Montclair Film Festival 2023 Catalog

Film

MEMBERS GET MORE

THE MONTCLAIR FILM FESTIVAL

Member ticket presale begins October 2

Public ticket sale begins October 6

At the Montclair Film Festival, members enjoy:

+ Early access

+ Discounts on tickets, concessions, and MFF merchandise

+ Invitations to festival parties

THE CLAIRIDGE

Year-round members enjoy:

+ $4 off tickets at The Clairidge

+ $6 matinee tickets

+ $5 Member Tuesdays all day

+ Merchandise and concession discounts

+ Invitations to members-only events

+ Early access sneak peak screenings

The satisfaction of a tax-deductible donation that supports an emerging arts non-profit organization

Ticket Information

PURCHASE TICKETS

Member Presale* begins Monday, October 2 at 10:00am

General Public Sale begin Friday, October 6 at 10:00am

Online at MontclairFilm.org

In person at The Montclair Film Festival Box Office located inside the lobby of the Hinck Building at 486 Bloomfield Avenue. Open Monday–Saturday, 12:00pm–5:00pm with extended hours October 21–29 .

Venue box offices open thirty (30) minutes before the start of the first screening and close fifteen (15) minutes after the start of the last screening.

* BECOME A MEMBER FOR PRESALE ACCESS AND DISCOUNTS!

PRICING

Opening Night (Film + Party) . . $175 regular/$150 member (Floor + Loge seating)

Opening Night (Film Only): . . . $35 regular/$30 member (Balcony seating only)

Filmmaker Party: . . . . . . . . . . . . . $60 regular/$50 member

Spotlight Events $25 regular/$20 member

Standard Events: $17 regular/$15 member

Matinees: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12 regular/$10 member (Films beginning prior to 5:00 pm, weekdays only)

Tickets to the 2023 Filmmaker Tribute to Martin Scorsese hosted by Stephen Colbert can be purchased at NJPAC.org or Ticketmaster.com

All screenings at The Wellmont are “pick your own seats” at the time of purchase

All other venues are general admission .

All ticket sales are final, no refunds or exchanges.

STANDBY LINES

For shows with no online tickets available at The Clairidge, MKA, and Cinema505, there is a high probability tickets will become available via the Standby Line five (5) minutes prior to show time on a first-come, first-served basis at the venue. Standby lines will form thirty (30) minutes prior to show time Ticket holders must arrive no later than ten (10) minutes prior to the event start time to be guaranteed entrance Any available seats will be released to the Standby Line at that time

Please note: All Standby tickets will be sold at regular pricing only . Box office will only accept cash for Standby.

QUESTIONS

Email: BoxOffice@MontclairFilm.org

Phone: 973 783 6435

Venues + Plan Your Festival

VENUES

Festival Box Office

486 Bloomfield Avenue

Montclair, New Jersey

Montclair Film’s Cinema505

505 Bloomfield Avenue

Montclair, New Jersey

The Clairidge

486 Bloomfield Avenue

Montclair, New Jersey

Montclair Kimberley Academy (MKA)

Upper School Campus, 6 Lloyd Road

Montclair, New Jersey

New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)

1 Center Street

Newark, New Jersey

The Wellmont Theater

5 Seymour Street

Montclair, New Jersey

PARKING

Parking meters in the Central Business District will be extended to 4 hours from October 20–October 29th Thank you to the Township of Montclair for their support!

Pay-by-Phone parking app: We suggest downloading this app at us.parkmobile.com for use at metered parking spots throughout town

Please allow plenty of time to find parking, obey all parking regulations, and consider ride sharing when possible

For updated parking information, please visit MontclairFilm.org/Plan-Your-Visit

ACCOMMODATIONS

Courtyard by Marriott West Orange

8 Rooney Circle

West Orange, New Jersey

See ad on pg 163 and scan QR code for discount

The MC Hotel

690 Bloomfield Avenue

Montclair, New Jersey

For a 20% discount, go to Marriott.com, select “Corp/Promo Code”, and use code: S3907

INTERACTIVE FESTIVAL MAP

The easiest way to plan your Festival Includes festival venues, parking, local businesses, and more Brought to you by Montclair Center BID and Urality

Montclair Film is committed to improving universal accessibility in order to make our programs and facilities available to all patrons. To request specific accommodations, we ask that you contact us at least two weeks prior to the scheduled program or visit our website for the most comprehensive list of film accessibility features.

ACCESSIBLE PRINT

All of our programming, including the festival guide, is available on our website where you can enlarge and view it for better clarity

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY AND MOBILITY

Wheelchair seating is available in all venues Please note this seating option in the Accessibility Requests box during checkout when purchasing your tickets

HEARING ASSISTANCE

All of our venues will provide wireless radio frequency hearing assistance receivers . We are working hard to provide additional hearing assistance opportunities and will have an updated list at MontclairFilm.org/Accessibility

Upon request, a certified ASL interpreter will provide a sign language-interpreted translation of conversations that are part of The Storyteller Series . Please contact us at least two weeks prior to the scheduled program at 973 783 6435 or email ADA@MontclairFilm.org

SUBTITLES

All foreign language films will be presented with subtitles.

CLOSED CAPTIONING

Closed Captioning (CC) has been requested from every film admitted to the festival. For an up-to-date list of all films that include captions, please check out our website There will be captioning devices provided at each venue, available at the box office.

During select conversations, speech-to-text real time captioning is provided by TotalCaption and Globetitles . These will be available for use on your personal device which will give the ability to read live transcriptions Events which include this feature will be noted on our ticketing site

AUDIO DESCRIPTION

Audio Descriptions (AD) to aid those with visual impairments, have also been requested from every film admitted to the festival. For an up-todate list of all films that include audio description, please visit our website Montclairfilm.org/Accessibility .

THE ACCESSIBILITY SCORECARD

For the second year, Montclair Film will participate in the Accessibility Scorecard Survey This will provide documented feedback from attendees (filmmakers, professionals, and audience) on the current state of accessibility so film events can identify strategies to make their events more inclusive Look for the survey at the end of the festival

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the State of New Jersey, I am pleased to welcome all those gathered for the 12th Annual Montclair Film Festival, hosted by Montclair Film

New Jersey is fortunate to have events like the Montclair Film Festival, a yearly event celebrating the artistic and creative processes involved in creating a film. This extraordinary organization is dedicated to entertaining, educating, and engaging audiences through the power of visual storytelling I commend those who dedicate their time to the arts, and I am delighted that the Montclair Film Festival showcases diverse artistic talent for all to appreciate As Governor, I applaud all who have dedicated their time and efforts to participate in the festival, furthering New Jersey’s reputation for excellence in the arts

Best wishes for a successful and memorable event

My very best,

Philip D Murphy Governor

Governor Phil Murphy and Stephen Colbert, 2022 Montclair Film Festival

Dear Friends,

It is a pleasure to extend my warmest greetings as you gather for the 12th Annual Montclair Film Festival!

As a member of the Senate Cultural Caucus, I have seen the importance of Film in our state and the cultural legacy it holds As you celebrate 12 years of robust history and education, it is important to note the hard work and dedication that goes into the success of the Montclair Film Festival Through your educational programs that help students discover their true potential, to your diverse community-based programs, the Montclair Film Festival is an integral part of our state’s culture I thank you for all you do for Montclair, for New Jersey, and for filmmakers and movie-goers alike.

Again, congratulations and best wishes for a successful event!

Sincerely,

Cory A Booker United States Senator

Dear Friends,

Please accept my hearty Welcome and Congratulations on the commencement of the 12th Annual Montclair Film Festival Since 2012, this event has allowed talented filmmakers to present their work to an excited audience and highlight their creativity to the community It is an honor to welcome you to one of the top regional film festivals in the country, and I encourage you to appreciate each artist and their unique contributions .

I would like to express my gratitude to the staff, members, and volunteers of Montclair Film for the important work you do to enhance and celebrate the arts throughout New Jersey Your work is a representation of our diverse and vibrant state .

As your United States Senator, I commend your pursuit and dedication to establishing an event that demonstrates the passion for visual storytelling that our citizens hold I hope you enjoy this cinematic experience and walk away with a newfound love of film.

Again, thank you for your invitation . I wish you the best of luck as you continue to inspire and entertain the residents of New Jersey

Sincerely,

Robert Menendez United States Senator

Dear Movie Fans,

It is an honor to welcome everyone to the 12th Annual Montclair Film Festival! Movies have seen a remarkable comeback since the COVID-19 shutdown This incredible event highlights the power of motion pictures and allows visitors to experience exceptional stories from a rich and diverse selection of producers, directors, and actors In addition, it promotes a greater understanding, awareness, and appreciation for New Jersey’s artistic talent This 10-day festival celebrates the positive contributions of filmmaking in our community and explores personal and sometimes controversial topics through the medium of film. I am confident that this year’s Montclair Film Festival will be one of the best ever. More than simply a showcase for local artists, Montclair Film provides a variety of resources that promote the expansion of community engagement . The Emerging Filmmakers Competition is a platform for young storytellers to share their work and the Montclair Film + Education program hosts year-round workshops on filmmaking, improv lessons, voice acting, and much more. These media education programs are available to middle schoolers, teens, and adults of all ages I encourage all the future artists in our community to take advantage of these resources

Congratulations on another successful Montclair Film Festival, and I wish all attendees a safe and enjoyable time at this year’s celebration of film.

Sincerely,

Donald M Payne, Jr Member of Congress

Dear Friends,

I am honored to welcome you all to the 2023 Montclair Film Festival! The Montclair Film Festival brings our community together to celebrate the power of the arts and the beauty of storytelling .

For the past twelve years, the Montclair Film Festival has uplifted filmmakers from our community and around the world Through its diverse and educational content, the Montclair Film Festival opens doors for our community members and is the perfect example of the impact that art has on us all . I’m proud New Jersey is home to such a world-class event and would like to thank the Montclair FIlm Festival’s board, staff, and members for all their work to make this possible I hope that everyone enjoys this year’s festival, as you take in these wonderful films, and I encourage you to take this opportunity to experience all that Montclair has to offer!

Sincerely,

Mikie Sherrill Member of Congress

Dear Friends:

Welcome to the 12th Annual Montclair Film Festival!

This dynamic event is a wonderful opportunity to view high-quality films from veteran, emerging, independent, and cutting-edge artists. Whether you are a film enthusiast or come to watch just one movie, the broad and extraordinary lineup offers something for everyone

But Montclair Film has evolved into more than just a festival to watch movies

Montclair Film has grown by leaps and bounds, organized a year-long schedule of events, programs, educational and family-oriented workshops, making it a dynamic resource and year-round asset for the community They have cemented their role in and commitment to Montclair by taking over the operation of The Clairidge and returning the venue into a downtown destination and incubator for the arts

We thank the committee for highlighting the extraordinary artistic talents of the filmmakers and actors, the importance of film as an art form, and for adding a generator of economic development to our vibrant community

Essex County knows that the arts are a cultural and economic driver, and strongly supports efforts like the Montclair Film Festival . Together we will continue Putting Essex County First

Sincerely,

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. Essex County Executive

Welcome to the 2023 Montclair Film Festival!

Once again, it’s time for us to get together over the next ten days to enjoy and experience all that the Montclair Film Festival will bring to Montclair For twelve years now, we have had the opportunity to come together with family and friends, to experience special behind-the-scenes insights, actor and director conversations, and overall great shows!

Each year’s festival is committed to providing even more thrills, excitement, and breathtaking moments than the last… and the Festival never disappoints

The Montclair Film Festival, the signature event of Montclair Film, is one of the many reasons why Montclair is so special It’s a chance to get out for a night on the town So, enjoy this year’s Festival and all we have to offer

I thank all those who have worked so hard to bring the twelfth annual Festival to us again this year .

And now, you are in for a treat . So, sit back, relax, and enjoy Montclair!

Sincerely,

Sean M . Spiller Mayor, Township of Montclair

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the Board of Trustees of Montclair Film, I am proud to welcome you to the 2023 Montclair Film Festival!

As our organization continues to deliver the best in film and film education to our community, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your continued support of our work. Over the past five years, Montclair Film has been incredibly fortunate to have built a thoughtful, nimble nonprofit organization, one that has been able to endure the difficulties of the pandemic, as well as devastating flooding at our home on Bloomfield Avenue. While the financial impacts of those past challenges remain, we have also been able to adapt to changes in the industry, allowing us to relaunch The Clairidge, our six screen arthouse cinema, with a beautifully renovated lobby and now, new seating

As we navigate the shifting landscape of moviegoing, with film attendance impacted by changes to both moviegoing habits and film exhibition, we continue to rely on the generous support of our community to thrive Every ticket you buy to see a film, every delicious snack you purchase from our concession stand at The Clairidge, and every festival event you attend not only helps us bring the best in cinema to Montclair, but offers our hard working staff the vital support needed to endure this shifting landscape

This year, with film production and in-person promotion on pause in the wake of ongoing labor negotiations in our industry, our team has been working hard to bring you the best in cinema and conversation . I am so proud of everything that Montclair Film Festival has overcome, everything we’ve built, and all of the possibility that lies ahead as we continue to exhibit the resilience we have come to expect but never take for granted .

As you explore this year’s program, I hope you find films that inspire and excite you, ideas that challenge you, and conversations and stories that connect you to the imaginative power that defines the art of film. And don’t forget the popcorn. Thank you for your generous support!

With gratitude,

Evelyn McGee Colbert Board President Montclair Film

We are very fortunate to have such thoughtful and dedicated Trustees and Advisors. Thank you for your time, talent, and commitment to Montclair Film— your dedication and generosity makes all we do possible.

Board of Trustees/Advisors

BOARD OFFICERS/EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Evelyn McGee Colbert, President

Mary Anne Vaughn, Vice President

Matthew Iversen, Secretary

Donald Zief, Treasurer and Committee VP, Finance

Sarah Glaymon Barrack, Committee VP, Artistic + Community

Trevor Gandy, Committee VP, Nominating + Governance

Karen Gulliver, Committee VP, Education

Yana Gutierrez, Committee VP, Development

Warren Ross, Member-at-Large

TRUSTEES

Bob Feinberg, Founder and Chairman Emeritus

Daniel Battsek

Susan V Bershad

Rose Cali

Chris Cerf

ADVISORY BOARD

J J Abrams

Jonathan Alter

Stephen Colbert

Kahane Cooperman

Jeff Cooperman

Richard Curtis

Abigail Disney

Yana Collins Lehman

Conrad Fink

Alexis Finkle

Lorri Maake

Glenda McNeal

Yuting (Darlene) Patterson

Shelley Phillips

Holly Shakoor Fleischer

Matthew Smith

Jonathan Sobel

Dagmara Dominczyk

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Ruben Fleischer

Emma Freud

Laura Linney

Raphaela Neihausen

Thom Powers

John Schreiber

Jon Stewart

Joel Stillerman

Julie Taymor

Patrick Wilson

Thank You

CORPORATE SPONSORS

Thank you for your generous support of the Montclair Film Festival

Executive Audio Sponsor

Signature Sponsors

Presenting Sponsors

Leadership Sponsors

PREMIER

Thank you for your generous support of the Montclair Film Festival

Premier Sponsors

Producing Sponsors

CORPORATE FRIENDS AND FESTIVAL PARTNERS

Thank you for your generous support of the Montclair Film Festival

Corporate Friends

Festival Partners

SUSTAINING ADVERTISERS

Thank you for your generous support of the Montclair Film Festival

Thank You WITH GRATITUDE

To all of our incredible sponsors, advertisers, supporting organizations, and businesses, we would like to extend our warmest gratitude and thanks Your continued support helps us to maintain and elevate all that we provide to our community

To the loyal Montclair Film community, all contributors to this catalog have been essential to making this year possible . Help us return the love by taking a minute to read about all they do, and going to visit them to see everything they have to offer!

