Amsterdam, Stephanie has worked as a production designer in Europe for over 10 years. She brings with her an unending creative capacity and a deep knowledge of the history of film. A recent arrival to the U.S., Stephanie is looking forward to working on her first American feature, ALABA.

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING and P.R.

MATTHEW THOMPSON As a young child, watching "The Wizard of Oz", Matthew promised himself that he would go on to work in the film industry. In high school and college, Matthew starred and directed several theatrical productions and student films, often handling all of the marketing and publicity for the projects. This experience led him down a different path, as he opened his own boutique marketing firm, specializing in social media. All things come full circle, however, and Matthew was put in touch with Mark Houghton through mutual business contacts, allowing him to read the script ALABA. Now, as the director of marketing and P.R. on the production, Matthew is able to marry his love of film, with his knowledge of public relations and social media, and use his expertise to promote and elevate this amazing independent cinematic endeavor.

The Owner’s Manual to One’s True Self is Hidden Within

In a time filled with cynicism, doubt and financial instability, people tend to gravitate toward entertainment that will soothe their fears and elevate their spirits. ALABA is just such a story, with a positive message about the healing power of love and an uplifting vision of spiritual awakening. A suspenseful, character driven story, ALABA moves at an ever increasing pace and the climax, which comes at the finish, leaves the audience

wanting more and at the same time, fully satisfied. It is a true ensemble piece filled with twists and turns that illustrates our interconnectedness as human beings while generating in the audience a feeling of well being and purpose. With its’ international flavor and universal appeal, this film’s box office potential is unlimited given the support of an intelligent marketing/publicity campaign.

Byron Keyes, an African American minister whose star is on the rise, signs with a powerful Hollywood agency after being wooed by uber agent Barry Clark. Clark is relentless in his championing of Keyes and as they prepare for an important approaching conference in Atlanta, a mysterious stranger from Africa appears in the form of Alaba Ibori. Charismatic and possessing of a certain strength, Ibori wins Keyes’ trust and a friendship develops based on a kind of spiritual brotherhood between the two men. However, Barry is suspicious, and after inquiring into Ibori's identity, is even more so when an extensive police check yields no information. The story pivots on and around these three main characters as we begin a journey of awakening, romance and faith. Leaving the movie theater uplifted and re-invigorated by the healing power of love, people will quite naturally turn to the greatest publicity tool available - word of mouth - and tell their friends to go and see this film.

Each of us has a healer within.

TALENT

KEY CAST (All actors confirmed)

TOMAS BOYKIN (ALABA IBORI/PRODUCER) An award-winning performer on stage and screen, Boykin's recent film credits include that of the enigmatic billionaire grifter Roger in "THE GAUNTLET"; Otto, the ultra violent drug-dealing pediatrician in "JUNKIE"; Petey, the nefarious gun-running gangster in "LINEAGE"; and Ori, the jailed anti-apartheid dissident in the period piece drama "ELEGY FOR A REVOLUTIONARY". Perhaps Boykin is best known for playing none other than God in the 20th Century Fox drama "I AM", or his performance on the small screen as Herb, CeeLo Green's producer, on NBC's "Parenthood". Forthcoming, Boykin will portray the morally- bankrupt father Clyde, in "ICE CREAM FOR BREAKFAST". Rare is the opportunity to work with a great script; even more rare is when that script is supported by very talented, committed film artists as is the case with ALABA.

DAVID ROBERSON (REVEREND BYRON KEYES) David is delighted to be returning to the big screen as one of the leads in ALABA, after having spent the last few years on hiatus from the business. “I feel like this role is tailor made for me to be able to pour all my life experiences into the character.” David’s 25+ year career has blessed him with the opportunity to work film (“WHITE MEN CAN’T JUMP”, “CON AIR”, “THE INSIDER”, “STEEL SHARKS”, “FORTRESS II”), television (“Bones”, “E.R.”, “Judging Amy”) and theater.

KARIMAH WESTBROOK (ANGELA) Karimah Westbrook has spent her time in Los Angeles being a working actor portraying an array of characters and has built up quite a resume. A few of her career highlights includes booking guest leads and recurring roles on hit TV shows, as well as working opposite Johnny Depp, Alfre Woodard, Elizabeth Moss, Giovanni Ribisi and Anthony Mackie.

Amassing an impressive list credits, so far Karimah has acted in 12 feature films, made over 19 guest TV show appearances and produced 5 short films. Karimah is excited to be a part of ALABA because it deals with the human complexities of fearing the unknown, living one's truth and the healing power of love. She also appreciates how the film reveals that things aren't always what they seem, and that we are more than what we think we are. MALICK DIOUCK (JOHN) Fashion photographer and actor Malick Diouck grew up in Paris and moved at the age of 18 to New York City, where he was sponsored by First Investor Corporation to become an investment advisor. After a successful run on Wall Street, Diouck was recruited in 2002 to Mali, Africa, to advise and assist the local government and banks in launching the new “West African Stock Market”. Once Diouck returned from Africa, he decided to hone in on his passion for the visual arts and immersed himself with the studies of film and photography. Not surprisingly, he found himself attracting an “in front of the camera” career as well as interest from fashion labels such as Tommy Hilfiger, Nautica, Pepe Jeans and many others. Short films include "THAT NIGGA THUG LIFE ", “LOSING POKY” and “LOVE OR HATE” to name just a few. Malick is looking forward to working with everyone on ALABA to bring this story to life.

PROPOSED CAST

ROBERT DOWNEY, JR. or GEOFFREY WRIGHT as Barry Clark ESAI MORALES or EDWARD JAMES OLMOS as Nigel Martinez

VANESSA WILLIAMS or ANGELA BASSETT as Janet Keyes PAM GRIER or SONYA BRAGA as Tera Payton

CITY OF QUARTZ The city of Los Angeles and all its’ diversity is both a character in ALABA and a symbol of the movie's universal theme, from the heights of Beverly Hills and Bel Air to the lows of skid row in Downtown and the homeless in Venice Beach. Reverend Keyes (raised in Inglewood) represents the working and middle class, a fast disappearing socio-economic group in this city and the United States as a whole. Still connected to his roots geographically, our story picks up with him already gone emotionally and intellectually. Los Angeles is a difficult city in which to establish one’s self and when Alaba moves through the area as a stranger, we should be struck by the

ease with which he carries himself and interacts with others. This ability of his to insinuate himself within the fabric of what for him, is a new society, highlights to those of us watching the loneliness which can be the experience for a new settler or visitor to the city. Vast and fast paced, the city of LA looms everywhere like a prism through which the light of our tale is bent. Nothing is as it seems and everything we see is like a

shadow of the real world that lies behind the facade...and is that not just exactly how things should be? After all, we are in Hollywood.

EXCERPT FROM NELSON MANDELA’S INAUGURAL SPEECH

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

MUSINGS FROM THE BACK ROW

An Anonymous Ticket Buyer’s Take

ALABA possesses a universal appeal and given its love story, its’ take on modern Hollywood with its’ multi-ethnic cast is not unlike the film “SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE”. In summary what we have is a film that includes everyone; a global tapestry that embraces every racial, gender, demographic and socio-economic group. It is this filmgoer’s opinion that this all encompassing appeal is the bedrock upon which can be built a profitable and very popular movie. There are multiple layers of divergent truths resonating through the principal characters in ALABA, none clearer than the universality of love. In these dire times of toil and trouble people around the world are starving to be reminded of the ultimate truth: that there is no substitute for the healing power of love.