Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival Presents World Premiere Of Film Showing Why So Many People Treasure America's $2 Bill and Resent Anyone Calling It a 'Phony'
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Oct. 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The many myths and personal stories surrounding the $2 bill add up to a dramatic tale recounted sensitively and eloquently by documentary filmmaker John Bennardo.
The film, titled "The 2 Dollar Bill Documentary" (www.2dollarbillmovie.com), will be presented 6 PM Friday, Nov. 6 at Cinema Paradiso Hollywood and again at 8:15 PM on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at the theater located at 2008 Hollywood Blvd. in Hollywood as part of the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival.
"To many people, two dollar bills are magical, mysterious, often surreal," said Bennardo, who got captivated himself by the serendipitous bill.
Many regard them as fakes, because they are so infrequently seen, which is why some Americans use the phrase, "phony as a two dollar bill."
Actually, this is supposed to be "phony as a three dollar bill," but for whatever reason, "phony as a two dollar bill" prevails, yet nothing can be further from the truth. Today $2 bills are alive and well, and many of their fascinating stories are depicted in Bennardo's documentary.
"From their history and the superstitions surrounding them, to the fact that they've been to outer space with astronauts for good luck, there's no shortage of captivating content," said the filmmaker.
One myth is that two dollar bills are very valuable. Ha! They are worth exactly 200¢. This myth originated from the fact that these bills are so rarely seen.
Some believe they are no longer printed, but the most recent print run was in 2014, and today there are over one billion two-dollar bills in circulation.
Another myth is that two dollar bills are unlucky. In the hospitality business, for example, some food servers believe that utter doom would befall them if they picked up a tip containing a $2 bill.
So profound was this belief that many would leave the Deuce on the table rather than pocket it. Not many urban myths actually hit you in the pocketbook, but that one does. Talk about leaving money on the table!
Some believe there are hidden symbols on the bill proving that a secret group, perhaps the Illuminati, run the world. If you fold a two dollar bill just so, it reveals their dark symbol, an owl.
Bennardo's film touches on these stories as well as many positive ways the $2 bills affect people's lives. "Every time you spend one, something happens. There's a lasting connection and even a nostalgic feeling that often arises."
"It's the only bill that has the power to evoke special feelings and memories."
"Want to see what happens? Just hand one to out to someone and watch."
Media contact: Adrienne Mazzone 561-750-9800 x2270; [email protected].
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151018/277995
SOURCE John Bennardo
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