The new film “11:59” premiered Friday at the Starz Filmcenter in downtown Denver.

There are a few things that set this film apart from the masses. The first thing being it was shot entirely in Denver and prominently features the Cable Center at DU. The writer, director and cast members are all Colorado residents.

And secondly that it was not financially backed by a large Hollywood studio. Instead, writer/director Jamin Winans and producer Joe Sekiya took the entrepreneurial route, choosing to develop the film on their own, through their production company Double Edge Films.

Newcomer lead actor Raymond Andrew Bailey gives a riveting performance. The film centers on the character Aaron Doherty, played by Bailey, a jaded news photojournalist who has just broken the national news story of the year.

After suddenly waking up in the middle of nowhere and finding his way home, Aaron realizes that he cannot account for the past twenty-four hours and must piece together the puzzle of his missing time. What he uncovers is a conspiracy that goes deeper than anyone can imagine.

Bailey, a Colorado native, gives a riveting performance in this cutting edge film.

“11:59” tackles issues to which college students will be able to relate. The main character, Aaron, is confronted with complex moral dilemmas. The film also addresses political corruption, racial issues, and the sleazy, sensational side of the news business.

“11:59” was an official selection of the Montreal World Film Festival, a film industry “Top-Ten festival,” where it received great response from audiences there. The movie also won the prestigious Best Narrative Feature at the Kansas International Festival.

Hollywood news publication “Variety” says ” ’11:59′ is a slick first feature for writer-helmer Jamin Winans…this story of a roving TV news cameraman entangled in a murderous conspiracy has intriguing twists.”

Free tickets are available through Daniels Entrepreneurship Society and Nelson Global Village for the Friday showing at 8 p.m. Visit www.desdu.com and follow the links to reserve your tickets.