MONTCLAIR FILM STAFF

Larisa Apan Senior Programmer

Debbi Bernstein Grants Manager

Linda Bowers Bookkeeper

Jennifer Cambras Director of Production + Special Projects

Elana Castelli

Membership + Development Manager

Brian Collins Graphic Designer

Kasey Coury Marketing Assistant

Beth Gottung Executive Director/ Co-Head

Tom Hall Artistic Director/ Co-Head

Sue Hollenberg Education Director

Meredith Ladov Managing Director

THE CLAIRIDGE STAFF

Jennifer Dominguez, General Manager

Christian Murrell, Associate Manager

Christine Wisniewski, Assistant Manager

Amir Muhammed, Staff Supervisor

FESTIVAL TEAM

Ad Sales

Taneisha Pathmore

Artist Services

Chris Condon

Laura Tressel

Christine Wisniewski

Box Office

Zachary Hogan

Carla Bello

Kids Art Project

Cathi Flanagan

Merchandise Design

Tracey Diamond

Operations + Events

Monique Cupid

Quincy Anderson

Our Team

Maureen Leidl Accountant

Jill Montague Marketing Director

Ryan Moore Education Program Manager

Axel Ortiz Education Program Coordinator

Rebecca Sokol Programming Manager

Michael Stoppay Webmaster

Elena Tapper Email Marketing

Kareem Wilder

Digital Marketing Associate

Lara Winnick

Community Engagement + Volunteer Manager

Michael Zembower Facilities Manager

Zachary Zembower Technology Specialist

Ayana Ayscue

Mariah Ayscue

Carla Bello

Kaile Britt

Chloe Chowaniec

Tom Coughlin

Tyler Grisafi

Stella Guzik

Rori Hamer

Julia Heiman

Daniel Martinez

Meredith McGrath

Charlotte Mistretta

Ally Montalto

Chloe Mortier

Matthew Mortier

Armanie Pierre

Arthur Rosu

Gabriel Serrano

Micah Shapero

Axel Ortiz

Jason Pauloski

Matthew Uhlendorf

Photography

Dan D’Errico

Chris Drukker

Neil Grabowsky

Frank Schramm

Fred Trauerts

Tony Turner Production

Allyson Morgan

Nickie Murray

Olivia Coronel

Adriana Luna

Chloe Naphy

Terry Nickerson

Avery Nixon

Paige Ryans

Giancarlo Russo

Justin Saguirre

Projection + Tech

Bri Merkel

Emily Anderson

Brian Denny

Leigh Downes

Jeff Enssle

Chris Hogan-Ray

Carolyn Kaylor

Kimie Kimura-Heaney

Dael Norwitz

Chas Phillips

Publicity

Frank PR

Sponsorship Manager

Kathy Walsh

Set Design

Jim Fenhagen

Julianne Fenhagen

Venue Staff

Danna Boshak

Stuart Bouwman

Edgar Garcia

Eddie Hall

Gail Leicht

Meredith McGrath

Kayleigh Nardella

David Polinchock

Max Portman

Debra Reichard

Len Ruvolo

Susan Smahl

Volunteer Coordinator

Samantha Givone

Volunteers

TO OUR MONTCLAIR FILM VOLUNTEERS:

Thank you for being the heart and soul of our organization Whether it’s the Montclair Film Festival, our special events throughout the year, or at street fairs and festivals in town, you show up ready to help out with smiles on your faces, and we could not be more grateful! It’s because of you that we are able to further our mission of engaging, educating, and entertaining through the power of film and visual storytelling. Thank you for being such an integral part of Montclair Film

Interested in joining this fun and dynamic team? We are always looking for new volunteers to work with us For information and to register, visit MontclairFilm .org/Volunteer

This program is made possible with support from the American Express Foundation

Volunteers do not necessarily have the time, they have the HEART.

– Elizabeth Andrew, author

Develop, Engage, Flourish

Year-round classes for tweens, teens, and adults .

Hands-on learning and small, dynamic classes led by experienced instructors!

Filmmaking Intro to Photoshop Editing

Space is limited, so register today!

Animation Documentary Screenwriting

Improv Director’s Lab Acting for Film and TV

Storytelling Stand-up Comedy …and much more!

Voice Acting Cinematography Not all classes are available each session

For more information, visit us at MontclairFilm.org/Education

Financial assistance is available!

Dear Friends,

As we gather once again to celebrate the magic of cinema, we remain steadfast in our belief in the transformative power of storytelling Montclair Film Education is committed to nurturing this spirit within our diverse community .

Our year-round Film Academy continues to flourish, offering a wide array of classes in scripted and documentary filmmaking, animation, improv, screenwriting, and more for tweens, teens, and adults Last year marked a significant milestone for Montclair Film, as we provided a record number of scholarships These scholarships help ensure that all students have the skills and tools they need to confidently express their stories. In addition, we are proud to have expanded our classes to Newark, Patterson, Kearny, Clifton, Basking Ridge, and Manhattan, bringing the joy of storytelling to even more aspiring artists!

Our Emerging Filmmaker and Emerging Screenwriter Competitions, along with our Junior Jury program, continue to be vital platforms for fostering emerging talent Meanwhile, our 505 Films + Friends film club continues to provide a welcoming space for young adults, with and without disabilities, to connect through films. Additionally, hundreds of middle and high school students and teachers attended our Impact Series and Film Field Trips at The Clairidge Each carefully curated screening was followed by a dynamic conversation with the filmmaker or a content expert on areas ranging from STEM to media literacy to social justice

We are so grateful for the unwavering support of our passionate instructors, volunteers, sponsors, and the entire creative community Special shout out to our outstanding Education team, Ryan Moore and Axel Ortiz, who make everything possible Most importantly, we owe our deepest gratitude to the incredible students whose passion for storytelling and visual arts inspires us every day Whatever story you want to tell, Montclair Film + Education provides a pathway! For more information about classes and enrollment, or our in-school education programs visit MontclairFilm org/Education

Warm regards,

Sue Hollenberg Education Director

2022 Montclair Film Festival Junior Jury

Congratulations to all of our 2023 Emerging Filmmaker Competition winners!

2023 EFC Grand Prize Winner

Jose Santos

Donald M Payne Sr School of Technology

What’s So Funny?

Drama – Grand Prize

Katie Pak, Sydney Chang

West Essex High School

Dream Girl

Drama – Special Jury Prize

Gabby DeRugeriis, Isabella Campion, Kate Cashion, Grace Wilson

Kirsten Prefer, Nick Kouvaras

Middletown High School South

Between

Comedy – Grand Prize

Michael DeMar, Caroline Sheridan, Derek Wiener

Park Ridge High School

First Date

Comedy – Special Jury Prize

Harrison Hahne-Lum, Declan Duggan

Newmark Education High School

The Jerry Condition

Comedy – Special Jury Prize

Rhiannon Rueda

Bergen County Technical H .S .

I Don’t Get It

Social Impact – Grand Prize

Dylan Graham Baddeley

Montclair High School

Uncertain

Social Impact – Special Jury Prize

Brianna Pares

Passaic County Tech

Behind The Silence

Social Impact – Special Jury Prize

Kristina Ashleigh Decker

Scotch Plains-Fanwood H S

Anxiety

Animation – Grand Prize

Dylan Graham Baddeley

Montclair High School

Uncertain

Animation – Special Jury Prize

Steven Minaya

Perth Amboy High School

Wild Animals

Horror – Grand Prize

Dezire Hayward, Sarah Monteiro

Donald M Payne Sr School of Technology

The Perfect Muse

Horror – Special Jury Prize

Luisa Santos, Brianna Barnett

Donald M Payne Sr School of Technology

Throughout the Mirrors

Horror – Special Jury Prize

Jay Fielding, Chloe Davis, Mary Rafferty, Kira Johnson

Middletown High School South

Sugar Rush

Experimental – Grand Prize

Maura Collins, Mia Dimitry, Joe DeMarco, Sean O’Grady

Middletown High School South

Panic

Experimental – Special Jury Prize

Ainsley Holden Fitz

Warren Hills Regional High School

In the Midnight Rain

Romance – Grand Prize

Maura Collins, Joe Costa, Stephen Sassano, Darla Matches, Ava Romano

Middletown High School South

Love Bites

Production Design –Special Jury Prize

Genevieve Cai, Leah Waessa, Willow Killebrew

Howell High School and Livingston High School

Opening Night

Cinematography –Special Jury Prize

Nicholas Giordano

Pascack Valley High School

Tunnel Lights

Congratulations to Montclair Film’s 2023 Emerging Screenwriter Competition Winners

On Saturday, April 22, Montclair Film held the Awards Ceremony for the second annual Emerging Screenwriters Competition All the finalists were celebrated at a Red-Carpet Reception at Cinema505 The Grand Prizewinning script was read at a professional table read, and all winners and finalists received professional script notes from the judges

Grand Prize Winner

Michael Liotta

Glen Ridge High School

9 Years

Drama

Sam Zaslow-Braverman

Golda Och Academy

Palate Absentia – Winner

Emily Kalosieh

Waldwick High School

The Trouvaille Times of the Paralian and an Altruist

Amelia Knapp

Montclair High School

Deathrow

Santiago Tapia Torres

Cooper City High School

Acceptance

Comedy

Logan Corea Hinojosa

Bloomfield Middle School

The Art of Inconvenience –Winner (tie)

Michael Liotta

Glen Ridge High School

9 Years – Winner (tie)

Grace Szostak

James Caldwell High School

Meet Cute

Horror

Luis Zonenberg

Klein High School

Face the Light – Winner

Mia Petrous

Passaic County Tech

My Friend Sophia

Romance

Emily Kalosieh

Waldwick High School

Recurring – Winner

Amelia Knapp

Montclair High School

Would you love me?

Jose Santos

Donald M Payne Tech

Two Straws, One Milkshake

Michael Liotta

Glen Ridge High School

Rat Face

Sci-fi/Fantasy

Rebecca LeMoult

Ramapo High School

The Last Day of Earth – Winner

Alix Seidma

Morris County School of Technology

Wilted Flowers

Elian Saldivar

Passaic County Tech

Over This Reality

Thank You

We are so grateful to the following donors and members for your generous support of Montclair Film and The Clairidge this past year Your contributions make it possible for us to engage, educate, and entertain through the power of visual storytelling by bringing films, filmmakers, programs, and events to our region We simply couldn’t do it without you, and truly appreciate this support

$100,000 and

above

Evelyn and Stephen Colbert

$50,000 – $99,999

Susan V Bershad

Blanche & Irving Laurie Foundation

Dick Grabowsky/Grabowsky Development

Kate Logan and Edmund Rung

$25,000 – $49,999

Christina Cotton and Brian Clarkson

SeaDream Family Foundation

The Katie McGrath & J J Abrams Family Foundation

$15,000 – $24,999

Rose Cali

Anne and John Dickerson

Peter Frank

Bridget and David Placek

Joan and Donald Zief

$10,000 – $14,999

Lisa and Joe Amato

Arnold & Porter

Dara and Jedd Canty

LeeAnn Carlson and Steve Van Kuiken

Mindy Cohen and David Bershad

Tanja and James Dixon

Maggie Drucker and Robert Feinberg

Cathy and Conrad Fink

The Hyde and Watson Foundation

New Jersey Arts & Culture Renewal Fund of the Princeton Area Community Foundation

Karen and Warren Ross

Katherine and Robert Ruberton

Kirsten Russler and Ian Noble

S . Dillard & Adrienne Kirby Family

Philanthropic Fund

Melanie Tang

Mary Anne and Peter Vaughn

Josh Weston

$5,000 – $9,999

Anonymous

Sarah and Craig Barrack

Elizabeth and Tim Bozik

Coolidge Corner Theater Foundation

Marla and Donald Cussen

Linda Fan and Will Schaefer

Alexis and Clifford Finkle

Fishes and Loaves

George A Ohl, Jr Trust

Holly Shakoor Fleischer and Ruben Fleischer

Queenie and Trevor Gandy

Karen and Robert Gulliver

Yana and Raul Gutierrez

The Narula Foundation

Open Society Institute

Lynn and Sengal Selassie

Valerie and Matthew Smith

Andreea Stan Tetlow and Sam Tetlow

Amy Widman and Daniel Koenig

$2,500 – $4,999

Danielle and Steven Addair

Sien and Michael Avalos

Luce and Daniel Battsek

Eric Bogdan

Citizens Bank Foundation

Yana Collins Lehman

Emma Freud and Richard Curtis

Carolyn M Gould

Fannie and Tim Gray

GrubHub

Alice and Matthew Iversen

Joseph H and Evelyn M McGee Fund

Angela and Andy Larkin

Lorri Maake and Phillip Bahramipour

Markel Corporation

Max Fischer and the Max Fischer Players

McKinsey and Company

Glenda McNeal

Leslie Meek-Wohl and Ethan Wohl

The Montclair Foundation

Yuting (Darlene) and Ralph Patterson

Shelley and Keith Phillips

Shruti and Prem Ramaswami

Ann Rasmussen and Christopher Cerf

Elizabeth and Jonathan Sobel

Jessica Sporn and Fred Cordero

Amy Taylor and Nelson Rockefeller

Beth and Craig Wilensky

$1,000 – $2,499

AIG

Linny and Rick Andlinger

Anne and Mark Anquillare

Anonymous

Dean Balsamini

Carla Baranauckas

Thank You

(Continued)

Megan Beardsley and David Blackburn

Emily and Steven Becker

Lisa Callender

Claudia and Jeff Carrie

Sandra Chamberlin and Paul Michaels

Sylvia Cohn

Susan Cole

Candace and Jeff Dobro

Sybil Eng and Tad Roselund

The Fatzler Family

Diana and John Fennelly

Harriet and Michael Finck

French Institute Alliance Française

Leigh and Mark Garofalow

Susan and Chris Gifford

Melanie Girton

Clare and Antony Hand

Helen and William Mazer Foundation

Sharon Hendee and Diane Hughes

Tracy and Scott Herrick

Renee Hill-Pinney

Catherine and Phil Irwin

Rosemary Iversen

John Taylor Babbitt Foundation

Lauren and Doug Kaplan

Janell and Bruce P Keller

Carey and Kyle Kolaja

Emily Lazar and Jonathan Alter

Ted Lefevre and Keith Wiggs

Maureen A Leidl

Marcia Marley and Peter Rappoport

Lana and Dave Masor

Virginia McEnerney and John Schreiber

Tracy McVeigh and Andrew Melitz

Judy and Jonathan Minkoff

Frede Mirenda and Ann McCarthy— Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty

Marc and Polly Murphy

Alexandra and Tom Nammack

Mary O’Donnell Hulme

One-on-One with Steve Adubato

Daniela and Luke Parker Bowles

Michael Pielocik

Celine and Sydney Polinchock

Amy and Don Putman

Richmond and Josh Rabinowitz

Diane M Ridley

Jill Rooney Carr

Lisa and Matthew Russman

Denise and Paul Silverman

Snapchat

Cheryl and Marc Slutzky

Amy and Richard Sommer

Linda Sterling

TarverWalls Foundation

Lynne and Vincent Toye

Laura and Willard Tressel

Margo and Frank Walter

$500 – $999

Jennifer and Steve Adubato

Amari Allah

Gail Barringer and Jansen Lambie

Bauer Wheeler Family Fund

Debbi and Steve Bernstein

Joseph Bertolotti

Andie and Co Bertsche

Terri Breen

Lorraine and Dale Calvert

Cindy Campos Alves Pereira

Gerardo Capo

Julie and Monty Cerf

Kitty Charde

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The Cocco Family

Cathleen Coffey and Rick Snow

Marie Cottrell

Devon Corneal and Tim O’Brien

Mark DiBenedetto

Robin and Michael Drews

Mary Jane Eggers Plofker and Richard Plofker

Brian Fielding

Carol and Charles Glaws

Michelle Golden

Google

Holly and Robert Gregory

Joan and James Griffin

Heidi Grothaus and Anthony Fears

Izumi Hara and David Koschik

Lois Hull and William Harrison

Diane Horowitz and Joseph Wojak

Marilyn Kasner Morgan

Jack Kassel

Mary Beth Loughran

Steph and Mark Lurie

Michael Maher

Kasia Malinowska

Thomas McDonough

Susan and Reimer Mellin

Amanda and Scott Milleisen

Constance Mortell

Raphaela Neihausen and Thom Powers

Odette Perriel

Penwah Phynjuar

Kait Plum and Tony Pemberton

David Reynolds

Craig Risinger

Martha Rohr

Melissa and Angelo Rotondi

Sarah and Joshua Rudbart

Magda Schaler-Haynes and Michael Haynes

Alisson Sol

Lauren Storholm

Karen and Chris Turner

Emily Wagner and Alex Roebelen

Lela Weems and Shaka Rasheed

(Continued)

Margaret Whitsett

Fred A Williams

Lisa Williams

Peter Yacobellis

$250 – $499

Christine and Luke Adams

Fran Adler and Martin Berkowitz

Antonio Aiello

Connie Alexis-Laona

AMC Networks

Audrey Anderson

Eileen Anderson

Andrea and Jamie Antonelli

Nicla Antonini

Elizabeth Arenberg

Gina Asprocolas

Ann Attardi

Judy Avrin

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Katherine Bailey and Benjamin Selkow

