Johnny Depp, Laura Dern, David Lynch, J.K. Simmons, Richard Chamberlain and more starred in a zombie film for a dying fan

MAFF and Richard Chamberlain, Laura Dern, David Lynch, Anthony Conti, Johnny Depp, Catherine Hardwicke, Adele Rene, Tamika Lamison

Make A Film Foundation (MAFF), a non-profit film wish granting organization for children with life-threatening medical conditions, held the premiere of The Black Ghiandola at a fundraising benefit screening on Saturday April 22^nd at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills.

The Black Ghiandola film fulfills the dream of 16-year-old Anthony Conti who suffered from stage four adrenal cortical cancer. He starred in the project along with Johnny Depp, J.K. Simmons, Laura Dern, David Lynch, Chad L. Coleman, Richard Chamberlain, Penelope Ann Miller, Keith Allan, Jade Pettyjohn and Pritesh Shah.  The film was directed by Catherine Hardwicke (Twilight), Theodore Melfi (Hidden Figures) and Sam Raimi (Spiderman Trilogy).

The Black Ghiandola is about a boy who risks his life to save a young girl he has grown to love – after his family has been killed in an apocalyptic world of Zombies. Conti’s idea went from conception to completion in only one month, with the generous help of top professional talent that donated their time and energy to the project.

According to Tamika Lamison, founder and executive director of MAFF, “Make A Film Foundation teams critically ill children with notable actors, directors, producers and writers. We believe that the art of filmmaking not only helps children make a personal statement about what they are going through, but it is also offers them a sense of hope, while also building their self-esteem.”

Make A Film Foundation grants film wishes to children who have serious or life-threatening medical conditions by teaming them with noted actors, writers, producers and directors who help them to create short film legacies.  Over 100 documentaries and four short narrative films have been completed so far.

For further information about MAFF, or to order tickets to the event ($25 for Screening and $100 VIP with Reception and Gift Bag), or to donate, please visit: www.makeafilmfoundation.org.