2019
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Martin Sheen (The West Wing), Ana Ortiz (Ugly Betty), and newcomer Tayler Buck shine in an inspiring tale that proves you are what you believe. Alicia grew up with fairytales. She was a princess, just like her daddy always said she was. Even now, homeless, living on the streets of LA with her mentally ill army vet dad, she doesn't let go of her dreams. In her story she is a princess, and her daddy is the same, loving, gentle soul, and a great story-teller--just as he was before the war. The world may not see it that way, but she will fight endlessly to protect what is precious to her.
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Sometimes we are forced to grow up to fast From childhood, Jill has acted as the responsible adult in her small family. She cares for her loving, but unstable, mother and her younger brother. The news that their estranged father will be visiting on Jill's birthday brings the children much-needed joy and hope. But when the unthinkable happens, Jill must keep it secret and maintain stability for her brother and the family. A startling and provocative story that captures an unfamiliar world with captivating results. Sponsored by Applied Materials Foundation Sponsored by Jan and Sofia Laskowski
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David vs Goliath. Legendary director Mike Leigh (Topsy Turvey, Mr. Turner) delivers a masterful epic with his sweeping panoramic journey through a little-known moment of England's inglorious past--and a particularly bloody one, at that. Food shortages, diminishing wages, and chronic unemployment dog 19th century Manchester, England, despite its importance as a hub of the Industrial Age. At the center is Henry Hunt (played brilliantly by Rory Kinnear of Penny Dreadful fame), as he inspires people to demand reform only to be met with force.
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What is a promised land for those who are denied it? For centuries, there was a thriving Jewish community in Ethiopia. After the establishment of Israel, thousands relocated there, and now thousands are waiting to join their families and friends, to re-unite with their community. Two men closer than brothers, Gezi and Demoz, are among those waiting. They journey to the US in an attempt to bring attention to the plight of their fellow Ethiopians desperate for Israel to complete their immigration.
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Over Water is a captivating psychological drama set against the raw background of a sea port. Former television star John Beckers is given one last chance to get his life back on track. He eagerly takes on a new role in his father-in-law's company. Despite his good intentions, John makes nothing but wrong choices, gradually becoming the kingpin of the highly lucrative but dangerous cocaine trafficking in the docks.
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A madhouse can be different things at different times. Lucy resides in a mental hospital in Mozambique with dreams of her family, of war, and of slavery. Days are accentuated by the enchanting music she creates from her bed. But, when the gate is left open one day, and Lucy see the chance to escape, her adventure begins. What follows is a wonderful tale that finds our heroine anywhere from a recording studio, to a theater full of goats all on her quest to find her husband and son.
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Rock, paper, scissors. Day 731 of marriage. Why is Eva counting the days since her wedding? Her marriage to Adrian is not what she expected. She feels neglected and unnoticed. What's missing from her life? She tries to fulfill herself through fantasies. When an unexpected guest, an exceedingly handsome painter Luis, enters the picture, all hell breaks loose. Caught in the cross fire between Eva's frustration, and Adrian's anger, Luis tries to play peacemaker. But once the flood gates open, only bedlam ensues.
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Kicking balls, shooting stars. Are you glued to a game? Have you wondered what life is like as a young and promising sports star? Through unprecedented access, Ordinary Gods offers a glimpse into the lives of six World Cup hopefuls, from wildly different cultures, as they fight for a spot on their respective national teams. Shot over the course of three years, follow each player as they struggle with injury, homesickness and the pressure of being a young talent on the international stage.
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Cinequest opens in high fashion as the glorious Nandita Das presents her sweeping biopic, Manto At the dawn of India's independence, an air of optimism sweeps the country. Yet the euphoria flees when the country faces turmoil, violence, and fear of their quickly changing world. A horrified Manto bears witness to the upheaval in his homeland and channels his emotions into writing a transformation of that inner turmoil. Unbelievably, he finds himself on trial for obscenity--a trial wherein the very definition of art and artistic responsibility is challenged.
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Dance is a universal language Moving Stories follows the acclaimed Dancing to Connect program as it crosses the globe inspiring and transforming at-risk youth through the art of dance. The spectacular Battery Dance Company's best dancers are sent to India, Romania, South Korea, and Iraq, where they have only one week to bring each group of extraordinary youth together as a team, through collaboration to learn a choreographed routine in time for a final performance.