Jill Baker

Risa Barash-DiLorenzo

Shari and Jack Baron

Bonnie Barrios

Marissa and Mark Bates

Anja Becker

Jennifer Bell and Kazys Varnelis

Samantha Benkovic

Kenneth Berman

Gadi Binness

Kyra Blatt

Petra Blignaut

Valerie Block

Margaret Bodde and Don Fleming

Erin Bolger

Janet Boltax

Daniel Borkowski

Lisa Bosco-Tafro

Patricia Bratt

Brian Brewer

Joni Bronander

Harley Brown

Kimberly Brown and David Halbinger

Raha and James Brown

Wendy and William Brown

Linda and Marty Brumbach

Simone Butler

Orlando Callegari

Clayton Castellanos

Jake Cecil and Mackenzie Tuite

Michele Chiles-Hickman

Miriam Chilton and Joel Dorow

Marci and David Clark

Margot Cochran

Sarah Colantonio

Andrew Croft

Tanya Cunningham

Rita de Leeuw

Thank You

Matthew DeBord

Carmen DeMatteis

Alison Denby

Kathleen Denny

Elizabeth and Daniel D’Errico

Meredith Deupree

Michael DeVita

Karen Dias-Martin

Jennifer Dorr and David Moon

Robin and Michael Drews

Andrew Drukker

Jill and Barry Edinburg

Mitchell Engelmeyer

Benjamin Eva

Jennifer Fidlon-Bugat

Tess Fils-Aime

Ivy Fischer and Debra Glessner

Jessica and Michael Fiorito

Gina and John Fortt

Allan Frieze

Tom Gaidimas

Elizabeth Galiardo

Catherine Garrabrant

Laura and Andrew Gelman

Alfia Gilligan

Elwyn Gladstone

Paul Gold

Cynthia Green

Timothy Greenberg

Maritza Guzman and Steve Abrahamson

Robert J Hall

Krista Harris

Linda Hassan

Susan and Arthur Hatzopoulos

Lyn Headley-Deavours

Deborah and Peter Hirsch

Jan Hoffman and Dan Nachman

Shari and Mark Hoffman

Elizabeth Howard

Maggie Huckeba

Linda Hughes and Steven Napolitano

Farangis Iapichino

Davida and Steven Isaacson

Alison Javens

Mary Jeffrey

Jessica Johnson

Grace Ju

Brian Juergens

Judy Kalinowski

Julia Kaplan

Barry Katz

Tom Kazmark

Trisha and Seth Kelly

Kristen Kemp-Svenson

Stacy Kilkenny

Helen Kleinman and Alan Bell

Melissa and Paul Kneuer

Nathaniel Kolodny

Leanne Korbel

(Continued)

Robert Kovacs

Agnes and Jeffrey Kuschner

Jonathan Leff

Jennifer Leyden

Vincent Lia

Barbara and Robert Lieberman

Mallory Loehr

Debbie and Sean Looney/Loop Studios

Pia and Ryen Lopresti

Sue and Brian Lovit

Vera and Jason Lynch

Kathleen MacDonnell

Susan Maclaury and Albie Hecht

Ellen Maddrey

Alice and Edward Magdziak

Christine Marcarian

Judy Martinez

Danielia Maximillian

Andrea Mayes

Ann Marie McCabe

Ann K McCarthy

Melissa McCarthy

Kelly and Joseph McDonald

Linda McDonnell

Alexis Mendoza

Luz Miranda-Crespo

Fredericka Mirenda

Lorijeane Moody and Drew Fessenden

Catherine and James Moore

Lauren and James Moore

Rebekkah and Peter Morral

Rachel Murphy and James Glossman

Amy and Keith Myers

James Nance

Jennifer O’Brien

Louise O’Connor

Marcia O’Grady

Jane and Kevin O’Leary

Mary O’Malley

Deirdre Ogden

Carrie Ortiz and John Werner

Linda Paradise

Christina Pena

Stacey Pinilis

Ruby Pizzini

Jennifer Pollock

Susan Pozner

Lori Price Abrams and Richard Abrams

Stella Psaroudakis

Allison Radecki

Camille Raia

Robert Rawley

Michele B Reichstein and Robert Reichstein

Lisanne Renner and Adam Grace

Joseph Reynolds

Thank You

Jonathan Richards

Birgit Rimpel

Gina Rizzo

Elizabeth Rizzotti

Tara Roberts

Aaron Rudelson

Richard Sabella

Kathryn Sachs

Patti Samper

Sarah Scalet

Jessica Schachter

Rebecca Schaefer

Carole A Schaffer and David Waggett

Brenda Schait

Erin Schwitter

Arti Shah

Joy Shih

Mark Siegel

Clare and Nicholas Skyles

Joanne Slaman

Jamie Smith

Kathleen and Steve Smith

Rebecca Solomon

Marie Spiegeland

Andrew Stanish

Marjorie Lewis Steinfeld

David Steinke

Caren Stern and Andrew Topf

Missy Sullivan

Debra Taffet

Ami and Andy Talkow

Sara Thode

Kerrie Tiedemann

Tiffany Tipton

Betsy True

Deborah Turvey

Judith and Elias Typaldos

Emily Van Do

Mary Ann Villanueva

Denise and Ira Wagner

Luke Waldrum

Kathy Walsh

Jonathan Wasserman

Laurena White

Bryn Whittle

Linda and Todd Wieseneck

Leah Wolchok

Owen Wolfe

Jane Wood

Mimi and Steve Wrede

Kathryn Yarhouse

Rita and Alan Yohalem

Alice Young

Katerina Zacharia

Jennifer Zerres

Maureen and John Zurlo

Donations made after September 3, 2022 and before September 6, 2023 are listed If your name has been misprinted or omitted in error, please accept our apology and let us know by emailing Development@MontclairFilm org

Campaign for The Clairidge

Anonymous

Katie McGrath and J.J. Abrams Family Foundation

Connie Alexis-Laona

Sarah and Craig Barrack

Luce and Daniel Battsek

Bauer Wheeler Family Fund

Susan V. Bershad Charitable Fund

Andrée and Copeland Bertsche

Joseph Bertoletti

Blanche & Irving Laurie Foundation

Janet Boltax

Elizabeth and Tim Bozik

Joni Bronander

Robyn Burns

John and Rose Cali Family Foundation

Dara and Jedd Canty

LeeAnn Carlson and Steve Van Kuiken

Sarah Casebolt

Sandra Chamberlin and Paul Michaels

Kitty Charde

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The Cocco Family

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Ellen and Ken Colton

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Tanja and James Dixon

Candace and Jeff Dobro

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Fishes and Loaves

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The Hyde and Watson Foundation

Alice and Matthew Iversen

Anita and Jack Kassel

Janell and Bruce Keller

Scott Klein

Joanne and Fred Langbein

Emily Lazar and Jonathan Alter

Ted Lefevre and Keith Wiggs

Kate Logan and Edmund Rung

Didn’t get a chance to help? There is still time. If you’d like to help keep this historic theater thriving in our community, you can help by making a gift. All support at $500 or above will receive naming recognition on a plaque.

Steph and Mark Lurie

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Kasia Malinowska

Ann McCarthy

Virginia McEnerney and John Schreiber

McKinsey & Company

Glenda McNeal

Max Fischer and the Max Fischer Players

Ellyn Minor

Frede Mirenda and Ann McCarthyProminent Properties

Sothebys International

Realty

New Jersey State Council on the Arts - Capital Arts Program

Alfred Olivi One-on-One with Steve Adubato

Daniela and Luke Parker Bowles

Yuting (Darlene) and Ralph Patterson

Janet and Layng Pew

Shelley and Keith Phillips

Celine and Sydney Polinchock

Ann Rasmussen and Christopher Cerf

Lisanne Renner

Michelle Retik

David Reynolds

Craig Risinger

Karen and Warren Ross

Katherine and Robert Ruberton

Sarah and Josh Rudbart

Barry Sage-El

Deborah Legow Schatz

Howard Schostack

Tracy and Tobias Schraven

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Lynn and Sengal Selassie

Linda Shortman

Pamela Sinishtaj

Joanne Slaman

Arthur Smith and Joseph Quenqua

Valerie and Matthew Smith

Elizabeth and Jonathan Sobel

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Mary Anne and Peter Vaughn

Emily Wagner and Alex Rosebelen

Katherine Webber and Jason Solotaroff

Josh Weston

Margaret Whitsett

Beth and Craig Wilensky

Fred Williams

Leslie Meek-Wohl and Ethan Wohl

Joan and Donald Zief

Donors listed participated at $100 level or above by September 15, 2023

Thank you to our loyal partners who helped us renovate and restore The Clairidge to ensure it remains a vibrant fixture in the Montclair community, and most recently, helped us purchase new comfortable chairs.

This program is made possible with funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

Festival Experiences

AUDIBLE LOUNGE

Come hang out with us at Montclair Film Headquarters before or after your film to enjoy some complimentary Java Love Coffee Roasters coffee and explore our Audible Listening Stations A great place to relax, reflect and explore in-between films while connecting with fellow festival attendees

For all Festival badge holders and Montclair Film Members at the Friend level ($250+) and above Weekends, 11:00am–6:00pm Weekdays, 12:00pm–4:00pm

Montclair Film’s Cinema505

505 Bloomfield Avenue

2023 MFF SCAVENGER HUNT

Love yourself a challenge? Put your sleuthing skills to the test by participating in the 2023 Montclair Film Festival Scavenger Hunt!

How To Play:

1 . Pick up a Scavenger Hunt List at any festival venue

2 Complete challenges and take pictures for proof

3 . Tag and Share your photos to the Montclair Film Festival Flickr Group!

Each photo uploaded to the Flickr Group counts as one entry into a raffle for a chance to win Montclair Film prizes .

Best of luck to all participants, and we look forward to seeing pictures of all of your festival finds and fun!

More detailed instructions at MontclairFilm.org

Montclair Film Festival Flickr Group QR Code

2023 Montclair Film Festival Scavenger Hunt is open from October 20–29, 2023

Presented in partnership with Brand Experience Lab

Dear friends,

Thank you for taking the time to explore the program for the 12th Annual Montclair Film Festival!

Each year, our programming team works hard to bring the finest films in the world to Montclair, movies that represent the wide ranging perspectives, new ideas, and beautiful artistry that only the cinema can provide This year, we are proud to present another expansive selection of great films in the hopes that everyone in our audience can find interesting films that speak to the rich diversity of our community

But in addition to the movies that immediately catch your eye, we hope that you will take risks and try new things, attend a film or two that exists outside of your usual filmgoing habits, one that might surprise and inspire you. Every film we have selected is here for its own reason, and while we know not every movie is for every person, one of the great things about the Montclair Film Festival is the rewarding sense of discovery offered at each and every screening .

From first-time, low budget independent films that bring new voices to the screen, to works by globally beloved masters who continue to shape the art of film, to documentary works that show us parts of our world we might not otherwise explore, the Montclair Film Festival is designed with discovery in mind . We hope you’ll take advantage of all that we have to offer, and we look forward to seeing you at the movies!

With gratitude,

Tom Hall

Larisa Apan

Rebecca Sokol Co-Head & Senior Programmer Programmer Artistic Director Montclair Film Montclair Film Montclair Film

Friday, October 20 7:00pm The Wellmont

Featured Events

OPENING NIGHT FILM

DREAM SCENARIO

Friday, October 20

Immediately following the film at The Wellmont

Director: Kristoffer Borgli

Producers: Ari Aster, Tyler Campellone, Jacob Jaffke, Lars Knudsen

Cast: Nicolas Cage, Julianne Nicholson, Michael Cera, Tim Meadows, Dylan Gelula USA, 100 min

In Kristoffer Borgli’s DREAM SCENARIO, Nicolas Cage stars as Paul Matthews, a listless family man and tenured professor with an affinity for evolutionary biology and anxiety regarding his own anonymity One day, he discovers he has begun to appear in other people’s dreams and he becomes an overnight celebrity, showered with the attention he has long been denied But when Paul encounters a dreamer whose visions of him differ substantially from the norm, he finds himself grappling with the Faustian bargain of fame. DREAM SCENARIO is an inventive comedy, filled with unpredictable twists and turns, driven by outstanding performances (including a performance by Nicolas Cage that ranks among his career best) and visionary insight into the unsettling power of contemporary celebrity Montclair Film is proud to present DREAM SCENARIO as the Opening Night Film of the 2023 Montclair Film Festival

Q&A with Director Kristoffer Borgli follows the screening

An A24 release

OPENING NIGHT PARTY

What better way to kick off the 12th Annual Montclair Film Festival than with a dance party! The Wellmont will be transformed from a screening room to a dance floor as a DJ spins your favorite tunes Each ticket includes delicious food and treats from Events by Joni and The Little Daisy Bake Shop Also included are two drink tickets to be used at the bar which will feature our sponsors New Jersey Beer Co., Ironbound Hard Cider, and Ruffino Sparkling Wines in addition to a full bar A cash bar is also available

Saturday, October 21 12:00pm

Clairidge 4

Sunday, October 22 12:00pm

Clairidge 4

Featured Events

REBECCA OF SUNNYBROOK FARM (1938)

Saturday, October 21 12:00pm

The Wellmont

Director: Alan Dwan

Cast: Shirley Temple, Randolph Scott, Jack Haley, Gloria Stewart USA, 81 min

In Alan Dwan’s REBECCA OF SUNNYBROOK FARM, the legendary Shirley Temple stars as Rebecca Winstead, a young girl with big dreams of making it in show business But when her Uncle Harry forbids her from show business by sending her to live on the farm with her Aunt Miranda, Rebecca joins forces with the wily Anthony Kent (Randolph Scott) to try and make her dreams come true Featuring the unforgettable Shirley Temple in one of her greatest roles, REBECCA OF SUNNYBROOK FARM retains all of its charm and remains a family classic for all ages! The Montclair Film Festival is proud to partner with The Film Foundation to present this new restoration of REBECCA OF SUNNYBROOK FARM

Restored by Walt Disney Pictures in association with The Film Foundation Special thanks for Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg .

PIANOFORTE

Director: Jakub Piatek

Producer: Maciej Kubicki Poland, 91 min

Founded in 1927 and held in Warsaw every five years, the Chopin Piano Competition has established itself as one of the most important events in the world of classical music— rigorous and challenging, the competition continues to uncover the next generation of concert pianists destined to perform in the world’s greatest concert halls . In PIANOFORTE, director Jakub Piatek takes audiences behind the scenes of the competition, introducing us to a new generation of young artists seeking discovery and the opportunity to showcase their phenomenal talent. More than just another another competition film, PIANOFORTE takes us into a world of creative artistry, gorgeous musical interpretation, and the unforgettable personalities of the world’s next great pianists

Saturday, October 21

3:30pm

The Wellmont

Featured Events

DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKER AWARD

AMERICAN SYMPHONY

Saturday, October 21

7:30pm

The Wellmont

Director: Matthew Heineman

Producers: Lauren Domino, Jordan Okun

Subjects: Jon Batiste, Suleika Jaouad USA, 104 min

In his new film AMERICAN SYMPHONY, director Matthew Heinemann (CITY OF GHOSTS, RETROGRADE) turns his camera away from the global conflicts that have defined his award-winning career and toward something altogether different What begins as a portrait of the composer and musician Jon Batiste’s attempt to realize his vision for a symphonic composition is transformed by the harrowing realities of life when celebrated musician and author Suleika Jaouad, who is married to Batiste, receives a diagnosis that her cancer has returned Filled with life, tenderness, and beautiful music, AMERICAN SYMPHONY is a creative triumph of collaboration and an intimate portrait of artistic perseverance through the power of love

Spotlight Event pricing applies

Q&A with Documentary Filmmaker Award Winner Matthew Heineman follows the screening

MAY DECEMBER

Director: Todd Haynes

Producers: Jessica Elbaum, Will Ferrell, Grant S. Johnson, Pamela Koffler, Christine Vachon

Cast: Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore, Charles Melton USA, 113 min

Gracie (Julianne Moore) and her husband Joe (Charles Melton) prepare for the arrival of Elizabeth (Natalie Portman), an actress preparing to play Gracie in a movie about her life and relationship with Joe But as Elizabeth begins to explore Gracie’s character, her process becomes intertwined with Gracie and Joe’s lives, eliminating the ethical boundaries we construct between artifice and reality. Todd Haynes’ MAY DECEMBER fits brilliantly within the director’s ongoing exploration of the lives of women as they crash against social boundaries and expectations Featuring brilliant performances by Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman, MAY DECEMBER is sure to be one of the year’s most talked about films.

Spotlight Event pricing applies

A Netflix release

Saturday, October 21 8:00pm

Clairidge 1

Featured Events

BREAKTHROUGH DIRECTOR AWARD ALL DIRT ROADS TASTE OF SALT

Saturday, October 21 9:00pm Porta 499 Bloomfield Avenue Montclair, NJ

Director: Raven Jackson

Producers: Maria Alramirano, Mark Ceryak, Barry Jenkins, Adele Romanski

Cast: Charleen McClure, Kaylee Nicole Johnson, Sheila Atim USA, 97 min

A lyrical, decades-spanning exploration across a woman’s life in rural Mississippi, the feature debut from award-winning poet, photographer and filmmaker Raven Jackson is a haunting and richly layered portrait, a beautiful ode to the generations of people and places that shape us. ALL DIRT ROADS TASTE OF SALT is a unique, visionary film, one that draws on the history of cinema and Jackson’s artistry to create an unforgettable sensory experience for audiences The Montclair Film Festival is proud to award Raven Jackson, Director of ALL DIRT ROADS TASTE OF SALT, our 2023 Breakthrough Director Award

Q&A with Breakthrough Director Raven Jackson follows the screening

An A24 release

FILMMAKER PARTY

Hosted by our friends at Porta, join us for our annual Filmmaker Party to celebrate all of the incredible talent represented in this year’s festival. Pop in after your last film, grab some food and drinks and engage with other movie-goers and industry professionals about your favorite films and events of the day.

