NEWS RELEASE

Capstone Productions Inc.

Box 221466

El Paso, Texas 79913

www.elpasogold.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jackson Polk

915-833-8700  jpolk@elp.rr.com

"El Paso’s Mount Cristo Rey" Heritage Video

Released for Distribution

-- New heritage program now available on DVD --

El Paso, Texas - June 25, 2007 – Capstone Productions Inc. announces the release of its newest heritage video, "El Paso’s Mount Cristo Rey," now available on DVD. The video explores the historical and cultural significance of Sierra de Cristo Rey – a Catholic shrine, a world-class sculpture, and a geological treasure -- located in the El Paso suburb of Sunland Park, N.M.

"El Paso's Mount Cristo Rey" highlights the spirit of a dedicated group of volunteers, the Mount Cristo Rey Restoration Committee. For decades, the volunteers have maintained the mountain’s dirt trails and the statue of Christ the King, making it possible for thousands of pilgrims to climb Mount Cristo Rey each year. The video also documents how the historic floods of 2006 devastated the mountain, putting future pilgrimages in jeopardy.

The premiere of "El Paso’s Mount Cristo Rey" on March 24, 2007 was a fund-raiser for the Mount Cristo Rey Restoration Committee, and marked the 73rd anniversary of the first-ever pilgrimage to the top of Cristo Rey. The premiere, along with additional benefit screenings held in March, April and May, raised thousands of dollars for the committee, funds that will be used to help maintain the statue and the mountain trails.

A co-production of Capstone Productions Inc. and the El Paso County Historical Society, "El Paso’s Mount Cristo Rey" is part of the El Paso Gold Heritage Television Series, programs that highlight the history and heritage of the Paso del Norte region. The series is produced by native El Pasoan Jackson Polk of Capstone Productions.

"We were in production during the summer of 2006, when the El Paso area was hit by more than a month of record-breaking rains," Polk said. "We were able to document how the storms damaged Mount Cristo Rey. The video really shows the need for an asphalt road on the mountain. In our research, we found the original plans for Mount Cristo Rey included an asphalt road, but unfortunately, it was never funded."

Ruben Escandon, vice president of the Mount Cristo Rey Restoration Committee, said the DVD has helped to raise awareness of the landmark that touches the hearts of so many.

"We thank Jackson Polk and Capstone Productions for producing this video and helping us get the word out about the needs for Mount Cristo Rey," he said. "We hope that we can raise funds to install an asphalt road and proper drainage. Never again do we want to face the possibility of closing the mountain to pilgrims and hikers."

The DVD "El Paso’s Mount Cristo Rey" is now available in stores throughout the El Paso region. To see the complete list of locations, go to www.elpasogold.com

Additional information about the new program is also at www.mountcristorey.com

 

ABOUT THE EL PASO GOLD HERITAGE TELEVISION PROJECT

In 2002, the El Paso County Historical Society contracted with Capstone Productions Inc., an El Paso-based television documentary company, to create The El Paso Gold Heritage Television Project, a series of heritage television programs about the El Paso, Texas region. The Society’s mission is to promote and preserve the history of the El Paso area.

In 2003, the Society and Capstone Productions Inc. co-produced "El Paso’s Magoffin Home," a one-hour documentary broadcast on KCOS, El Paso's PBS TV station, in January 2005. The partners plan to produce a series of TV programs about El Paso’s history and heritage. "El Paso’s Mount Cristo Rey" is the next program in that series.

The Society, a non-profit 501(c)3 Texas corporation, provides research and administration of the series. The Society accepts tax-deductible contributions to underwrite the project from individuals, corporations and foundations. Underwriters for "El Paso’s Mount Cristo Rey" include The Hunt Family Foundation, El Paso Electric, Capstone Productions Inc., and the Ladies Auxiliary at Queen of Peace Catholic Church. For more information, contact Society President Jack Niland at (915) 533-3603.

Capstone Productions Inc. plans to produce 13 PBS-style documentaries featuring the historical, cultural and social aspects of El Paso’s heritage. For more information about the award-winning heritage television programs produced by Capstone Productions Inc., visit www.elpasogold.com

 

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