Black Beauty Rides Again: A Modern Spin on a Timeless Classic

Los Angeles, California, July 13, 2015 (Newswire.com) - In a summer filled with animation and comic book heroes, comes an uplifting family film inspired by the beloved classic 1877 children’s novel, Black Beauty, written by Anna Sewell. Black Beauty stars Academy Award nominee, Emmy nominated and Golden Globe winner Bruce Davidson (Longtime Companion, Short Cuts, X-Men, X-Men2,) and Luke Perry (Beverly Hills 90210, Ties That Bind, Body of Proof, The Fifth Element, Jeremiah) and rising stars Jennifer Mckenzie, Anthony Del Negro and Talise Zirilli.

Unlike Sewell’s version, Director Daniel Zirilli’s modern spin offers audiences of all ages a heartfelt, family adventure from the point of view of teenager and animal lover Audrey (Jennifer Mckenzie) whose summer with Black Beauty inspires valuable life lessons about triumph and loss, faith and redemption, and the importance of family and friendship.

A veteran music video director whose portfolio includes working with hundreds of rock legends like The Rolling Stones, and primarily known for directing action films, Zirilli welcomed the opportunity to adapt this literary classic to the small screen adding his work to the canon of Black Beauty. “Telling a cross generational family based story, which appeals to both adults and younger audiences, featuring both well-loved and up and coming actors as well as the challenge of directing animal stars was an amazing experience,” says Zirelli.

Zirelli adds, “There have been many great versions of Black Beauty, so I hope the audience can appreciate a new take on the tale. It’s a simple sweet  family story, about a girl and her love for her amazing horse, with good values and a positive message. Luke Perry and Bruce Davison are fantastic actors, with deep experience. Davidson brought so much heart and integrity to his role in Black Beauty; and Perry departing from other characters he has played in the past, embraced the role as a protective father, playing it perfectly. “

Black Beauty was co-written by Zirilli and his wife Amy, who grew up in horse country in Kentucky, and produced by 20 year friend, David Bellion, whose family, and friends, equine experts the Masons gave the production full use of their two beautiful ranches to shoot the film.  Black Beauty also features the Mason daughters who are skilled riders and Zirilli’s daughter Talsie Zirilli (Tally) also co-stars as the experienced young horse expert who helps Audrey lead Black Beauty to a triumphant return.

The National 4-H Institute of Youth, Family and Community, known worldwide for their outstanding work and youth programs connecting "Head, Heart, Hands, and Health", through education, mentoring, leadership, agriculture, nutrition and the environment., also lent their support to Black Beauty and are prominently featured in the film.

Barnholtz Entertainment is also horse and animal friendly company. Their logo includes a majestic American Quarter Horse, and founder / CEO Barry Barnholtz is a lifelong equestrian, who owns, rides and loves horses. It was Barnholtz whose film catalog contains a diverse portfolio of hundreds of films, leading the charge to tell this story to a new generation of youth.

Barnholtz says, “Black Beauty is one of the most important stories in literature about the relationship between animals and humans, depicting how the care and love for animals and nature help us grow at any age and find ourselves.” He adds, “We chose a story that was not only near and dear to the hearts of horse lovers, but also based on a classic children’s book, which we hope will inspire a generation of readers to discover this amazing story and gain an appreciation for animals of all kinds.”

Black Beauty is available on July 14, 2015 on VOD, DVD and Rental     Rated PG

A Barnholtz Entertainment, Inc. Film, Distributed by LIONSGATE Entertainment