Sunday, October 22 2:30pm

Clairidge 1

Monday, October 23 5:00pm

Clairidge 5

Featured Events

DAVID CARR AWARD FOR TRUTH IN FILMMAKING BREAKING THE NEWS

Producer:

Subjects: The 19th* USA, 99 min

Frustrated by the dearth of women and people of color in the media, Emily Ramshaw wanted to do something radical about the white men dominating newsrooms So, in 2020, she and a motivated group of women and LGBTQ+ journalists banded together to buck the status quo and launch The 19th*, a digital news start-up based in Austin, Texas Named after the 19th Amendment which gave women the right to vote, but with an asterisk to acknowledge the Black women and women of color who were omitted, The 19th*’s work is guided by the asterisk—asking who is overlooked in the story and how they can be included With reporters spread across the country, they cover national news on politics and policy from the lens of marginalized communities historically ignored by legacy newsrooms BREAKING THE NEWS documents the honest discussions at The 19th* around race and gender equity, revealing that change doesn’t come easy, and showcases how one newsroom confronts these challenges both as a workplace and in their journalism But this film is about more than a newsroom. It’s about America in flux, and the voices that are often left out of the American story

The David Carr Award for Truth in Filmmaking

Each year, the Montclair Film Festival honors the legacy of New York Times reporter and longtime Montclair resident David Carr by presenting an award to an outstanding film that honors Mr Carr’s passion for the truth and his commitment to great journalism This year, the 2023 David Carr Award for Truth in Filmmaking is awarded to BREAKING THE NEWS directed by Heather Courtney, Princess A Hairston, and Chelsea Hernandez The festival gives this award to acknowledge the film’s focus not only on news gathering and the process of creating meaningful journalism in a world filled with disinformation, but for its own commitment to a rigorous institutional examination of equity and inclusion at The 19th* The Montclair Film Festival is proud to award the 2023 David Carr Award for Truth in Filmmaking to BREAKING THE NEWS

Director: Heather Courtney, Princess A Hairston, Chelsea Hernandez

Heather Courtney, Princess A Hairston, Chelsea Hernandez, Diane Moy Quon

Sunday, October 22

3:45pm

The Wellmont

Featured Events

DOCUMENTARY CENTERPIECE STAMPED FROM THE BEGINNING

Director: Roger Ross Williams

Producers: Alisa Payne, David Teague, Roger Ross Williams

Subjects: Ibram X Kendi, Dr Angela Davis, Honorée Fanonne Jeffers, Brittany Packnett Cunningham, Dr Jennifer L Morgan

USA, 85 min

Oscar-winning director Roger Ross Williams brings Dr Ibram X Kendi’s New York Times bestseller to the screen with STAMPED FROM THE BEGINNING Published in 2016, Dr Kendi’s National Book Award winner chronicles the entire story of anti-Black racist ideas and their staggering power over the course of American history Williams’ documentary adaptation uses vivid animations that illuminate figures and moments both well-known and obscure, both historical and contemporary Leading Black women academics and activists such as Dr Angela Davis, Honorée Fanonne Jeffers, Brittany Packnett Cunningham, Dr Jennifer L Morgan, and Dr Kendi guide viewers through a searing account of how racist tropes and imagery were developed and enshrined in American culture

Spotlight Event pricing applies

Q&A with Director Roger Ross Williams follows the screening

A Netflix release

FICTION CENTERPIECE THE HOLDOVERS

Sunday, October 22

7:30pm

The Wellmont

Director: Alexander Payne

Producers: Bill Block, David Hemingson, Mark Johnson

Cast: Paul Giamatti, Dominic Sessa, Da’Vine Joy Randolph

USA, 133 min

From acclaimed director Alexander Payne, THE HOLDOVERS follows a curmudgeonly instructor (Paul Giamatti) at a New England prep school who is forced to remain on campus during Christmas break to babysit the handful of students with nowhere to go Eventually he forms an unlikely bond with one of them—a damaged, brainy troublemaker (newcomer Dominic Sessa)—and with the school’s head cook, who has just lost a son in Vietnam (Da’Vine Joy Randolph) Featuring a brilliant performance from the great Paul Giamatti, THE HOLDOVERS is a brilliant comedy that is destined to become a holiday classic, a film that warmly recalls sensibilities of the cinema of the 1970’s while retaining a delightful feeling of contemporary resonance

Spotlight Event pricing applies

A Focus Features release

Tuesday, October 24

8:00pm

Pineapple Express

1 Lackawanna Plaza

Montclair, NJ

Featured Events

MOVIE MUSIC: AN EVENT BY MONTCLAIR’S OWN

A Live Musical Tribute to Iconic Music Scenes in Film—Free

In SAY ANYTHING, Lloyd Dobler stands outside his crush’s window blasting “In Your Eyes,” linking forever the Peter Gabriel song to Cusack’s boombox serenade

When great music heightens and enhances movie scenes––from Simon and Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence” in THE GRADUATE, to Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” in WAYNE’S WORLD, to Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power” in DO THE RIGHT THING, to the Pixies “Where is My Mind” in FIGHT CLUB––the pairing stays with us for life .

Join us to hear Montclair’s own musicians and singers perform live covers of their favorite needle drops and music from iconic movie scenes—and maybe even some new music from this year’s MFF 2023 selections!

To register for the event, please go to MontclairFilm.org

CELEBRATING THE ART OF MUSIC

This year’s Montclair Film Festival program features several films celebrating a diverse array of artists who are creating some of the most compelling music in the world From the brilliant young pianists competing for one of classical music’s biggest prizes in PIANOFORTE, to the power of music to change young lives and bridge cultural divides in MÚSICA!, to the support for Ukrainian self determination in SCREAM OF MY BLOOD: A GOGOL BORDELLO STORY, to the explosion of Caribbean pop music in BAD LIKE BROOKLYN DANCEHALL, we hope you’ll join us and explore the wide variety of music voices featured in this year’s festival!

Wednesday, October 25

8:00pm

Cinema505

Featured Events

MONTCLAIR IMPROV COMEDY

Thursday, October 26

7:30pm

Cinema505

Montclair Improv Comedy is Making a Movie… in real time, right before your eyes!

MIC will celebrate the Montclair Film Festival by improvising a never-before-seen film, inspired by YOU and your suggestions Performed by a group of veteran improvisers—and now NJ natives—come see them live on stage as they create a movie with ravishing special effects, inventive camera angles, real-time direction, and improvised action Heroic heroes, villainous villains, quirky support characters and a lot of laughs from opening scene to the final frame.

STORYSLAM – PLOT TWIST

Friday, October 27 8:00pm NJPAC

Featured Events

The Montclair Film Festival is thrilled to present Martin Scorsese with the festival’s highest honor, our 2023 Filmmaker Tribute.

MARTIN SCORSESE is an Academy Award-winning Director and one of the most influential filmmakers of all time. In 2007, his film THE DEPARTED won an Academy Award for Best Director and Best Picture Scorsese also directed THE WOLF OF WALL STREET and THE IRISHMAN, which both received Academy Award nominations for Best Director and Best Picture

His latest feature, KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON, made its World Premiere at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival and will be released exclusively in theaters worldwide October 2023 before streaming globally on Apple TV+

Scorsese has directed numerous documentaries including the Peabody Award winning NO DIRECTION HOME: BOB DYLAN, the Emmy Award winning GEORGE HARRISON: LIVING IN THE MATERIAL WORLD, the Emmy nominated docuseries PRETEND IT’S A CITY, and the critically acclaimed feature docs THE LAST WALTZ and PERSONALITY CRISIS: ONE NIGHT ONLY

Hosted by Stephen Colbert, our 2023 Filmmaker Tribute to Martin Scorsese promises to be an unforgettable night with one of cinema’s greatest artists

Saturday, October 28 4:00pm MKA Upper School

Featured Events

FAMILY CENTERPIECE ROBOT DREAMS

Sunday, October 22 1:30pm Clairidge 2

Director: Pablo Berger

Producers: Pablo Berger, Ibon Cormenzana, Ángel Durández, Ignasi Estapé

Spain, 102 min

Based on the popular graphic novel by the North American writer Sara Varon, ROBOT DREAMS tells the story of the adventures and misfortunes of Dog and Robot Dog lives in Manhattan and he’s tired of being alone, so one day he decides to build himself a robot, a companion Their friendship blossoms, and they become inseparable One summer night, Dog, with great sadness, is forced to abandon Robot at the beach As time passes and life continues to develop in unexpected ways, their paths through the world diverge But can fate bring Dog and Robot back together again? Set to the musical sounds of the early 1980’s and filled with charm, ROBOT DREAMS is a movie for all ages that is guaranteed to pull at your heartstrings

A NEON release

SENSORY FRIENDLY SCREENING

As part of our ongoing commitment to celebrate the neurodiversity of our patrons of all ages, The Montclair Film Festival is proud to present a very special Sensory Friendly screening of ROBOT DREAMS at our non-profit cinema, The Clairidge. For these special screenings, we dim the lights and bring the sound slightly down and encourage patrons to enjoy films in a safe and accepting environment

This Sensory Friendly screening of ROBOT DREAMS is one in an ongoing series we host regularly at The Clairidge In addition, Montclair Film Education’s 505 FILMS + FRIENDS program, which uses the power of film and conversation to support social and emotional bonds between teens and young adults, continues to welcome new members

We look forward to sharing ROBOT DREAMS at the festival, and to seeing our patrons enjoying and exploring the art of film! See you at the movies!

Sunday, October 29 3:45pm MKA Upper School

Featured Events

BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMER AWARD THE ZONE OF INTEREST

Sunday, October 29 7:30pm MKA Upper School

Director: Jonathan Glazer

Producers: Ewa Puszczynska, James Wilson

Cast: Christian Friedel, Sandra Hüller USA/UK/Poland, 105 min

THE ZONE OF INTEREST, loosely adapted from Martin Amis’ novel of the same name, is the story of Rudolph Höss (The Montclair Film Festival’s 2023 Breakthrough Performer Christian Friedel), the commandant of Auschwitz, and his wife Hedwig (Sandra Hüller) as they look to build a happy life for their family next door to the camp As the terrible reality of the Holocaust unfolds just beyond the frame, director Jonathan Glazer uses sound design and the meticulously depicted details of daily life to create a sense of ever-present dread . An unwavering examination of complicity and denial, Jonathan Glazer’s THE ZONE OF INTEREST is a story of the past that continues to resonate in today’s world

Q&A with Breakthrough Performer Christian Friedel follows the screening

An A24 release

CLOSING NIGHT FILM EILEEN

Director: William Oldroyd

Producers: Stefanie Azpiazu, Anthony Bregman, Peter Cron, Luke Goebel

Cast: Anne Hathaway, Thomasin McKenzie, Shea Wigham USA, 97 min

Based on the book of the same name by bestselling author, Ottessa Moshfegh and set during a bitter 1964 Massachusetts winter, EILEEN is the story of a young secretary named Eileen (Thomasin McKenzie) who becomes enchanted by Rebecca (Anne Hathaway), the glamorous new counselor at the prison where she works Their budding friendship takes a twisted turn when Rebecca reveals a dark secret—throwing Eileen onto a sinister path Filmed right here in New Jersey, William Oldroyd’s EILEEN is a neo-noir that upends audience expectations with each new twist and turn, leading to jaw-dropping revelations and an unforgettable finale. The Montclair Film Festival is proud to present William Oldroyd’s EILEEN as our 2023 Closing Night Film

Spotlight Event pricing applies

WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE?

The growth of Artificial Intelligence tools has created a sudden and urgent need to grapple with our collective future—can we harness the power of AI to improve our quality of life and expand access to knowledge or will AI create a future driven by disinformation and economic displacement that generates a collective upheaval of the status quo? These questions are front and center not only in the world of generative AI, but at the heart of the future of film and television, as producers, writers, and actors seek to determine the future of their creative collaborations

Join host Stephen Colbert and a panel of esteemed thinkers as they explore the challenges created and opportunities made available by AI

Spotlight Event pricing applies

Presented in partnership with Craig Newmark Philanthropies

Sunday, October 22, 12:00pm, MKA Upper School

THE GARDEN STATE: WHERE FILMING BEGAN

Join the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and the Montclair Film Festival as we explore the benefits of filming in New Jersey (the birthplace of film) including tax credits, programs for local municipalities to welcome your crew, and unparalleled scenic backdrops They will be discussing the Film and Digital Media Tax Credit program, investment in the film industry, and the wide array of options (from beaches to mountains, rural to urban landscapes) the Garden State has to offer!

Saturday, October 28, 11:30am, Cinema505 FREE

FILM JOURNALISM IN A CHANGING LANDSCAPE

As the entertainment industry experiments with new strategies that blur the line between theatrical distribution and television, the role of professional critics and journalists continues to evolve in parallel But what does that mean in a world where digital companies rise and fall and everyone has their hands on the megaphone of social media? Join our esteemed panel of film critics and journalists as they discuss their place in an ever-shifting media landscape

Panelists include Kase Wickman (Contributing Editor, Vanity Fair), Sam Adams (Senior Editor & Film Critic, Slate), Alison Wilmore (Film Critic, New York Magazine/Vulture), Lisa Wong Macabasco (Research Editor & Senior Digital Line Editor, Vogue)

Saturday, October 28, 3:00pm, Cinema505, FREE

PANEL

PANEL

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE COMPETITION

The Documentary Feature Competition is a collection of the five most cinematic and engaging non-fiction films in our program.

FOUR DAUGHTERS, directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, page 91

ON THE ADAMANT, directed by Nicolas Philibert, page 101

PIANOFORTE, directed by Jakub Piatek, page 55

QUEENDOM, directed by Agniia Galdanova, page 105

RULE OF TWO WALLS, directed by David Gutnik, page 105

DOCUMENTARY SHORTS COMPETITION

BLACK GIRLS PLAY: THE STORY OF HAND GAMES, directed by Joe Brewster, Michele Stephenson, page 119

THE FOUNDRY, directed by Robert Machoian, page 119

NINA & IRENA, directed by Daniel Lombroso, page 119

THE PEDESTRIAN, directed by Nora DeLigter, Claire Read, page 119

STRONG GRANDMA, directed by Cecilia Brown, Winslow Crane-Murdoch, page 119

WAKING UP IN SILENCE, directed by Mila Zhluktenko, Daniel Asadi Faezi, page 119

FICTION FEATURE COMPETITION

The Fiction Feature Competition is a collection of the five finest, most ambitious, international and domestic auteur-driven films in our program.

LA CHIMERA, directed by Alice Rohrwacher, page 83 DO NOT EXPECT TOO MUCH FROM THE END OF THE WORLD, directed by Radu Jude, page 85 EVIL DOES NOT EXIST, directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi, page 87

INSIDE THE YELLOW COCOON SHELL, directed by Pham Thiên An, page 95

TÓTEM, directed by Lila Aviles, page 113

FICTION SHORTS COMPETITION

COLD & SARA, directed by Brenna Power, page 119

I HAVE NO TEARS, AND I MUST CRY, directed by Luis Fernando Puente, page 119

INDOOR BASEBALL, directed by Christian Cerezo, page 119

LET LIV, directed by Erica Rose, page 119

RICKY, directed by Rashad Frett, page 119

SADNESS, directed by Henry Jinings, page 119

SAWO MATANG, directed by Andrea Nirmala Widjajanto, page 119

FUTURE/NOW COMPETITION

The Future/Now Competition celebrates low-budget independent filmmaking by first or second time feature film directors who are creating innovative, challenging films.

