Happy to report we are opening Close, the Dutch/Flemish film about the intense friendship of two 13-year-old boys, this Friday in Santa Monica and March 3 in Santa Clarita, Claremont, and Encino. Acclaimed at the most prestigious festivals around the world and now up for an Academy Award, Close is a “sharply observed, heartbreaking masterpiece” (G. Allen Johnson, San Francisco Chronicle). Other critics have gushed:
“To the pantheon of films about the pains of leaving childhood behind — The 400 Blows, The Spirit of the Beehive, Rocks, The Go-Between, Boyhood et al — we should find a spot for this beautiful elegy of lost innocence from Belgian director Lukas Dhont.” ~ Philip De Semlyen, Time Out
“It features world-wise performances from its cast, a haunting score from composer Valentin Hadjadj and breathtaking cinematography from Malte Rosenfeld. It’s a treasure you’ll never forget.” ~ Randy Myers, San Jose Mercury News
“A picture which is intimate in scope but which packs a considerable emotional wallop.” ~ Wendy Ide, Screen International
We are also thrilled to open The Quiet Girl, the Irish film about a young girl in foster care, March 3 in Santa Monica and March 10 in Claremont, Encino, Santa Clarita and Glendale.
“Few films explore both the shelter and the solitude of silence with the eloquence of Colm Bairéad’s gently captivating Irish-language drama The Quiet Girl.” ~ David Rooney, Hollywood Reporter
“There may not be a movie more expressive of the season’s benevolent ethos than this hushed work about kith and kindness.” ~ Lisa Kennedy, New York Times
“One of the most exquisitely realised films of the year.” ~ Wendy Ide, Guardian
Great movie. Couldn’t see it at the Santa Barbara Film Festival since all the seats were filled.