Ori Yardeni’s new feature film, The Man Who Saved the Internet with a Sunflower, about American entrepreneur Rob Ryan will have its world premiere on Friday, June 28, 2024, at 9:30 pm PST during the Dances With Films festival.
The first film in a planned trilogy, The Man Who Saved the Internet with a Sunflower recounts the dramatic and true story of Ryan, who played a crucial role in saving the Internet from collapse in the 1990s. His Sunflower Code—a decision-making formula and tool for discovering one’s true vocation—revolutionized the Internet and continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs.
“We’re honored to be selected by such a prestigious festival as Dances With Films,” commented Yardeni. “We look forward to having our world premiere in Hollywood at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatres.”
Rob and Terry Ryan will join Yardeni and his wife Irit, who designed the soundtrack, at the world premiere event of this Oscar-qualifying festival. Watch the trailer below:
REELated:
“Our film is very timely and we believe will be of interest to filmgoers,” adds Yardeni. “In an age where technology is evolving faster than ever, stories of true innovation and resilience are more crucial than ever. The Man Who Saved the Internet with a Sunflower is not just a film; it’s a testament to the spirit of perseverance, the power of visionary thinking, and the triumph of the human spirit.”
A Brilliant Mathematician
Rob Ryan had a tumultuous job history in Silicon Valley, including winning Intel Engineer of the Year for standardizing the early Ethernet. After resigning from Intel, he founded the world’s largest innovative videoconferencing venture. Despite its success, investors demanded new products, leading Ryan to create the Sunflower Code. His company played a critical role in rescuing the Internet during its 1990s downturn.
After taking the company public, Ryan faced termination, but the business was valued at a staggering $24 billion. Ryan used the Sunflower Code to start three powerhouse companies and won the Silicon Valley Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Today, he mentors young entrepreneurs and combats online challenges such as bullying, fake news, and AI threats.
The Film’s Production
Filmed in Serbia during the pandemic, the movie stars British actor Martin Delaney (Zero Dark Thirty, Flags of Our Fathers, Beowulf & Grendel, Now You See Me 2) as Rob Ryan, with Leo Hatton as Ryan’s wife Terry (H&M by Wes Anderson). The cast also includes Troy Hewitt (Rye Lane), Michael Curran-Dorsano (Django, The Last Ship), and Sophie Hopkins (Dr. Who’s spin-off Class from BBC).
Ori Yardeni, a global media entrepreneur and creator, co-directed the film and co-wrote its screenplay. Yardeni is known for his work in immersive cinema and has received several awards for his films. He has also collaborated with Ryan on License to Dream, a project to equip teenagers with entrepreneurial skills.
Emil Ben Shimon, known for his work on TV series ZIGI, HaTachana, Katmandu (starring Gal Gadot), and his feature film The Women’s Balcony (Toronto Festival), co-directed the film. Einat Glazer-Zarhin edited the film, and the screenplay was written by Oren Safdie, Izhar Har-Lev, and Yardeni. Kobi-Hoffman of Jiminy Creative is the executive producer.
The festival, running from June 20-30, 2024, will be held at the TCL Chinese Theatres in Hollywood.
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