The winner will receive the Mark Urman Award for Fiction Filmmaking

THE FEATHERWEIGHT, directed by Rob Kolodny, page 87

THE FEELING THAT THE TIME FOR DOING

SOMETHING HAS PASSED, directed by Joanna Arnow, page 89

FREE TIME, directed by Ryan Martin Brown, page 91

PET SHOP DAYS, directed by Olmo Schnabel, page 103

PLAYLAND, directed by Georden West, page 103

NEW JERSEY FILMS COMPETITION

The New Jersey Films Competition is a collection of non-fiction films made, produced, or featuring talent from New Jersey

JESSZILLA, directed by Emily Sheskin, page 95

LEAD AND COPPER, directed by William Hart, page 97

SCREAM OF MY BLOOD: A GOGOL BORDELLO STORY, directed by Nate Pommer, Eric Weinrib, page 105

TELL THEM YOU LOVE ME, directed by Nick August-Perna, page 113

YOU WERE MY FIRST BOYFRIEND, directed by Cecilia Aldarondo, Sarah Enid Hagey, page 115

NEW JERSEY SHORTS COMPETITION

ACCIDENT, directed by Stephanie Ahn, page 125

BEAR BRONSON, directed by Everett Ravens, page 125

THE BLAKE, directed by Courtney Sposato, Mark Sposato, page 125

CLOISTERED, directed by Catherine Finsness, page 125

DARK MOON, directed by Katie Mathews, page 125

PUSHOVER, directed by Brian Lederman, page 125

SWIPE NYC, directed by Sue Zarco Kramer, page 125

AUDIENCE AWARD

Voted on by MFF audiences, the Audience Award is one of the most prestigious prizes at the festival Prizes will be awarded in the Documentary, Fiction, World Cinema, and Short Film categories

ABOUT DRY GRASSES

Director: Nuri Bilge Ceylan

Producer: Nuri Bilge Ceylan

Cast: Merve Dizdar, Deniz Celiloglu, Musab Ekici Turkey/France/Germany/Sweden, 197 min

After mandatory placement in a provincial Middle School, a young teacher named Samet (Denis Celiloglu) begins working the system in the hope that he can be one of the lucky teachers to be appointed to work in the bustling city of Istanbul But after bestowing small favors on a female student, Samet’s dreams become tenuous, calling into question his career and deepening his desire to escape from his gloomy life But after an encounter with his colleague Nuray (Cannes Best Actress winner Merve Dizdar) grows into something much deeper, Samet must at last confront himself Or will he?

Saturday, October 21, 8:15pm, Clairidge 3

Tuesday, October 24, 7:00pm, Clairidge 1

AGAINST ALL ENEMIES

Director: Charlie Sadoff

Producers: Charlie Sadoff, Kenneth Harbaugh, Sebastian Junger

USA, 106 min

With the rise of right wing movements as a backdrop, Charlie Sadoff’s AGAINST ALL ENEMIES goes deep inside the violent extremist movement in America, examining how the Proud Boys, 3 Percenters of the Oath Keepers—groups organized and led by highly-trained, highly-motivated military veterans—pose a tremendous threat to the United States today by attracting men disillusioned in the aftermath of their military service While most veterans are successful in their transition to civilian life, an increasingly radicalized element has been drawn into insurrectionist groups AGAINST ALL ENEMIES is a searing portrait of the ideas behind this growing movement

Saturday, October 28, 12:30pm, Clairidge 2

Sunday, October 29, 7:00pm, Clairidge 2

ALL OF US STRANGERS

Director: Andrew Haigh

Producers: Graham Broadbent, Pete Czernin, Sarah Harvey

Cast: Andrew Scott, Paul Mescal, Jamie Bell, Claire Foy

UK, 105 min

One night in his near-empty tower block in contemporary London, Adam (Andrew Scott) has a chance encounter with a mysterious neighbor Harry (Paul Mescal), which punctures the rhythm of his everyday life As a relationship develops between them, Adam is preoccupied with memories of the past and finds himself drawn back to the suburban town where he grew up, and the childhood home where his parents (Claire Foy and Jamie Bell), appear to be living, just as they were on the day they died, 30 years before

Saturday, October 28, 7:30pm, MKA Upper School

Films

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

ANSELM (3D)

Director: Wim Wenders

Producer: Karsten Brünig

Germany, 93 min

In ANSELM, Wim Wenders creates a portrait of Anselm Kiefer, one of the most innovative and important painters and sculptors of our time Shot and presented in stunning 3D, the film presents a cinematic experience of the artist’s work which explores human existence and the cyclical nature of history, inspired by literature, poetry, philosophy, science, mythology and religion For over two years, Wenders traced Kiefer’s path from his native Germany to his current home in France, connecting the stages of his life to the essential places of his career that spans more than five decades.

Tuesday, October 24, 7:30pm

Clairidge 2

Wednesday, October 25, 7:30pm

Clairidge 2

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

AUM: THE CULT AT THE END OF THE WORLD

Directors: Ben Braun, Chiaki Yanagimoto

Producers: Ben Braun, Chiaki Yanagimoto, Dan Braun, Josh Braun, Rick Brookwell USA, 106 min

On the morning of March 20, 1995, a deadly nerve gas attack in the Tokyo subway sent the nation and its people into chaos In their examination of the story behind this terrorist attack, directors Ben Braun and Chiaki Yanagimoto tell the story of the rise of Aum Shinrikyo, the cult responsible for the attack Featuring conversations with survivors while providing a terrifying overview of the missteps that lead to Aum launching their attack, the film bings audiences inside the mechanics of the doomsday cult and the powerful hold its leader Shoko Asahara had over his followers

Saturday, October 21, 3:45pm, Clairidge 5

Tuesday, October 24, 7:45pm, Clairidge 5

BAD LIKE BROOKLYN DANCEHALL

Directors: Ben DiGiacomo, Dutty Vannier

Producers: Amy DiGiacomo, Jay Will, Ben DiGiacomo, Ramfis Myrthil, AJ Leon Jamaica, 93 min

The rise of Jamaican dancehall and reggaeton music in the Caribbean club scene in Brooklyn, NY introduced the world to what is now some of the most popular pop music on the planet But while the music has become an unstoppable force on radios and dance floors, few know its true history. Featuring interviews with groundbreaking artists like Shaggy, BAD LIKE BROOKLYN DANCEHALL highlights how dancers, DJs and members of the Caribbean community built a cultural bridge between Jamaica and New York through basement parties and celebrations that brought together people who were worlds apart

Saturday, October 28, 5:15pm, Clairidge 5

Sunday, October 29, 2:45pm, Clairidge 5

LA CHIMERA

Director: Alice Rohrwacher

Producers: Carlo Cresto-Dina, Paolo del Brocco, Alexandra Henochsberg, Pierre-François Piet, Gregory Gajos, Amel Soudani, Michela Pini, Olga Lamontanara

Cast: Isabella Rossellini, Josh O’Connor, Alba Rohrwacher Italy/France/Switzerland, 130 min

In her latest film LA CHIMERA, Alice Rohrwacher’s commitment to portraying the magical joy of rural Italian life comes full circle. The film is the story of an ex-patriot Englishman named Arthur (Josh O’Connor) who has just been released from jail Looking to reconnect with the lucrative black market in stolen antiquities, Arthur enlists a motley crew of local thieves to help him excavate the unknown treasures buried in the Italian countryside But when the crew learn of Arthur’s special talent for locating archeological sites, their adventures soon become more complicated than they expected

Saturday, October 28, 2:30pm, Clairidge 1

CONFESSIONS OF A GOOD SAMARITAN

Director: Penny Lane

Producer: Gabriel Sedgwick USA, 105 min

Director Penny Lane’s CONFESSIONS OF A GOOD SAMARITAN explores her highly personal and often misunderstood decision to become a “Good Samaritan” by donating one of her kidneys to an unknown stranger What begins as a seemingly utilitarian decision turns into a funny and moving personal quest to understand the nature of altruism, unbound by personal relationships between individuals CONFESSIONS OF A GOOD SAMARITAN is a provocative inquiry into the science, history and ethics of organ transplantation, asking an ancient question in a whole new way: who is your neighbor, and what do you owe them?

Saturday, October 21, 5:15pm, Clairidge 1

Sunday, October 22, 5:15pm, Clairidge 1

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

THE DISAPPEARANCE OF SHERE HITE

Director: Nicole Newnham

Producers: Nicole Newnham, Molly O’Brien, R J Cutler, Elise Pearlstein, Kimberley Ferdinando, Trevor Smith USA, 118 min

Shere Hite’s 1976 bestselling book, THE HITE REPORT, became a touchstone for thousands of women in the wake of the sexual revolution, liberating the female orgasm by revealing the most private experiences of thousands of anonymous survey respondents. Her findings rocked the American establishment and presaged current conversations about gender, sexuality, and bodily autonomy So how did Shere Hite disappear? In Nicole Newnham’s THE DISAPPEARANCE OF SHERE HITE, the search for this pioneer of sexual health and self-care is framed by her historical impact, and the challenges she faced in a media landscape unprepared for frank conversations about women’s bodies

Saturday, October 28, 4:45pm, Clairidge 4

Sunday, October 29, 12:15pm, Clairidge 3 FICTION

DO NOT EXPECT TOO MUCH FROM THE END OF THE WORLD

Director: Radu Jude

Producers: Ada Solomon, Adrian Sitaru, Adrien Chef, Paul Thiltges, Serge Lalou, Claire Dornoy, Ankica Jurić-Tilić, Ioanna Stais, Giorgos Karnavas, Konstantinos Kontovrakis

Cast: Ilinca Manolache, Ovidiu Pîrșan, Nina Hoss, Dorina Lazăr, László Miske Romania/Luxembourg/France/Croatia, 163 min

When Angela, an overworked production assistant who must drive around the city of Bucharest in order to film the casting for a corporation’s workplace safety video, encounters Marian, a half paralyzed worker, she discovers that his work related accident is due to the company’s negligence When his statement ignites a scandal, he must re-invent his story to suit the company’s narrative. True to form, Romanian filmmaker Radu Jude’s DO NOT EXPECT TOO MUCH FROM THE END OF THE WORLD is a dizzying cinematic landscape where capitalism and technology meet the political sociology of the post totalitarian digital world

Saturday, October 21, 7:30pm, Clairidge 4

EVIL DOES NOT EXIST

Director: Ryûsuke Hamaguchi

Producer: Satoshi Takata

Cast: Hitoshi Omika, Ryo Nishikawa, Ryuji Kosaka, Ayaka Shibutani Japan, 106 min

Academy Award® winning director Ryusuke Hamaguchi follows up his masterpiece DRIVE MY CAR with a new film that explores the tensions between divergent ways of life in Japan EVIL DOES NOT EXIST is the story of Takumi and his daughter Hana, who live in Mizubiki Village, close to Tokyo Like generations before them, they live a modest life according to the cycles of nature But when a city based company buys nearby land with the intention of launching a “glamping” site for young, social media obsessed patrons, the clash between the village and the company brings unexpected consequences

Sunday, October 22, 1:00pm, Clairidge 5

Monday, October 23, 7:15pm, Clairidge 4

FICTION FEATURE

FALLEN LEAVES

Director: Aki Kaurismäki

Producers: Aki Kaurismäki, Mark Lwoff, Misha Jaari, Reinhard Brundig

Cast: Alma Pöysti, Jussi Vatanen Finland/Germany, 81 min

FALLEN LEAVES tells the story of two lonely people who meet each other by chance in the Helsinki night and try to find the first, only, and ultimate love of their lives. Their path towards this honorable goal is clouded by the man’s alcoholism, lost phone numbers, not knowing each other’s names or addresses, and life’s general tendency to place obstacles in the way of those seeking happiness This gentle tragicomedy, previously thought to be lost, again proves Aki Kaurismäki to be a visual poet of the highest order, a champion of working-class life in an increasingly detached society

Thursday, October 26, 1:00pm, Clairidge 2

Sunday, October 29, 3:15pm, Clairidge 3

FUTURE/NOW COMPETITION

THE FEATHERWEIGHT

Director: Robert Kolodny

Producers: Bennett Elliott, Robert Greene, Asger Hussain, Brian Liebman, Steve Loff, James Madio

Cast: James Madio, Ruby Wolf, Keir Gilchrist, Ron Livingston, Stephen Lang, Lawrence Gilliard Jr USA, 99 min

Set in the mid-1960s, THE FEATHERWEIGHT presents a gripping chapter in the true-life story of Italian-American boxer Willie Pep—the winningest fighter of all time—who, down and out in his mid-40s and with his personal life in shambles, decides to make a return to the ring . Painstakingly researched and constructed, the film follows the format of classic verité documentary to re-create a world lost to the 20th century THE FEATHERWEIGHT presents a humane yet critical look at Willie Pep, an undersung hero of the sports world who is simultaneously a deeply flawed, incredibly fractured American character

Saturday, October 28, 5:45pm, Clairidge 1

Sunday, October 29, 3:00pm, Clairidge 1

FUTURE/NOW COMPETITION

THE FEELING THAT THE TIME FOR DOING SOMETHING HAS PASSED

Director: Joanna Arnow

Producers: Graham Swon, Pierce Varous

Cast: Joanna Arnow, Scott Cohen, Babak Tafti, Alysia Reiner, Peter Vack, Parish Bradley, Michael Cyril Creighton, Barbara Weiserbs, David Arnow USA, 88 min

Joanna Arnow is a singular voice in American independent cinema, bringing her incisive and deadpan wit to represent how the roles we play in our lives are connected by the choices we make . THE FEELING THAT THE TIME FOR DOING SOMETHING HAS PASSED is her latest film, a fragmented, experiential look at the life of a woman (played by Arnow herself) as she navigates the passage of time in a long-term casual BDSM relationship, low-level corporate job, and quarrelsome Jewish family With short comic beats and moving insights, Arnow’s film is a provocative look at the daily humiliations of life

Saturday, October 28, 8:15pm Clairidge 3

Sunday, October 29, 2:30pm Clairidge 4

FICTION FEATURE

FINGERNAILS

Director: Christos Nikou

Producers: Coco Francini, Andrew Upton, Cate Blanchett, Lucas Wiesendanger, Christos Nikou

Cast: Jessie Buckley, Riz Ahmed, Jeremy Allen White, Annie Murphy, Luke Wilson USA, 113 min

Christos Nikou’s (APPLES) new melancholic romance FINGERNAILS is set in a not too distant future where the undying love between couples can be scientifically proven through biological testing. In this world, this new, controversial scientific method has proven that Anna (Jessie Buckley) and Ryan (Jeremy Allen White) have found true love, but there’s just one problem: Anna still isn’t sure So when she takes a position at a love testing institute, and meets Amir (Riz Ahmed), who will supervise her training, her feelings are tested Can true love change? FINGERNAILS is a beautiful story of the unknowable heart

Saturday, October 21, 7:30pm, MKA Upper School

FOUR DAUGHTERS

Director: Kaouther Ben Hania

Producers: Nadim Cheikhrouha, Thanassis Karathanos, Martin Hampel, Habib Attia France/Tunisia/Germany/Saudi Arabia, 107 min

In the stunning new documentary FOUR DAUGHTERS, Olfa is a Tunisian woman and the mother of four daughters Caught up in the political changes that are sweeping the nation, Olfa’s two older daughters disappear from her life, sending a devastating shockwave through her family. To fill in their absence, director Kaouther Ben Hania invites professional actresses to inhabit their roles, inventing a unique cinema experience that will lift the veil on Olfa and her daughters’ life stories FOUR DAUGHTERS is an intimate journey of hope, rebellion, and sisterhood that questions the very foundations of Tunisian society

Wednesday, October 25, 7:15pm, Clairidge 4

Thursday, October 26, 8:00pm, Clairidge 3

FUTURE/NOW COMPETITION

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

FREE TIME

Director: Ryan Martin Brown

Producers: Paula Andrea González-Nasser, Mackenzie Jamieson, Nolan Kelly, Justin Zuckerman

Cast: Colin Burgess, Rajat Suresh, James Webb, Jessie Pinnick, Holmes USA, 78 min

Ryan Martin Brown’s FREE TIME is the story of Drew (Colin Burgess), a self-confident low-level corporate employee who decides he wants more Approaching the end of his twenties and his relative youth, Drew decides to quit his cushy desk job and ‘embrace life ’ But after an underwhelming series of encounters with his middle class colleagues throughout New York City, he realizes he has no idea what to do with this newfound freedom In FREE TIME, the grass on the other side of the fence may not be that green after all

Saturday, October 21, 5:30pm, Clairidge 3

Sunday, October 22, 12:15pm, Clairidge 3

FROM THIS SMALL PLACE

Director: Taimi Arvidson

Producer: Brette Ragland USA, 77 min

In August 2017, armed attacks, massive scale violence, and serious human rights violations forced thousands of Rohingya to flee their homes in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. Many walked for days through jungles and undertook dangerous sea journeys across the Bay of Bengal to reach safety in Bangladesh where more than 960,000 people have found safety in the world’s largest refugee camp .

