Deep Water/Salute to Renny Harlin

IN ATTENDANCE: RENNY HARLIN & GENE SIMMONS

A flight from Los Angeles to Shanghai goes down in the middle of the Pacific. After surviving the crash, the survivors soon discover they’re not alone and they must survive the shark infested waters. Directed by Renny Harlin, written by Pete Bridges and John Kim, the thrilling film stars Aaron Eckhart, Ben Kingsley, Molly Belle Wright, Angus Sampson, Kelly Gale, and Li Wenhan. 110mins.

The film will be released in theaters by Magenta Light Studios on May 1st.

Renny Harlin has established himself globally as a filmmaker with the ability to identify and develop a wide range of material. His credits span multiple genres and include action-oriented blockbusters, horror films, comedies and critically acclaimed dramas including: The Strangers trilogy, Die Hard 2: Die Harder, Cliffhanger, Deep Blue Sea, A Nightmare on Elm Street 4 – The Dream Master, The Long Kiss Goodnight, Skiptrace, The Bricklayer, and episodes of “Burn Notice,” “White Collar,” “Covert Affairs,” and “Graceland.” In addition to his directing credits, Harlin has produced films such as Rambling Rose, Speechless, and Blast from the Past and is the founder of Midnight Sun Pictures. In 2026, the prolific Harlin is expected to release three feature films – Deep Water, the action thriller The Beast starring Samuel L. Jackson and Joel Kinnaman, and the action-adventure Black Tides starring John Travolta and Melissa Barrera.

Gene Simmons is a world-renowned rock icon and co-founder of KISS, the RIAA’s #1 gold record award-winning group. A formidable serial entrepreneur, he transformed KISS into a global merchandising powerhouse with over 5,000 licensed products. His career is defined by historic honors, including the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors, induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and the Songwriters Hall of Fame Class of 2026. A leading advocate for artist rights, Simmons is an integral partner with SoundExchange, recently championing the American Music Fairness Act (AMFA) in Washington, D.C., to ensure fair compensation for all performers. His diverse business empire includes the Rock & Brews restaurant chain and the MoneyBag spirits line. A dedicated philanthropist and recipient of the 2025 World Smile Award, Simmons continues to bridge the worlds of entertainment and global industry, personifying the modern self-made mogul.

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Host or Publisher USA Film Festival