Landing Up

How much can we know of anyone? And how much do we really share with anyone? There are so many layers of the human psyche and this is what makes “Landing Up” a unique film. In “Landing Up’, Director Dani Tenenbaum along with Producer/Writer and star Stacey Maltin(plays Chrissie) takes on this journey of self-discovery while shedding light on the plight of the homeless. The film is also a tribute to E’dena Hines’ (Morgan Freeman’s granddaughter) last onscreen performance before her tragic murder on the streets of New York—just a month after production wrapped on the film.

Stacey Maltin

In “ Landing Up” Chrissie and Cece(played by E’dena Hines) are homeless but has figured out how to live in other people’s home. Using her good looks and charm to manipulate others to survive. They fantasize about having enough money to find their own apartment.

E’dena Hines

Maltin explains, “The film exists in two worlds: Chrissie’s life on the street and her romantic life with David. Chrissie’s life on the street is gritty and dangerous, but when Chrissie meets David, her world explodes into color. He’s everything she always wanted and the film jumps in tone and style to almost a romantic comedy feel. Her life is so far outside his realm of comprehension that he never suspects her secret.”

We were intrigued by the story and the real and raw lives of these characters Chrissie (Stacey Maltin) and Cece (E’dena Hines). The bond between them was strong which makes you really care for these women,  you felt the vulnerability of what people really go through just to survive out on the streets. Homelessness is a real issue for many people and this movie brings light to it. Director Dani Tenenbaum, and Writer, Producer Stacey Maltin did a wonderful job.  We applaud all the actors for their heartfelt and powerful performances and in light of a tragedy, we applaud them for honoring E’dena Hines memory in her last onscreen role.

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Because of this violent act, and because the film tackles homelessness, the filmmakers felt it was paramount to give their audience a call to action. For the World Premiere, they raised awareness by partnering with the non-profit organizations Midnight Mission, which offers paths to self-sufficiency to men, women and children who have lost direction, and LA Family Housing, which helps people transition out of homelessness and poverty.

While the film is intended as entertainment, the filmmakers feel that it’s important to address the reality that so many people are living on the streets in the U.S.