Taimi Arvidson’s FROM THIS SMALL PLACE confronts this humanitarian crisis through the eyes of its children A beautiful story of resilience, FROM THIS SMALL PLACE is a wonder, a moving testament to the experience of Rohingya children

Thursday, October 26, 7:45pm, Clairidge 4

Saturday, October 28, 2:45pm, Clairidge 5

Films

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

GOING TO MARS: THE NIKKI GIOVANNI PROJECT

Directors: Joe Brewster, Michèle Stephenson

Producers: Joe Brewster, Michèle Stephenson, Tommy Oliver USA, 102 min

GOING TO MARS: THE NIKKI GIOVANNI PROJECT pushes the boundaries of biographical documentary film to reveal the enduring influence of one of America’s greatest living artists and social commentators Combining parallel cinematic story editing with visually innovative treatments of her poetry, along with intimate vérité, rich archival footage, and Giovanni’s own captivating contemporary performances, GOING TO MARS recounts the story of the artist and her works of resistance through the tumultuous historical periods in which she lived—from the Civil Rights Movement, to the Black Arts Movement, to present-day Black Lives Matter

Saturday, October 21, 12:00pm

MKA Upper School

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

THE GULLSPÅNG MIRACLE

Director: Maria Fredriksson

Producer: Ina Holmqvist

Sweden/Norway/Denmark, 108 min

Maria Fredriksson’s THE GULLSPÅNG MIRACLE is an unbelievable true story of family connections and the power of faith to connect us to the world When two pious sisters witness what they consider to be a divine sign, they decide to purchase an apartment together in the small Swedish town of Gullspång But when they meet the seller, an unexpected series of revelations brings the sisters together in ways they could never have imagined Visually inventive and brimming with life, THE GULLSPÅNG MIRACLE is a moving look at our interconnected lives and the bonds that carry us through time

Saturday, October 21, 11:45am, Clairidge 1

Tuesday, October 24, 1:00pm, Clairidge 1

INSHALLAH A BOY

Director: Amjad Al Rasheed

Producers: Rula Nasser, Aseel Abu Ayyash, Yousef Abed Alnabi, Nicolas Leprêtre

Cast: Mouna Hawa, Seleena Rababah, Hitham Omari, Yumna Marwan, Salwa Nakkara

Jordan/France/Saudi Arabia/Qatar/Egypt, 113 min

After the sudden death of her husband, Nawal is struggling to cope, but her pain is soon compounded by the possibility of losing her home to her brother-in-law Desperate to keep her home and provide a stable life for her daughter, Nawal resorts to deception by faking a pregnancy. As time passes, the lie becomes harder to sustain and Nawal faces a difficult choice— with only three weeks to find a solution, Nawal embarks on a journey that challenges her fears, beliefs, and morality, as she fights to secure her rightful inheritance and protect her daughter’s future.

Sunday, October 22, 2:45pm, Clairidge 3

Thursday, October 26, 5:00pm, Clairidge 4

NJ FILMS COMPETITION

INSIDE THE YELLOW COCOON SHELL

Director: Phạm Thiên An

Producers: Jeremy Chua, Marie Dubas, Ka Nguyen, Adrià Monés Murlans, Gabriel Kaplan

Cast: Lê Phong Vũ, Nguyễn Thịnh, Nguyễn Thị Trúc Quỳnh, Vũ Ngọc Mạnh

Vietnam/Singapore/France/Spain, 179 min

In his stunning feature length debut INSIDE THE YELLOW COCOON SHELL, director Phạm Thiên An tells the story of Thien, a twenty-something man who spends his nights with friends in Saigon . When Thien learns that his sister-in-law, long abandoned by his brother, has died in a motorcycle accident, he decides to return her body to their village in the countryside for burial Upon his arrival, Thien decides to go looking for his lost brother, and unexpectedly rediscovers the beauty of life outside of the big city INSIDE THE YELLOW COCOON SHELL is a beautiful story of loss and responsibility

Friday, October 27, 6:45pm, Clairidge 4

Sunday, October 29, 6:00pm, Clairidge 1

JESSZILLA

Director: Emily Sheskin

Producer: Ben Kainz

USA, 90 min

New Jersey’s own Jesselyn “JessZilla” Silva is a 3x national boxing champion with her sights set on being the best in the sport Her father, Pedro, navigates what it means to support his daughter’s dreams in an extremely dangerous sport As Jesselyn is on the cusp of making the Olympic team, an unthinkable diagnosis redefines what it means to fight. Based upon the short that wowed Montclair Film Festival audiences, Emily Sheskin’s JESSZILLA is a powerful, moving coming-of-age story about proving to yourself that you have what it takes to be a champion

Saturday, October 21, 3:15pm, Clairidge 2

Sunday, October 22, 7:30pm, Clairidge 2

NJ FILMS COMPETITION

LEAD AND COPPER

Director: William Hart

Producers: Alex Olsen, Patrick Letterii USA, 96 min

After the Governor of Michigan used the power of his office to appoint a City Manager to usurp the power of the democratically elected leaders of Flint, MI, a series of cost-cutting measures was enacted, setting off one of the worst water crises in American history LEAD AND COPPER is the story of that crisis and the subsequent discovery of lead in the drinking water in Newark, NJ and Washington, DC Giving voice to citizen leaders and presenting a clear-eyed look at these crises, LEAD AND COPPER is a heartbreaking look at the failures that lead to tragedy

Saturday, October 21, 2:15pm

Clairidge 4

Sunday, October 22, 5:30pm

Clairidge 3

FICTION FEATURE

A LITTLE PRAYER

Director: Angus MacLachlan

Producers: Angus MacLachlan, Lauren Vilchik, Max A Butler

Cast: David Strathairn, Jane Levy, Celia Weston, Will Pullen, Anna Camp, Dascha Polanco USA, 91 min

Bill (David Strathairn), a Vietnam veteran from suburban Winston-Salem, North Carolina, confronts the limits of patriarchal power while parenting his adult children, both of whom are experiencing personal difficulties. Bill’s every thought becomes consumed by worries about his children, and he continues to struggle with the heartbreak from which he so desperately wants to spare them As Bill attempts to maintain his composure in the face of chaos, he learns how to best support them in their challenges A LITTLE PRAYER is a moving portrait of the unexpected changes that family can inspire within us

Monday, October 23, 7:30pm, Clairidge 2

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

LOUSY CARTER

Director: Bob Byington

Producers: Bob Byington, Chris McKenna

Cast: David Krumholtz, Martin Starr, Olivia Thirlby, Jocelyn DeBoer, Stephen Root USA, 80 min

Lousy Carter (David Krumholtz) is a middle-aged literature professor struggling to inspire his students and eager to find inspiration of his own So when he receives a life-changing medical diagnosis from his disaffected doctor, he decides to take life by the horns and live a little more dangerously But just like everything else in his life, Lousy can’t seem to find meaning for himself in this new-found freedom. Bob Byington returns to the Montclair Film Festival with LOUSY CARTER, the story of a difficult man who, despite all of his best efforts, is doing it all wrong

Saturday, October 21, 5:00pm, Clairidge 4

Sunday, October 22, 5:00pm, Clairdge 4

FICTION FEATURE

MÚSICA!

Directors: Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman

Producers: Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman, Machu Latorre USA, 72 min

Music is famously central to the Cuban spirit and way of life Over the course of five years, MÚSICA! follows four young Cuban musicians who, through music, hope to find success and fulfillment, with some choosing to remain in Cuba, and some seeking to venture out into the world beyond What connects these students is their love for music, and their ambition to make it as professional musicians upon graduating MÚSICA! is an exploration of the power of music and the value of cross-cultural exchange—and the impact they can have on individuals’ lives

Saturday, October 28, 6:15pm, Clairidge 2

Sunday, October 29, 12:30pm, Clairidge 5

NYAD

Directors: Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin

Producers: Andrew Lazar, Teddy Schwarzman

Cast: Annette Bening, Jodie Foster, Rhys Ifans, Ethan Jones Romero, Luke Cosgrove, Jeena Yi, Eric T Miller USA, 121 min

Academy Award® winning filmmakers Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi (FREE SOLO) make the leap from documentary to fiction filmmaking with their new film NYAD, which tells the remarkable true story of athlete Diana Nyad (Annette Benning) who, at the age of 60 and with the help of her best friend and coach Bonnie Still (Jodie Foster), commits to achieving her life-long dream: a 110-mile open ocean swim from Cuba to Florida As Diana relentlessly pursues her seemingly impossible goal, her friendships are challenged as well, forcing her to confront not only the ocean, but her own demons

Saturday, October 28, 12:00pm, MKA Upper School

ON THE ADAMANT

Director: Nicolas Philibert

Producers: Céline Loiseau, Gilles Sacuto, Miléna Poylo

France/Japan, 109 min

The Adamant is a unique day care center— it is a floating structure. Located on the Seine in the heart of Paris, it welcomes adults suffering from mental disorders, offering them care that grounds them in time and space, and helps them to recover or keep up their spirits The team running it is one of those that try to resist the deterioration and dehumanization of psychiatry as best it can Nicolas Philibert’s profound ON THE ADAMANT invites us to board and meet the patients and caregivers who create an environment of care driven by creativity and connection

Monday, October 23, 8:00pm, Clairidge 3

Saturday, October 28, 5:30pm, Clairidge 3

FICTION FEATURE

PERFECT DAYS

Director: Wim Wenders

Producers: Koji Yanai, Wim Wenders, Takuma Takasaki

Cast: Kôji Yakusho, Min Tanaka, Tokio Emoto, Aoi Yamada, Sayuri Ishikawa, Arisa Nakano, Yumi Aso, Tomokazu Miura Japan, 124 min

Wim Wenders’ profoundly moving PERFECT DAYS is the story of Hirayama (Cannes Best Actor winner Koji Yakusho), a public sanitation worker who spends his days keeping Tokyo’s public bathrooms clean From his humble position, Hirayama is able to find meaning and joy in observing daily life in Tokyo, from the ups and downs of Tokyo’s youth to the simple pleasures found in the rhythms of the city Filled with moments of profound human insight and an elegiac soundtrack (The Velvet Underground and Patti Smith feature prominently), PERFECT DAYS is Japan’s entry to this year’s Academy Awards®

Sunday, October 22, 3:45pm MKA Upper School

FUTURE/NOW COMPETITION

PET SHOP DAYS

Director: Olmo Schnabel

Producers: Alex Coco, Galen Core, Francesco Melzi d’Eril, Gabriele Moratti, Marie Savare, Olmo Schnabel

Cast: Jack Irv, Dario Yazbek Bernal, Willem Dafoe, Emmanuelle Seigner, Camille Rowe, Peter Sarsgaard

USA/ Italy/UK/Mexico, 110 min

When an impulsive act of violence sends him fleeing Mexico to escape his unforgiving father, Alejandro (Dario Yazbek Bernal) lands in New York City on a mission to live life on his own terms After befriending Jack (Jack Irv), who spends his days and nights getting high and sleeping with whomever he wants, the pair embark down a rabbit hole of vice, coming together and breaking apart again with a magnetic attraction that will change their lives forever Olmo Schnabel’s PET SHOP DAYS builds a white hot connection between the underbelly of contemporary New York City and its cinematic predecessors

Saturday, October 28, 7:45pm, Clairidge 4

Sunday, October 29, 5:15pm, Clairidge 4

FUTURE/NOW COMPETITION

FICTION FEATURE

PLAYLAND

Director: Georden West

Producers: Russell Sheaffer, Hannah McSwiggen, Danielle Cooper

Cast: Danielle Cooper, Lady Bunny, Mason Caminiti, Aidan Dick, Constance Cooper, José Lapaz-Rodríguez USA, 72 min

A singular vision of creative historical reclamation, Georden West’s PLAYLAND is the story of the Playland Café, Boston’s oldest and most notorious gay hangout Built in the pre-Stonewall age where police and government forces conspired in an effort to drive Playland out of business, its endurance was a testament to the power of community . Using documentary interviews with a diverse coterie of Playland’s patrons juxtaposed against a visual fantasia that creates an unique fictionalized experience of this beloved institution, PLAYLAND is a stunning expansion of the language of cinema, drawing on inspirations past while forging something completely new

Saturday, October 21, 2:45pm, Clairidge 3

Sunday, October 22, 8:15pm, Clairidge 3

THE PROMISED LAND

Director: Nikolaj Arcel

Producer: Louise Vesth

Cast: Mads Mikkelsen, Amanda Collin, Simon Bennebjerg, Kristine Kujath Thorp, Gustav Lindh

Denmark/Germany/Sweden, 127 min

In the mid-1700s, Danish King Frederik V declared that the wild heath of Jutland should be tamed, cultivated, and colonized so that civilization could spread and new taxes be generated for the royal house However, no one dared to follow the King’s decree The heath meant certain death— a godforsaken place haunted by unforgiving nature But in the late summer of 1755, a lone soldier by the name of Ludvig von Kahlen (Mads Mikkelsen) rode into the heath in a stubborn pursuit of a lifelong dream, determined to obtain the wealth and honor he had long sought, or lose everything

Monday, October 23, 7:00pm, Clairidge 1

Wednesday, October 25, 7:00pm, Clairidge 1

QUEENDOM

Director: Agniia Galdanova

Producers: Igor Myakotin, Agniia Galdanova France/USA, 98 min

Throughout history, the power of art to radically address the political landscape has played a vital role in social change movements. In the new film QUEENDOM, director Agniia Galdanova shows us the work of Gena, a queer artist from a small town in Russia, a nation where anti-LGBTQ+ laws severely restrict the freedom of personal expression When Gena stages radical performances in public, they become a new form of art and activism that place Gena’s life in danger QUEENDOM is an act of artistic and political defiance, refusal to be silenced in a society that demands it.

Saturday, October 21, 12:15pm, Clairidge 3

Wednesday, October 25, 1:00pm, Clairidge 1

RULE OF TWO WALLS

Director: David Gutnik

Producers: Olha Beskhmelnytsina, Sam Bisbee, Stacey Reiss Ukraine, 77 min

RULE OF TWO WALLS is an intimate look at the war in Ukraine, as seen through the eyes of Ukrainian artists who remained in their country to make art as a defiant act in the face of aggression. The film presents the invasion of Ukraine as a war of memory, identity and truth Blurring the lines between what is seen in front of and behind the camera, RULE OF TWO WALLS uses live music performance, painting, street art, and the act of filmmaking itself to illuminate the psychological frontlines of the crisis

Tuesday, October 24, 8:00pm, Clairidge 3

Saturday, October 28, 3:00pm, Clairidge 3

SCREAM OF MY BLOOD: A GOGOL BORDELLO STORY

Directors: Nate Pommer, Eric Weinrib

Producers: Nate Pommer, Beverly Chase USA, 99 min

Following the Russian invasion of his native Ukraine, legendary New York City musician Eugene Hütz heads toward the conflict with his punk band, Gogol Bordello, in order to bring the power of music to the Ukrainian people. Along the way, directors Nate Pommer and Eric Weinrib tell the globe-spanning history of Gogol Bordello—influenced by Ukrainian and Roma culture, Hütz and his band have blazed a trail of mayhem across stages around the world SCREAM OF MY BLOOD: A GOGOL BORDELLO STORY is a must for true believers in the power of music to change the world

Friday, October 27, 7:30pm, Clairidge 2

Saturday, October 28, 12:15pm, Clairidge 3

NJ FILMS COMPETITION

THE SETTLERS

Director: Felipe Gálvez Haberle

Producers: Giancarlo Nasi, Benjamin Domenech, Santiago Gallelli, Matías Roveda

Cast: Alfredo Castro, Mark Stanley, Benjamin Westfall, Camilo Arancibia

Chile/Argentina/France/Denmark/United Kingdom/Taiwan/ Sweden/Germany, 97 min

Chile, 1901 A wealthy landowner hires three horsemen to mark out the perimeter of his property and open a route to the Atlantic Ocean across Patagonia The expedition, composed of a young Chilean mestizo, an American mercenary, and a reckless British lieutenant, soon turns into a “civilizing” raid, where colonial violence and human impulse operate outside the boundaries of the law Felipe Gálvez Haberle’s powerful THE SETTLERS shows us the dark side of the colonial project, where indigenous culture and the unchecked hubris of individual power encounter one another through violence and domination

Wednesday, October 25, 8:00pm, Clairidge 3

Sunday, October 29, 8:15pm, Clairidge 4

SLEEP

Director: Jason Yu

Producer: Lewis Tae-wan Kim

Cast: Sun-kyun Lee, Yu-mi Jung South Korea, 95 min

Jason Yu’s SLEEP follows newlyweds Hyun-su (Lee Sunkyun) and Soo-jin (Jung Yu-mi), whose domestic bliss is disrupted when Hyun-su begins speaking in his sleep, ominously stating, ‘Someone’s inside ’ From that night on, whenever he falls asleep, Hyun-su transforms into someone else, with no recollection of what happened the night before Overwhelmed with anxiety that he may hurt himself or their young family, Soo-jin can barely sleep because of this irrational fear Despite treatment, Hyun-su’s sleepwalking only intensifies, and Soo-jin begins to feel that her unborn child may be in danger SLEEP promises to keep you up at night!

