Danny Glover Joins the Cast of Asher
 Renowned actor Danny Glover has signed on to star in Asher, the feature directorial debut of award-winning filmmaker Francisco Ordonez. Glover joins film and television star Mekhi Phifer in the cast. Asher tells the story of an ambitious New York City college student named Paul Rueda, who infiltrates a militant religious cult known as the Black Israelites. Glover will play the powerful leader of the sect, who faces dissent within the ranks when a young member (played by Phifer) begins to break away from the organization for the purpose of what appears to be pulling off a terrorist operation. Asher, described as an urban Da Vinci Code with elements of Donnie Brasco, is being produced by Sandra Varona and Carlito Rodriguez. Actor-producer Danny Glover has been a commanding presence on screen, stage and television for more than 25 years. As an actor, his film credits range from the blockbuster Lethal Weapon franchise to Stephen Spielberg's The Color Purple to smaller independent features, some of which Glover also produced. Most recently, he co-starred in Columbia Pictures' 2012, the critically acclaimed feature Dreamgirls directed by Bill Condon, and Be Kind, Rewind for director Michel Gondry. Glover has also gained respect for his wide-reaching community activism and philanthropic efforts, with a particular emphasis on advocacy for economic justice, and access to health care and education around the world. For these efforts, Glover received a 2006 DGA Honor. Internationally, Glover has served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Program from 1998-2004, focusing on issues of poverty, disease, and economic development in Africa, and Latin America. He currently serves as UNICEF Ambassador. Ordonez, who also wrote the screenplay, has an MFA in directing from Columbia University's Graduate Film Program. His short films have received honors and screened in festivals around the world including Tribeca, HBO NY Latino, and Rome. His script for Asher was a Finalist in the Tribeca All Access Program. In 2006, Sandra created entertainment company, Varona Productions, specializing in creative visual content alongside new media. Since its launch, Varona Productions has produced a steady stream of short films, EPK's, pilots, and music videos for artists such as Mellow Man Ace, El Roockie, Mexican hit band Kinky, and Grammy Nominated, Eric Roberson. |
