MELISSA LEO NOMINATED FOR SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARD & SPIRIT AWARD

NEW YORK, NY December 23, 2008 -- New and exciting things are on the horizons for blue eyed cherokee films and its artists.

Melissa Leo is being honored this awards season with individual nominations for her outstanding turn in the Sundance Grand Jury Award winning film FROZEN RIVER. Leo a veteran actress best known for her gritty portrayal as Detective Kay Howard in television's HOMICIDE, and introduced to worldwide audiences as the heart broken wife of Benecio Del Toro in the award winning 21 GRAMS, finally gets the chance to shine in a film perfectly suited for her soulful talent. Leo, along with actor Peter Gerety, is attached to the lead role in writer/director Jordan Bayne's short film THE SEA IS ALL I KNOW.

THE SEA IS ALL I KNOW is a testament to the strength and resilience of the soul. When an estranged couple, Sara and Sonny, come to the aid of their dying daughter, the experience sends them spiraling into spiritual crisis, and emotions they do not understand. In the end, this experience renews their lives, transcends their loss of faith, and even death itself.

Jordan Bayne, blue eyed cherokee films founder and writer/director of the script stated, "I am excited for Melissa, she deserves to be recognized for the great talent that she is, and I am so fortunate that she fell in love with my script and is championing this project."

Leo's additional film credits include RIGHTEOUS KILL, MR. WOODCOCK, THE THREE BURIALS OF MELQUIADES ESTRADA, and the upcoming VERONICA DECIDES TO DIE.

Leo is represented by the William Morris Agency.

About blue eyed cherokee films

blue eyed cherokee films is a film and television firm in New York City. Principal Filmmaker Jordan Bayne formed the company when she began developing the award winning short film ARGO. Jordan has an unbridled passion for making films that are original, meaningful, and is deeply committed to telling stories of consequence.

blue eyed cherokee films is dedicated to producing quality entertainment for the U.S. and international markets. Wanting to remain loyal to her European influences blue eyed cherokee films is actively developing content for the European market.