Wednesday, October 25, 7:45pm, Clairidge 5

Thursday, October 26, 7:00pm, Clairidge 1

SOMETIMES I THINK ABOUT DYING

Director: Rachel Lambert

Producers: Alex Saks, Daisy Ridley, Dori Rath, Lauren Beveridge, Brett Beveridge

Cast: Daisy Ridley, Dave Merheje, Parvesh Cheena, Marcia Debonis USA, 91 min

Lost on the dreary Oregon coast, Fran (Daisy Ridley) finds solace in her cubicle, listening to the constant hum of officemates and occasionally daydreaming to pass the time She is ghosting through life, unable to pop her bubble of isolation, when a friendly new coworker, Robert, persistently tries to connect with her. Though it goes against every fiber of her being, she may have to give this guy a chance SOMETIMES I THINK ABOUT DYING is a delicately told story of love for the socially awkward and emotionally challenged, an unexpected fable on the virtues of living

Sunday, October 22, 7:30pm, MKA Upper School

FICTION FEATURE

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

THE SPACE RACE

Directors: Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, Lisa Cortés

Producers: Keero Birla, Alexandra Bowen, Lisa Cortés, Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, Aly Parker, Mark Monroe USA, 91 min

Diego Hurtado de Mendoza and Lisa Cortés’s THE SPACE RACE weaves together the stories of Black astronauts seeking to break the bonds of social injustice to reach for the stars Addressing the racial injustice within NASA across several decades, the film follows the pioneers who fought to overcome not just the obstacles of their astronaut training but also the challenges that stemmed from the racial prejudice and discrimination present at the time THE SPACE RACE highlights how their perseverance challenged the definition of “the right stuff,” even when their stories were omitted from the history books

Saturday, October 21, 2:30pm, Clairidge 1

Sunday, October 22, 11:45am, Clairidge 1

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

STORY & PICTURES BY

Director: Joanna Rudnick

Producers: Joanna Rudnick, Tim Horsburgh USA, 84 min

Picture books are one of those tools and they are also addressing an overwhelming need for the creation of empathy and for the exposure to a multitude of creators, viewpoints, cultures, and experiences Joanna Rudnick’s STORY & PICTURES BY examines the power and reach of children’s picture books, taking a careful, thoughtful look at how the power of children’s picture books can foster literacy and spark creativity, while fomenting a more empathetic and diverse portrait of the world and our society in the minds of the next generation of its citizens

Saturday, October 28, 12:00pm, Clairidge 1

Sunday, October 29, 11:45am, Clairidge 4

SUMMER QAMP

Director: Jen Markowitz

Producer: Tanya Blake Canada, 80 min

In the face of rising discrimination and bigotry against LGBTQIA2S+ kids, the need for places and institutions where kids can be kids is more powerful than ever before Which is why Jen Markowitz’s new documentary SUMMER QAMP is a breath of fresh air—the story of Camp fYrefly, an LGBTQIA2S+ summer camp nestled between the Canadian Rockies and Alberta’s Bow River Valley. The film follows a group of queer youth as they attend a camp like no other: a judgment-free zone where they can explore their authentic selves while building community and making memories that will last a lifetime

Saturday, October 28, 11:45am, Clairidge 5

Sunday, October 29, 4:00pm, Clairidge 2

THE TASTE OF THINGS

Director: Trân Anh Hùng

Producer: Olivier Delbosc

Cast: Juliette Binoche, Benoit Magimel, Jean-Marc Roulot, Jan Hammenecker France, 145 min

Eugenie (a luminous Juliette Binoche), an esteemed cook, has been working for over the last 20 years for Dodin (Benoît Magimel), a fine gourmet. Growing fonder of one another, their bond turns into a romance and gives rise to delicious dishes that impress even the world’s most illustrious chefs When Dodin is faced with Eugenie’s reluctance to commit to him, he decides to start cooking for her. Trần Anh Hùng’s THE TASTE OF THINGS (formerly titled POT AU FEU) launches itself immediately into the pantheon of great films about cooking and food, and is an unforgettable sensory delight.

Sunday, October 29, 11:45am, MKA Upper School

FICTION FEATURE

THE TEACHERS’ LOUNGE

Director: Ilker Çatak

Producer: Ingo Fliess

Cast: Eva Löbau, Leonie Benesch, Leonard Stettnisch, Michael Klammer, Kathriin Wehlisch Germany, 98 min

THE TEACHERS’ LOUNGE is director İlker Çatak’s riveting work about school as a microcosm of society

Carla Nowak (Leonie Benesch) is a dedicated, idealistic young teacher in her first job at a German middle school Her relaxed rapport with her seventh-grade students is put under stress when a series of thefts occur at the school, and a staff investigation leads to accusations and mistrust among outraged parents, opinionated colleagues, and angry students

Caught in the middle of these complex dynamics, Carla tries to mediate—but the more she tries, the more desperate her position becomes

Saturday, October 21, 5:45pm Clairidge 2

TELL THEM YOU LOVE ME

Director: Nick August-Perna

Producers: Tamara Rosenberg, Andrea Debrito USA, 103 min

TELL THEM YOU LOVE ME explores the extraordinary story of Anna Stubblefield, an esteemed university professor who becomes embroiled in a controversial affair with Derrick Johnson, a non-verbal man with cerebral palsy Anna says she unlocked Derrick’s mind from his body by teaching him to communicate using a keyboard

The relationship that followed would lead to a criminal trial that would challenge our perceptions of disability and the nature of consent Through exclusive footage and interviews with those on both sides of the case, this feature documentary weaves a riveting and endlessly nuanced story about communication, race, and sex

Saturday, October 21, 8:30pm, Clairidge 2

Sunday, October 22, 2:15pm, Clairidge 4

FICTION FEATURE COMPETITION

THEY SHOT THE PIANO PLAYER

Director: Fernando Trueba, Javier Mariscal

Producers: Cristina Huete, Serge Lalou, Sophie Cabon Cast: Jeff Goldblum Spain/France, 103 min

In THEY SHOT THE PIANO PLAYER, an animated hybrid of fiction and non-fiction storytelling, Jeff Goldblum plays a New York music journalist who embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of a young Brazilian piano virtuoso named Tenorio Jr A celebratory origin story of the world-renowned Latino musical movement Bossa Nova, THEY SHOT THE PIANO PLAYER captures a fleeting time bursting with creative freedom at a turning point in Latin American history in the 60s and 70s, in the critical moment before the continent was engulfed by totalitarian regimes

Sunday, October 22, 8:00pm, Clairidge 1

TÓTEM

Director: Lila Avilés

Producers: Tatiana Graullera, Lila Avilés, Louise Riousse

Cast: Naíma Sentíes, Montserrat Marañon, Marisol Gasé, Saori Gurza, Mateo García Elizondo, Teresita Sánchez Mexico/Denmark/France, 95 min

Seven-year-old Sol (Naíma Sentíes) spends the day at her grandfather’s home, helping her aunts Nuri and Alejandra with the preparations for a surprise party they are throwing for Sol’s father, Tonatiuh Throughout the day, chaos slowly takes over, fracturing the family’s foundations As daylight fades, a strange and chaotic atmosphere takes over, shattering the bonds that hold a family together Sol will come to understand that her world is about to change dramatically, embracing the essence of letting go and cherishing the breath of life. Lila Avilés’ TÓTEM is a beautiful, messy ensemble film about family.

Friday, October 27, 8:00pm, Clairidge 3

Sunday, October 29, 5:30pm, Clairidge 3

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

WE ARE GUARDIANS

Directors: Edivan Guajajara, Chelsea Greene, Rob Grobman

Producers: Maura Anderson, Zak Kilberg, Fisher Stevens, Chelsea Greene

Brazil/USA, 85 min

WE ARE GUARDIANS is a rich journey that introduces the people living an intricate daily balance in the Amazon basin, one of the world’s most disrupted and threatened regions, revealing the many intertwined social and economic issues driving this complicated landscape. The film follows Indigenous leader and activist Puyr Tembé and forest guardian Marçal Guajajara as they fight to protect their territories from deforestation, as well as an illegal logger who has no choice but to cut the forest down to feed his family, and a large landowner at the mercy of thousands of invaders and industry

Saturday, October 28, 3:30pm, Clairidge 2

Sunday, October 29, 8:00pm, Clairidge 3

NJ FILMS COMPETITION

WILDING

Director: David Allen

Producer: Gaby Bastyra

UK, 75 min

For centuries, the relationship between farm crops and soil has been one of exploitation in the name of agricultural development . As wild land is tilled and converted for use by farmers, the long term viability of the soil itself can suffer severe damage In WILDING, director David Allen examines a landowner taking a different approach—What if, instead of constantly depleting the land, it was instead returned to the wild, allowed to develop naturally while being carefully attended by its stewards? Exploring the short term changes and the long term implications, WILDING presents an alternate view of man’s relationship to the earth

Thursday, October 26, 7:30pm, Clairidge 2

Friday, October 27, 1:00pm, Clairidge 5

YOU WERE MY FIRST BOYFRIEND

Directors: Cecilia Aldarondo, Sarah Enid Hagey

Producers: Ines Hofmann Kanna, Cecilia Aldarondo USA, 97 min

High school No two words evoke more divergent memories, ranging from fantasies of an invincible, eternal youth, to the cringe-worthy personal decisions and humiliations that continue to haunt us years later In her funny and moving YOU WERE MY FIRST BOYFRIEND, director Cecilia Aldarondo uses cinema as a time machine, a way to both remember her teenage self and, using fictional present-day recreations, to experience being young all over again. An act of self-examination and forgiveness, YOU WERE MY FIRST BOYFRIEND is a film for anyone who wants the chance to live it all just one more time.

Saturday, October 21, 1:00pm, Clairidge 5

Sunday, October 22, 3:45pm, Clairidge 5

THE ART OF HEALING SHORTS

Sunday, October 29, 12:45pm, Clairidge 1

EAT FLOWERS

Director: River Finlay

USA, 15 min

When photographer and writer Cig Harvey discovers her best friend is diagnosed with Leukemia, she sets out to fill her world with color and light

OUTSIDER

Director: Ted Haimes USA, 39 min

A rarely seen, unvarnished view of a family’s painful journey with mental illness and the unexpected way they found connection

YOU CAN’T SHRINK LOVE

Director: Veena Rao USA, 6 min

An artist gives life to the memories of our most beloved companions

CALLS TO ACTION SHORTS

Tuesday, October 24, 7:15pm, Clairidge 4

AMERICAN SANTA

Director: Avi Zev Weider

USA, 24 min

As Americans head to the mall in preparation for the Christmas season, a haunting shadow threatens to unravel the season’s true spirit

FOR THE RECORD

Director: Heather Courtney

USA, 35 min

Running out of time and money, a woman battles an oil bust, a global pandemic, and a growing distrust of the media as she tries to keep her newspaper alive in rural Texas

HOW WE GET FREE

Directors: Geeta Gandbhir, Samantha Knowles

USA, 32 min

Over the course of two years, HOW WE GET FREE follows Elisabeth Epps as she works to abolish cash bail in Colorado

DOCUMENTARY SHORTS COMPETITION

Sunday, October 22, 7:45pm, Clairidge 4

BLACK GIRLS PLAY: THE STORY OF HAND GAMES

Directors: Joe Brewster, Michele Stephenson USA, 18 min

A look at the influence hand games have had on the American creative landscape

THE FOUNDRY

Director: Robert Machoian USA, 5 min

Life plays out, in the foundry as a metaphor, through sound and image, as a pressure machine

NINA & IRENA

Director: Daniel Lombroso USA, 22 min

On the verge of her 90th birthday, a grandmother reveals to her grandson the painful story of her sister’s disappearance

FICTION SHORTS COMPETITION

Saturday, October 28, 1:45pm, Clairidge 4

COLD & SARA

Director: Brenna Power USA, 11 min

Emmy mourns a tragic death while her sister, Sara, relentlessly tries to lighten her spirits

I HAVE NO TEARS, AND I MUST CRY

Director: Luis Fernando Puente USA, 13 min

Maria Luisa’s green card interview takes an unexpected turn

INDOOR BASEBALL

Director: Christian Cerezo USA, 13 min

Noel must hit 100 baseballs everyday before midnight, or the love of her life will die

LET LIV

Director: Erica Rose

USA, 13 min

A young alcoholic is forced to confront demons from her past while attending an AA meeting with her partner

THE PEDESTRIAN

Directors: Nora DeLigter, Claire Read USA, 19 min

A pedestrian sets off on a nine-day walk from Brooklyn to Montauk

STRONG GRANDMA

Directors: Cecilia Brown, Winslow Crane-Murdoch USA, 15 min

95-year-old power-lifter Catherine Keuhn reflects on the love and loss that brought her to her last competition

WAKING UP IN SILENCE

Directors: Mila Zhluktenko, Daniel Asadi Faezi Germany/Ukraine, 18 min Ukrainian children are confronted with their past as they explore their new home in Germany

RICKY

Director: Rashad Frett USA, 20 min

An ex-offender struggling with new freedom pursues redemption at all costs when given a job from his neighbor

SADNESS

Director: Henry Jinings USA, 12 min

Two people forge a connection through the mysterious ether of a radio signal

SAWO MATANG

Director: Andrea Nirmala Widjajanto Indonesia/Canada/USA, 21 min

Nala is torn when her crush asks her to perform a ritual meant only for Native Indonesians

MIDNIGHT SHORTS

Saturday, October 28, 8:30pm, Clairidge 1

CROWS

Director: Andrew Saunderson USA, 14 min

An empty nester is haunted by oversized crows practicing rituals at her decorative fountain

DEAL OF A LIFETIME

Director: Lev Pakman USA, 13 min

A thrifty, cash-strapped neurotic visits a funeral home to try to negotiate a buy-one-get-one-free deal

MIRRORMIRROR

Director: Björn Rühmann UK, 11 min

A chance encounter leads a woman to discover that she’s not quite who she thought she was

REJOICE IN THE LAMB

Directors: Will Carington, Courtney Bush, Jake Goicoechea USA, 19 min

A late-night conversation launches a young woman on a quest to slay a vampire

MONTCLAIR SHORTS

Saturday, October 21, 3:45pm, MKA Upper School

CANNED

Director: Steve Melone USA, 20 min

Sherman Kinsley and his team struggle to keep the dying art of canned laughter alive

THE CARDINAL

Director: Stefanos Tsivopoulos Greece, 16 min

Desperate to escape his dreary reality, Muhammad makes a bold decision

EGGS

Director: Emma Jacoby Axelrod USA, 10 min

A man and woman realize that the night before meant different things to each of them

FALSIES

Director: Tessa Hope Slovis USA, 14 min

Robert and Gail’s worlds collide

Shorts

SAVASANA

Director: Jenny Donheiser USA, 6 min

Lila, a yoga YouTuber, struggles to quiet her inner critic while leading a sponsored Yoga livestream

SQUIRREL!?

Director: Katie Ennis USA, 8 min

On a weekend getaway to a secluded cabin, a squirrelobsessed dog has an outof-this-world encounter

TINY THING

Director: Joshua Giuliano USA, 16 min

It’s the tiny things that screw us over in the end

HENRY AT THE GOLDEN HOUR

Director: Maureen Towey USA, 14 min

On his daily walk, Henry is visited by a woman who is long gone

OUR BODIES LIKE DAMS

Director: Sarah Finn USA, 10 min

A woman experiences an unexpected metamorphosis in the face of romantic and coastal decay

PEDACITO DE CARNE

Director: Akilah ‘AK’ Walker USA, 18 min

A young millennial cares for her mother who is living with a rare form of dementia

MSU NEW VISIONS SHORTS

Friday, October 27, 7:00pm, Clairidge 1

CON MIS DEDOS (WITH MY FINGERS)

Director: Jose Saborio USA, 15 min

Death appears to a suicidal mother and tries to convince her that she has more to live for

DETACHED

Director: Amber Elefante USA, 17 min

An ambitious sixteenyear-old struggles with her passion for dance while her parents go through a rough divorce

FLOWERS

Director: Sabrina Hajsok USA, 11 min

A popular teen struggles to find a balance between her school life and her disheartening home life on prom night

THE HAZING

Director: Katharine Flynn USA, 11 min

A pledge tries to get into a sorority and retain her sanity during a traumatic hazing

NJ FILMMAKER SHOWCASE SHORTS

Sunday, October 22, 4:15pm, Clairidge 2

THE AUCTION

Director: Jordan Hidalgo USA, 7 min

A top football recruit performs a workout under the microscope of the best football programs in the country

CALLS FROM HOME

Director: Sylvia Ryerson USA, 31 min

A longstanding radio show sends messages of love over public airwaves to reach people incarcerated in Central Appalachia

CLINICAL

Director: Lauren Ciaravalli USA, 8 min

Two women battling their own mental health issues form an unlikely friendship when one helps the other confront a pregnancy scare

INCONVENIENCE

Director: Seth Imperial USA, 13 min

A shy convenience store worker tries to win over a girl after finding out he is stuck in a time-loop during his night shift

MIRROR IMAGE

Director: Gabe Soto USA, 9 min

A young man wakes up to a mirror that holds a room like his own and a familiar looking woman inhabiting it .

