Pure, bold works distinguished by an innovative, forward-thinking approach to storytelling. Digital technology paired with unfettered creativity proves the films selected in this section will inform a “greater” next wave in American cinema.
A Teacher and This is Martin Bonner
Blue Caprice (Washington Snipers)
(Country: US; Year: 2013; Director: Alexandre Moors; Writer: RFI Porto, Alexandre Moors; Stars: Isaiah Washington, Tequan Richmond, Joey Lauren Adams, Tim Blake Nelson, Cassandra Freeman, Leo Fitzpatrick)
Psychological drama about the men responsible for the Beltway sniper attacks.
World premiere
Computer Chess
(Country: US; Year: 2013; Director: Andrew Bujalski; Writer: Andrew Bujalski; Stars: Patrick Riester, Myles Paige, James Curry, Robin Schwartz, Gerald Peary, Wiley Wiggins)
Early nerds congregate at a convention with a surreal twist.
World premiere
Escape From Tomorrow
(Country: US; Year: 2013; Director: Randy Moore; Writer: Randy Moore; Stars: Roy Abramsohn, Elena Schuber, Katelynn Rodriguez, Annet Mahendru, Danielle Safady, Alison Lees-Taylor)
A postmodern, surreal voyage into the bowels of "family" entertainment; an epic battle begins when an unemployed, middle-aged father loses his sanity during a close encounter with two teenage girls on holiday.
World premiere
It Felt Like Love
(Country: US; Year: 2013; Director: Eliza Hittman; Writer: Eliza Hittman; Stars: Gina Piersanti, Giovanna Salimeni, Ronen Rubinstein, Jesse Cordasco, Nick Rosen, Case Prime)
On the outskirts of Brooklyn, a 14-year-old girl’s sexual quest takes a dangerous turn when she pursues an older guy and tests the boundaries between obsession and love.
World premiere
I Used To Be Darker
(Country: US; Year: 2013; Director: Matthew Porterfield; Writer: Amy Belk, Matthew Porterfield; Stars: Deragh Campbell, Hannah Gross, Kim Taylor, Ned Oldham, Geoff Grace, Nick Petr)
A runaway seeks refuge with her aunt and uncle in Baltimore, only to find their marriage ending and her cousin in crisis. In the days that follow, the family struggles to let go while searching for things to sustain them.
World premiere
Blue Caprice and Computer Chess
Milkshake
(Country: US; Year: 2013; Director: David Andalman; Writer: David Andalman, Mariko Munro; Stars: Tyler Ross, Shareeka Epps, Georgia Ford, Eshan Bay, Leo Fitzpatrick, Danny Burstein)
In mid-1990s America, we follow the tragic sex life of Jolie Jolson, a wannabe thug (and great-great-grandson of legendary vaudevillian Al Jolson) in suburban DC as he strives to become something he can never be – black.
World premiere
Newlyweeds
(Country: US; Year: 2013; Director: Shaka King; Writer: Shaka King; Stars: Amari Cheatom, Trae Harris, Tone Tank, Colman Domingo, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Adrian Martinez)
A Brooklyn repo man and his globetrotting girlfriend forge an unlikely romance. But what should be a match made in stoner heaven turns into a love triangle gone awry in this dark coming-of-age comedy about dependency?
World premiere
Pit Stop
(Country: US; Year: 2013; Director: Yen Tan; Writer: Yen Tan, David Lowery; Stars: Bill Heck, Marcus DeAnda, Amy Seimetz, John Merriman, Alfredo Maduro, Corby Sullivan)
Two working-class gay men in a small Texas town and a love that isn't quite out of reach.
World premiere
A Teacher
(Country: US; Year: 2013; Director: Hannah Fidell; Writer: Hannah Fidell; Stars: Lindsay Burdge, Will Brittain, Jennifer Prediger, Jonny Mars, Julie Phillips, Chris Dubeck)
A teacher has an affair with one of her pupils.
World premiere
This is Martin Bonner
(Country: US; Year: 2013; Director: Chad Hartigan; Writer: Chad Hartigan; Stars: Paul Eenhoorn, Richmond Arquette, Sam Buchanan, Robert Longstreet, Demetrius Gross)
Two men embark on an unlikely friendship.
World premiere
