Acclaimed new independent films make Sedona premiere at Mary D. Fisher Theatre
Sedona AZ (July 30, 2014) – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premieres of the acclaimed new award-winning independent films “Obvious Child” and “Words and Pictures” showing Aug. 8-12 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre.
OBVIOUS CHILD
“Obvious Child”— a top-rated hit with audiences and critics alike — is an honest comedy about what happens when stand-up comedian Donna Stern (Jenny Slate) gets dumped, fired and pregnant just in time for Valentine’s Day.
For aspiring comedian Donna Stern, everyday life as a female twenty-something provides ample material for her hysterical and relatable brand of humor. On stage, Donna is unapologetically herself — silly, frank, and lewd. But when Donna winds up unexpectedly pregnant after a one-night stand, she is forced to face the uncomfortable realities of independent womanhood for the first time. Donnaʼs irresponsible and epic lapse in judgment turns out to be the beginning of a hilarious and totally unplanned journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Anchored by a star-making performance from Jenny Slate, “Obvious Child”is a true Sundance gem: a heartfelt discovery packed tight with raw, energetic comedy and moments of poignant honesty and vulnerability. Writer/Director Gillian Robespierre handles the topic of Donna’s unwanted pregnancy with a refreshing matter-of-factness rarely seen onscreen. And with Donna, Slate and Robespierre have crafted a character for the ages – a female that audiences will recognize, cheer for, and love.
“Obvious Child” will be shown at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre Aug. 8-12. Showtimes will be 4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 8; 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9; 7 p.m. on Sunday and Monday, Aug. 10 and 11; and 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 12.
WORDS AND PICTURES
A witty romantic drama, “Words and Pictures”stars the engaging duo of Academy Award winner Juliette Binoche and Academy Award nominee Clive Owen working together on-screen for the first time.
Prep school English teacher Jack Marcus (Owen) laments his students’ obsession with social media and good grades rather than engaging with the power of the written word. A one-time literary star, Jack has not published in years filling his spare time with drink versus the art of language. He meets his match in Dina Delsanto (Binoche) — an abstract painter and new teacher on campus, who was once celebrated for her art. From the start, the two flirt and provoke each other with equal relish.
With a performance review looming and his teaching job on the line, Jack hatches an inspired plan for galvanizing student interest in their studies: he declares a war between Words and Pictures, confident that the former can convey greater meaning than the latter. Dina and her art students accept the challenge between Jack and his English students, and the battle lines are drawn.
“Words and Pictures” will be shown at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre Aug. 8-12. Showtimes will be 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 8; 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9; 4 p.m. on Sunday and Monday, Aug. 10 and 11; and 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 12.
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.