Arts & Entertainment

    Sedona Film Fest presents ‘Blackberry’ premiere May 12-18

    The spectacular rise and catastrophic demise of the world’s first smartphone
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    “BlackBerry” tells the story of Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie, the two men that charted the course of the spectacular rise and catastrophic demise of the world’s first smartphone.
    “BlackBerry” tells the story of Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie, the two men that charted the course of the spectacular rise and catastrophic demise of the world’s first smartphone.

    Sedona News – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “Blackberry” showing May 12-18 at the Mary D. Fisher and Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatres.

    “BlackBerry” tells the story of Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie, the two men that charted the course of the spectacular rise and catastrophic demise of the world’s first smartphone.
    “BlackBerry” tells the story of Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie, the two men that charted the course of the spectacular rise and catastrophic demise of the world’s first smartphone.

    Every era has its visionaries, and “BlackBerry” investigates the brilliance of the individuals that invented the world’s first smartphone. Recounting the Canadian company’s humble yet chaotic rise to market dominance, “BlackBerry” is a darkly comedic telling of the tragic tale of a Canadian company that revolutionized the way we communicate, before swiftly plummeting into obsolescence.

    It’s 1996, and Mike Lazaridis (Jay Baruchel) and his business partner and best friend Douglas Fregin (Matt Johnson) are on the edge of creating the world’s first smartphone. Unfortunately for them, they are less business savvy than they are tech, and struggle to keep their company, Research in Motion, afloat. Everything changes when cunning businessman Jim Balsillie (Glenn Howerton) agrees to join the company, bringing with him the money and experience needed to create and sell a prototype of their invention.

    Seemingly overnight the three men revolutionize the way people work, communicate and connect. Celebrities, politicians and businessmen are now addicted to their Blackberrys. The company’s value skyrockets, yet within a few short years shady business dealings, personal grievances, and, perhaps most dangerously, the iPhone, threaten the company’s incredible success.

    “Wonderfully funny, suspenseful and ultimately tragic.” — Deadline

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    “A kind of breathless tech fever dream, a relentless but addictive downbeat human comedy.” — Screen International

    “Like a shark in the kiddie pool, Howerton delivers the kind of performance that can make a career, or force audiences to totally reconsider an actor’s potential.” — Variety

    “Blackberry” will be shown at the Mary D. Fisher and Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatres May 12-18. Showtimes will be Friday and Sunday, May 12 and 14 at 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, May 13 at 6:30 p.m.; and Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, May 15, 16 and 18 at 4:00 p.m.

    Tickets are $12, or $9 for Film Festival members. For tickets and more information, please call 928-282-1177. Both the theatre and film festival office are located at 2030 W. Hwy. 89A, in West Sedona. For more information, visit: www.SedonaFilmFestival.org.

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