Local group SPHERE received further industry recognition this weekend for its film "ShakeSPHERE: Romeo and Juliet."  The movie, a playful adaptation of William Shakespeare's epic love drama, was 1 of 33 films selected out of field of over 300 submissions to compete in the chashama Film Festival (cFF).  SPHERE's movie screening took place on November 11 at 2 p.m. at the chashama flagship theater on East 42nd Street in Manhattan.

Dedicated to improving the lives of adults with developmental disabilities, SPHERE provides its members with a variety of educational, employment and recreational programs including multiple outlets for artistic expression.  "ShakeSPHERE: Romeo and Juliet" was written, directed and produced by SPHERE's directors and stars 24 SPHERE members, all of whom are talented actors who also happen to have developmental disabilities.

Chashama's film festival, now in its fourth year, is founded and directed by New York film maker Rick Kariolic.  Taking great care in designing the mission and scope of the festival, Kariolic has carved cFF out to be a platform for filmmakers to examine worldwide social issues.  Truly international in scope, the festival features films from artists all over the world representing such countries as Mozambique, France, Israel, Afghanistan, Austraila and many more.  

Impressed with SPHERE's unique take on Romeo and Juliet, Kariolic said after Friday's screening, "This story has inspired film upon film over the years, and I can honestly say that this is my favorite interpretation yet."

"ShakeSPHERE: Romeo and Juliet" is directed by Ridgefielder Valerie Jensen, who also serves as the President of SPHERE.  Out of 33 directors in all, Jensen is 1 of 14 women directors whose work was showcased at the cFF this year.  

With this past weekend's participation in the cFF, SPHERE has now received 4 separate honors for ShakeSPHERE, including:

• Best Short Film -- Buffalo Niagara Film Festival, September 2011
• Honorable Mention, Narrative Shorts, Los Angeles Movie Awards, September 2011
• Accepted -- Vegas Independent Film Festival (VIFF!), November 2011
• Featured screening -- chashama Film Festival (cFF), November 2011

For further information about SPHERE, go to www.spherect.org.  A trailer for ShakeSPHERE can be viewed at www.youtube.com/sphereinc.  For more information regarding the chashama Film Festival, go to www.chafilmfest.com.