PK

Director: Nick Dionisio USA, 16 min

The local pastor’s daughter escapes a youth group to go to her first high school party

TANGERINE DRUM

MACHINE

Director: Reilly McHugh USA, 18 min

After a traumatic experience, a young musician loses both her unique condition and playing abilities

THE DAY OF

Director: Umar Malik USA, 18 min

A mother’s worst nightmare comes to life when she receives a devastating call from her daughter

THE LUCKIEST MAN

ALIVE

Director: Kerri Lynn Miller USA, 12 min

A woman struggles to let go of the love of her life

OUR FARMS, OUR FARMERS

Directors: Murphy Birdsall, Keith Reamer USA, 23 min

Dairy farm owners look back on their successes and struggles in a challenging environment

NJ SHORTS COMPETITION

Sunday, October 22, 12:00pm, The Wellmont

ACCIDENT

Director: Stephanie Ahn USA, 12 min

A woman attempts to get the man responsible for her mother’s accident to pay for the damages when her own accident unfolds

BEAR BRONSON

Director: Everett Ravens USA, 6 min

A wrestler grapples with the idea of his identity, both inside the ring and out

THE BLAKE

Directors: Courtney Sposato, Mark Sposato USA, 15 min

A filmmaker recounts how a space shuttle replica taught her about life, loss, and outer space

CLOISTERED

Director: Catherine Finsness USA, 22 min

This focus on a New Jersey religious community undoes the stereotypes we hold of nuns

NO PLACE LIKE HOME SHORTS

Monday, October 23, 7:45pm, Clairidge 5

AFTERMATH

Director: Chessy Prout USA, 11 min

A family reeling from recent trauma goes on vacation to relax and regroup

FOUR NIGHTS AND A FIRE

Director: Alex Nystrom USA, 13 min

A departed Ojibwe journeys to the afterlife, while a surviving relative finds resilience in his footsteps .

THE NATIONALS

Director: Hyde Harper USA, 30 min

A compelling film about two young men, Efrain and Clay, and the pressure and privilege of playing for a People

DARK MOON

Director: Katie Mathews USA, 17 min

A daughter comes home for the weekend to look after her father, ailing with dementia

PUSHOVER

Director: Brian Lederman USA, 7 min

A man’s life is upended by increasingly threatening phone calls demanding he leave a review for a recent online purchase

SWIPE NYC

Director: Sue Zarco Kramer USA, 29 min

A recently divorced emptynester dives into the world of online dating

THE PASSING

Directors: Ivete Lucas, Patrick Bresnan USA, 18 min

A Texas house call veterinarian must guide his neighbor through one of the most difficult days of her life.

RAD DAD

Director: Zach Weintraub USA, 13 min

A sesh with the boys would make dad glad But if dad can’t get rad, then will he be sad?

SAVI THE CAT

Director: Bryan Tucker, Netsie Tjirongo USA, 18 min

A new kitten unleashes destruction on a couple’s home, life and ultimately, their marriage

OUT SHORTS

Saturday, October 21, 12:30pm, Clairidge 2

COUSINS

Director: Karina Dandashi

USA, 13 min

Two cousins born in separate countries reunite in Brooklyn when a run-in with an ex turns the night even more chaotic

THE DADS

Director: Luchina Fisher USA, 11 min

Five fathers of trans children join Dennis Shepard for a weekend fishing trip in rural Oklahoma

FLORES DEL OTRO PATIO

Director: Jorge Cadena

Switzerland/Colombia, 16 min

A group of queer activists use extravagant actions to fight against the various social injustices that plague the region

SHORTS FOR ALL AGES

Saturday, October 28, 11:30am, Clairidge 4

AIKĀNE

Directors: Daniel Sousa, Dean Hamer, Joe Wilson USA, 14 min

A valiant island warrior falls into a mysterious underwater world

BEAR HUGS

Director: Maggie May Brummer USA, 2 min

A teddy bear is on a mission to get to a special someone for Christmas

BOXED OUT

Director: Rachel Cooley USA, 6 min

A 2D animated, slapstick comedy about two coworkers getting into a prank war at work

OUR MALES AND FEMALES

Director: Ahmad Alyaseer Jordan, 11 min

A father and mother are faced with the painful task of washing and shrouding their deceased daughter

SUGAR HOUSE YANTRA

Director: Jared Flesher USA, 32 min

A story about how things change

CHICKEN STORIES

Director: Jonathan Pickett USA, 17 min

On a start-up farm outside Oakland, various chicken flocks surmount daily obstacles while the newbie farmers attempt to Google their way to help

DRAWING BORED

Director: Mick Posch USA, 2 min

An artist struggles to find inspiration, unaware of the increasingly strange goings-on outside his window

IN YOUR ELEMENT

Director: Arel Gabbay USA, 3 min

Mother Nature leads her children, the four elements, to work together and create something beautiful

STUDENT SHORTS

Sunday, October 29, 1:15pm, Clairidge 2

THE BALLAD OF FRED FORT

Director: Bruno Mattos Rubeiz

Brazil, 14 min

A lonely man spends his days searching for a mythical animal

DRESSED

Director: Bethiael Alemayoh USA, 6 min

A former bride-to-be attempts to sell her wedding dress

KOKOMO

Director: Farah Jabir

USA, 14 min

On a hot summer weekend in Coney Island, Vic questions her relationships with her parents and her boyfriend

SAND MAMA

Director: Catherine Loerke

USA, 5 min

Unable to resolve her identity crisis, an ambivalent mother makes a startling choice on a family beach trip

SHORTS BEFORE FEATURES

Shorts

SULAM (LADDER)

Director: Noam Argov

USA, 11 min

When an immigrant teen must help her mother buy a ladder, tensions of belonging in a new country bubble to the surface

SWIM CAPTAIN

Director: Christa Haley

USA, 8 min

A high school swimmer struggles with her tampon before practice

TEQUILA SUNSET

Director: Jinsui Song

USA, 22 min

Overworked and lonely, an old woman caring for her ailing husband attempts to take a much-needed break from reality

THE WEIGHT OF IT ALL

Director: Leah Holmes

USA, 17 min

The mental state of a collegiate soccer star begins to deteriorate as she pushes herself to unhealthy limits to meet high expectations

THE ABCs OF BOOK BANNING

Directors: Trish Adlesic, Naz Habtezghi

USA, 27 min

THE ABCs OF BOOK BANNING reveals the voices of those impacted the most by book bans, inspiring hope for the future Playing with SUMMER QAMP (page 109):

Saturday, October 28, 11:45am, Clairidge 5

Sunday, October 29, 4:00pm, Clairidge 2

BEST FRIENDS ON A SUMMER HIKE

Director: Mario Furloni

USA, 9 min

Two men take an uneasy hike on a Northern California coastal trail

Playing with FREE TIME (page 91):

Saturday, October 21, 5:30pm, Clairidge 3

Sunday, October 22, 12:15pm, Clairidge 3

SUNFLOWER FIELD

Director: Polina Buchak

USA, 5 min

Awaiting a call from her father, a young Ukrainian sinks into various dreamscapes from which she must find her way home.

Playing with FROM THIS SMALL PLACE (page 91):

Thursday, October 26, 7:45pm, Clairidge 4

Saturday, October 28, 2:45pm, Clairidge 5

Introducing a new club for movie lovers who prefer their popcorn early

Choose between two matinee films at The Clairidge on the first Wednesday of each month

STARTING

JANUARY 2024

Enjoy six movies for the price of five and know that you’re guaranteed a great morning out at least once a month

Reserve your space now and make seeing more movies in 2024 a resolution you keep .

Providing Graphic Design for Montclair Film since 2017

Restaurant + Eatery Guide

Excite Your Appetite with Film & Food!

Can’t go wrong with a good bite to eat, before you take your seat! Don’t let your tummy interrupt the movie, and go snag a meal, snack, or beverage from one of Montclair’s many amazing restaurants and eatery stops Here are some of our favorites!

ALLEGORY RESTAURANT AT THE MC HOTEL

690 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, NJ 973.329.5500

Themchotel.com/food-drink/allegory/

Open Sunday–Thursday, 7am–10pm; Friday & Saturday, 7am–11pm

Located on the first floor of The MC Hotel, Allegory Restaurant hosts breakfast, lunch and dinner provided by Chef Stephen Copeland

CHURCH STREET CATERING

Off premise catering at the venue of your choice. Northern NJ 973.220.0031

ChurchStreetCatering.com

Church Street Catering provides full-service catering and event planning, creating custom designed menus at unique venues and offering a full range of services

EGAN & SONS PUB

118 Walnut Street, Montclair, NJ 973.744.1413

Eganandsons.pub

Open Monday–Thursday, 12pm–11pm; Friday–Saturday, 12pm–1:30am; Sunday, 12pm–10pm

Your neighborhood gastropub since 2005! We have 28 beer taps, an expansive wine and spirits collection, and a robust menu of bar favorites, healthy alternatives, and traditional Irish fare .

FAUBOURG

544 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, NJ 973.542.7700

Faubourgmontclair.com

Lunch: 12pm–2:30pm (Monday-Friday)

Brunch: 11am–2:30pm (Saturday–Sunday)

Midday menu and drinks (bar seating only): 2:30pm–5pm

Dinner: 5pm–9:30pm (Sunday–Thursday), 5pm–10:30pm (Friday–Saturday)

Upstairs cocktail lounge: 5pm–12am (Thursday–Saturday)

NYC hospitality veterans Dominique Paulin and Chef Olivier Muller have created a modern French brasserie Seasonal, French-inspired fare is paired with unique wines and craft cocktails

FISH DELISH

590 Valley Road, Montclair, NJ 973.434.0810

Fishdelishusa.com

Open Tuesday–Sunday, 12pm–8pm. Closed Monday. Fast, Healthy, and Delicious Fish Delish focuses on seafood dishes such as unique sandwiches, burgers with homemade sauces, healthy and tasty salads, and pasta

Restaurant + Eatery Guide

JAVA LOVE COFFEE ROASTING CO.

49 Church Street, Montclair, NJ

973.744.2323

244 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair, NJ 973.744.2122

Javaloveroasters.com

Open Monday–Sunday, 8am–6pm

Local, women-owned and operated coffee roasting company with full coffee, espresso, and tea menus, and pastries . 10% off purchase with MFF ticket .

MEET ME AT MADISON’S

121 Watchung Avenue, Montclair, NJ 973.604.2221

Meetmeatmadisons.com

Open Tuesday–Wednesday, 7am–9pm; Thursday–Saturday, 7am–10pm; Sunday 7am–3:30pm; Closed Monday.

Cafe+Bistro featuring Mediterranean cuisine with a Latin influence

MEZOCO CATERING

908.797.7421

Mezoco.com

We are a full service off-site caterer and food truck We cater all types of events from weddings, corporate events, and product launches to backyard BBQs, graduations, and birthdays

MONTCLAIR BREWERY

101 Walnut Street, Montclair, NJ 973.850.0541

Montclairbrewery.com

Open Wednesday–Thursday, 3:30pm–10pm; Friday, 3pm–11pm; Saturday, 12pm–11pm; Sunday, 12pm–9pm; Closed Monday and Tuesday. We are a husband and wife-owned microbrewery and tasting room Our mission is to build a stronger community one beer at a time .

MERCADO

605 Valley Road, Montclair, NJ 973.746.5666

Mercadomontclair.com

Open 8am–4pm (hours expected to extend to 8pm)

Paying homage to traditional Portuguese marketplaces, Mercado is a lively space to grab a quick bite or gather with family and friends for breakfast, brunch, or lunch

MESOB ETHIOPIAN

515 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, NJ 973.655.9000

Mesobrestaurant.com

Open Wednesday–Thursday, 12pm–9pm; Friday–Saturday, 12pm–10pm;

Closed Monday and Tuesday.

Authentic Ethiopian restaurant Beef, lamb, chicken, seafood, vegetarian, and vegan

MONTCLAIR HOUSE GRILL

12 Church Street, Montclair, NJ 973.509.9600

Montclairhousegrill.com

Open Monday–Thursday, 9am–8:30pm; Friday–Saturday, 9am–9pm; Sunday, 9am–8pm Montclair House Grill is a local, family-owned and operated restaurant It is an authentic and unique place offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner

PORTA

499 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, NJ 973.559.7113

Pizzaporta.com/montclair

Open Monday–Thursday, 12pm–11pm; Friday, 12pm–2am; Saturday, 11am–2am; Sunday, 11am–11pm.

Porta is an authentic expression of how we take care of our family Born from the simple desire to gather round a table and share a meal with the people we love Our door is always open

Restaurant + Eatery Guide

PROVEN POKE CO.

19 Church Street, Montclair, NJ 973.860.7229

Provenpokeco.com

Open 11am–9pm

Expect Hawaiian taste at an East Coast pace at our fast casual restaurant, where we serve fresh poke bowls and burritos, and other tropical treats and eats

THE ABLE BAKER

187 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood, NJ 973.313.1133

Theablebaker.com

Open 7:30am–5pm

Located at 187 Maplewood Ave in Maplewood, NJ

The Able Baker specializes in scones, banana bread, cakes, cookies, pies, and coffee

RAY’S LUNCHEONETTE

99 Walnut Street, Montclair, NJ 973.746.0343

Raysluncheonette@hotmail.com

Open Monday–Friday, 6am–3pm; Saturday, 7am–3pm

Ray’s Luncheonette has been serving the Montclair and surrounding neighborhoods for over 58 years We consider our customers family We cook with love and provide excellent service .

RED EYE CAFE

94 Walnut Street, Montclair, NJ 973.509.3663

Drinkredeyes.com

Open seven days a week, 8am–3pm

Cozy cafe serving breakfast and lunch all day with a full espresso bar and selection of baked goods .

THE LITTLE DAISY BAKE SHOP

622 Valley Road, Montclair, NJ 973.707.2157

Thelittledaisybakeshop.com

Open Tuesday–Saturday, 8am–4pm

The Little Daisy Bake Shop is a peanut/nut-free bakery offering the perfect sweets to celebrate any occasion! Everything is made on premise and with the highest quality ingredients

VAN HOOK CHEESE & GROCERY

111 Grove Street, Montclair, NJ 973.830.2676

Vanhookcheese.com

Open Monday–Friday, 10am–6pm; Saturday–Sunday, 9am–5pm

Van Hook is a family-owned and operated specialty food shop specializing in cut-to-order artisan cheeses and charcuterie

STAMNA GREEK TAVERNA

1055 Broad Street, Bloomfield, NJ 862.215.2166

Stamnataverna.com

Open seven days a week, 11:30am–9:30pm

Aegean cuisine is shaped by the sun, the sea, and the soil Culinary methods passed down through generations have become an intrinsic part of the Aegean, and in turn, STAMNA culture

WALNUT STREET KITCHEN

98 Walnut Street. Montclair, NJ 973.746.0789

Walnutstreetkitchennj.com

Open Tuesday–Wednesday, 5pm–9pm; Thursday–Saturday, 5pm–10pm; Sunday, 4:30pm–9pm

Walnut Street Kitchen features a globally-inspired menu Chef Beverly Lacsina unites her Filipino heritage with Italian-based dishes, creating seasonal and unique flavor combinations.

HOW TO USE THE GRID

Building a festival schedule is never easy, but we hope this grid will help you put together a plan for the films and events you want to attend at the 2023 Montclair Film Festival Here are some tips to know about using the Grid to schedule your festival experience:

Make a schedule based on when you are free, not what is playing . Your time is important, and you can’t see everything . Try drawing lines across the Grid that reflect when you can actually attend, and find a film that interests you when you are available

The boxes do not match the film lengths, but instead, are designed to include extra time for Q&As . Use the end of the box to draw a line to your next film; if they don’t overlap, you should be able stay for the Q&A and make it to your next movie

Always refer to the website to confirm your schedule. Things change sometimes, films and events get added at the last minute, and adjustments to the schedule have to be made Our website at MontclairFilm org will always have the latest, up-to-the-minute information on scheduling

For updates to the schedule, please check our website at MontclairFilm org

DOTE OVER DISCOUNTS!

Looking for in-between-movie activities at the festival? Take a visit to one of the many incredible, local businesses in our area! Before you leave our theaters, be sure to pick up a Pin, and bring it with you to one of our Pin Partners (listed here in bold and marked with a small pin) to receive a discount or special offer! For the full list of our Pin Partners and their offers, check out MontclairFilm.org/PinPartners Don’t miss out on these exciting, exclusive extras!