United States
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What are you to do when you are not getting the answers your heart is looking for? And why, in the name of all that is good, turn down affection or attention when the solace within it is calling? Calling incessantlyÉin the form of a sweet, simple, high school girl who hasn't yet learned to drive? The predicament Ewan is in is not so simple as it should be.
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Closing Night Gala Cinequest alums and audience favorites, Alexandre Rockwell (In the Soup) director and co-writer and Brandon Cole (OK Garage) co-writer, return with a pungent and provocative drama in the finest of Cinequest's maverick tradition.
Steve Buscemi, David Proval and Jennifer Beals
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Steve McQueen plays the role of a no glitter, all guts cop named Frank Bullitt. Frank and two other officers are assigned to what seems like a normal case: watch a witness (a Mafia informant) for 48 hours before he goes to trial on Monday. When the officers are killed, however, and the witness left a death's door, things take a nasty turn. Definitive McQueen, Bullitt is a taut action-film that makes great use of San Francisco locations, especially in the now-classic car chase, one of moviedom's all-time best.
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With spectacular digital cinematography (using the same cameras that George Lucas used for the latest Star Wars), Amy Snow makes her directorial debut with Buck Naked Arson, her engaging, intuitive, and riotous story that returns the coming of age film to the days before flawless teens romped across the screen.
Azura Skye, Christine Lakin, Rider Strong, Shiloh Strong, William Russ
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Director Karen Moncrieff's provocative new film, Blue Car, is a tragically and skillfully woven tale of heartbreak and rapidly fading innocence. Seventeen-year-old Meg, neglected by her overworked mother and responsible for her troubled younger sister, yearns for her father-who abandoned the family years ago-to come back and drive her away in his car to a world free from cares and problems. As an emotional outlet, Meg writes incredibly poignant poetry, which catches the eye of her teacher, Mr. Auster (David Strathairn). Immediately recognizing Meg's gift, Mr.
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Courageous...pushes the boundaries of what is permissible in modern cinema...powerful and intense. - Robert Hawk Director Brent Sims' work is always arresting, uncompromising, and controversial. With Gutter Punks (Cinequest, 1998), Sims took a gritty and intimate look at street kids. In Becoming Vex, he again focuses his attention towards young people (this time twenty-somethings) and portrays perhaps a more misanthropic view of society and the effects of violence. Trust lives in the 'burbs.
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Rachel, a nice Jewish woman from New York City, is getting marriedÉto Christine, a nice blond woman from San Diego. But that's not where the story really beginsÉ. As Rachel tells it, Mom first freaks out at the thought that her daughter is not going to marry a good looking doctor and give her perfect grandchildren. But Mom soon reverts to the quintessential Jewish mother, aggressively trying to fix up Rachel with every "Ms. Rightowitz" in town and proudly thinking of herself as the Mother of all Mothers of Lesbians.
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The point in life when you discover the world is not 'black & white' is pivotal. For Morris, the quest to understand the 'shades of gray' happened when he was about seventeen years old. Morris' family is certainly not a perfect one. While growing up, Morris faced obstacles most youngsters only read about. His mother died of cancer, and it is possible his father assisted his wife's death to spare her the pain of her last agonizing moments. Morris is still knotted with doubts about his father's innocence or guilt.
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Sure to push buttons this year is director Adam Ripp's all-digital film Gang Tapes, a brutally "in-your-face" film about growing up in South Central, as seen through the eyes of 13-year-old Kris Noland--played by newcomer Trivell, whose captivating performance stirs the pot of emotions. After stealing a video camera, Kris decides to give the world a glimpse of his life by filming his "rise" to moral corruption, as a gang takes him in with open arms. With a highly unique style, director Ripp doesn't look to simply depict a young boy's misguided path to violence.
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Eric is not a relationship kind of guy. But he has decided it is time to turn over a new leaf--he is going to break up with the stripper he met two weeks ago and seek out a serious long-term relationship. Eric meets Heather, and after discussing the differences of the sexes, such as spending loose change and saving shopping bags, Eric decides Heather is the woman of his dreams. She is smart, funny and beautiful. But Heather has just ended a four-year relationship and has no desire to enter into a new one.