The Sonoma International Film Festival (April 10-14) will open its 16th edition with ‘The Iceman’, directed by Ariel Vromen and starring Michael Shannon, Winona Ryder, Ray Liotta, Chris Evans and James Franco.
‘The Iceman’ (2012) is based on the true story of Richard Leonard "The Iceman" Kuklinski, a paradoxical character who led parallel lives- contract killer and family man- until his arrest in 1986. Richard was an American hitman who joined the mafia as a contracted killer. He worked for the DeCavalcante crime family in New Jersey and the Five Families in New York.
Having committed his first murder at the age of 13, Richard is believed to have murdered at least 250 people, one of them being the famed ‘Teamster’ Jimmy Hoffa. A beast for brutality, Richard is reported to have carried out his murders in various ways- guns, knives, hand grenades, cyanide, tire irons, fire, poison, asphyxiation, and even his bare hands. He earned his nickname ‘The Iceman’ by freezing the bodies of his victims to throw detectives off on time of death. Prior to his capture in 1986, his family was unaware of his profession.
For further information on the life of Richard Leonard "The Iceman" Kuklinski, read the book ‘The Iceman: Confessions of a Mafia Contract Killer’.
'The Iceman' held its world premier at the 2012 Venice Film Fstival and then the Toronto International Film Festival. It will open the 16th Annual Sonoma Film Festival on Wednesday April, 10th, 2013. Director Ariel Vromen and Ray Liotta will be attending for the opening night of the Sonoma Film Festival, sponsored by Netflix.
-Written by Vanessa McMahon
-Official Sonoma Press-
About SIFF: The Sonoma International Film Festival (April 10-14, 2013) takes place in the heart of Northern California’s Wine Country and features more than 90 hand-selected films including independent features, documentaries, world cinema, shorts and a showcase of Spanish language films. All films are shown at intimate venues within walking distance on Sonoma’s historic plaza. The Festival is dedicated to promoting independent film, supporting filmmakers around the world, and inspiring film lovers. This unique 5-day event offers world-class cuisine from local artisans and exceptional wine from Sonoma vintners. Renowned filmmakers, industry leaders and celebrities such as Bruce Willis, Susan Sarandon, Robin Williams and Danny Glover have walked the festival red carpet and enjoyed its intimate ambiance. For more information about Sonoma International Film Festival, please visit: