Ascend into Zion: The Cast & Crew

Actors

Writer/Director/Editor

Producer

Cinematographer

Costume Designer

		Dr. Israel – Doc An accomplished musician and kick boxer, Dr. Israel lends his acting and musical talents to the production of ASCEND INTO ZION in the role of composer. A veteran performer in the music industry, he is highly adept in the styles of dub, jungle, punk, metal and reggae, and has been called “original and inspiring” by ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE. His most recent album, PATTERNS OF WAR, spent multiple weeks at #1 on the CMJ world music charts.
		Devon Bianca Stephen – Sheva Devon Bianca Stephen started in the business at 9 months old when she booked a Pamper's commercial on National TV. She was "Wiggling Wendy"- it ran for three years. From that age until present she's traveled with her actor parents to Italy and France and has been around the film business all her life. She walked down the red carpet and viewed her first film at a screening at the Cannes Film Festival when she was three, and appeared on French TV. She has appeared in numerous books and magazines and had a spread in the National Examiner "Highest Paid kids in Commercials". She spent the last two summers in the Senior Corp of New Jersey's Shakespeare Theatre and hopes to study drama in college. Her ambition is to be on a show like, "Smallville" (her favorite show) . Her parents' film company, "Dynamo Films, Inc. have a couple of projects in the works which she will be involved in, "Every Second Counts", and "Legend of RedHair" (www.legendofredhair.com, which is a comic superhero soon to have publicity in Times Square).
		Alexis Suarez – The Boxer Active in school and community theatre productions as a child, Alexis Suarez, a New York City native, began his professional stage career in college. His experience there, ultimately led him to success at the graduate level, which continued upon his return to New York, where he has appeared in numerous stage and film productions. In addition to "Ascend into Zion", Alexis' most recent film credits include, "Film 101" (First Instinct Pictures, winner of the Seattle True Indie Film Festival), and "Whirlwind", (director Richard LeMay, currently in post-production) Recently, Alexis has appeared in Laurence Fishburne's stage production, "RIFF RAFF."
		Anthony Frattin – The Grappler An actor, artist and mixed martial artist, Anthony studied acting at the William Esper Studio in New York City and has appeared in numerous 35mm and High Definition features and shorts included the lead in STILL (2001). An accomplished and self taught painter with his work currently installed at a private dealer in SoHo. Anthony also trains and competes Brazilian Ju-Jitsu with the New York Athletic Club. Please visit www.frattin.com

John Kraljevich – Writer, Director, Editor
John Kraljevich was born and raised in Dearborn, Michigan where cars are from. After graduating art school from the University of Michigan he began a career in footwear design for companies such as New Balance, Puma, Cole Haan, and Ralph Lauren. This eventually brought him to America’s fashion capital, New York City, where after studying under director Mike Nichols and trading in his car for a metrocard he continues to design and make films. Ascend Into Zion marks his fifth collaboration with cinematographer Zach Zamboni.

Tommy Minnix – Producer
With an eclectic background in film, theater, foreign language and economics, it was natural for Tommy to parlay his experience into producing. He is co-founder of Lucky Frog Films and is currently developing several feature film and theater projects. Tommy’s most recent project, Tempting Charles Warner, is currently in post.

Zach Zamboni – Cinematographer
Zach is a graduate of the Maine Film and Television Workshops with a strong background in lighting. Aside from his extensive short film work, Zach has also shot second unit on two features that have gone on to play at highly respected festivals. CHAIN went on to play at the prestigious Berlin Film Festival, while SATELLITE had it’s debut at the 3rd annual Tribeca Film Festival. Zach has also been director of photography for MTV reality television series, and recently finished shooting a documentary film about genocide in Rowanda.

Nami Payackapan – Costume Design
Born to Thai immigrants and raised in New York City, Nami has lived and worked in several countries around the world including the United States, Italy, Germany and Dubai. Working as a fashion designer for a varied list of respected designers, including GEOFFREY BEENE, J. CREW, MOSCHINO, ARMANI EXCHANGE, and PUMA, has not only brought her extensive international experience, but also a wide knowledge about clothing styles and cultural dress.