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Special Screenings

Bright Star

Directed by: Jane Campion,

Australia/UK/France

, 119 minutes, Rating: PG

Based on the true story of 19th century poet John Keats and his three-year romance with Fanny Brawne, this literary biopic from Oscar-winner Jane Campion (The Piano) also stars UNCSA alum Paul Schneider, who has amassed an impressive array of striking and distinctive film roles. Following the screening, Schneider will participate in a discussion about the film and his career, and will be presented with RiverRun’s 2012 Emerging Master Award.

Chimpanzee

Directed by: Alastair Fothergill and Mark Linfield, USA, 78 minutes, Rating: G

Disneynature takes moviegoers deep into the forests of Africa with Chimpanzee, a new nature film introducing an adorable young chimp named Oscar and his entertaining approach to life in a remarkable story of family bonds and individual triumph. Oscar's playful curiosity and zest for discovery showcase the intelligence and ingenuity of some of the most extraordinary personalities in the animal kingdom. Working together, Oscar's chimpanzee family--including his mom and the group's savvy leader--navigates the complex territory of the forest.

For Ellen

Directed by: So Yong Kim, USA, 93 minutes, Rating: MT

Joby (Paul Dano), a struggling musician, who hasn’t been around to be a father, takes an overnight long-distance drive in order to fight his estranged wife for custody of their young daughter, Ellen. A story of painful internal transformation, For Ellen is also a very poignant account of the complexities of the father/daughter relationship. The strange chemistry between the two is very touching, illustrating how two so seemingly different people, carrying so much baggage, can still connect on a deep, inner level.

One Night Stand

Directed by: Elisabeth Sperling and Trish Dalton, USA, 74 minutes, Rating: TN

Ever imagined how much work it would take to make a 20 minute musical in a mere 24 hours? Well, that's exactly what happens in One Night Stand, a brilliant documentary that shines a light on the amazing creative process behind the minds of some of Broadway’s best. Sponsored by Bob Neill Mercedes Benz. Directors to be in attendance for screening

Queens of Country

Directed by: Ryan Page and Christopher Pomerenke, USA, 93 minutes, Rating: MT

Jolene (Lizzy Caplan) lives in a fantasy world of bygone country songs. When she discovers a lost iPod with her boyfriend (Ron Livingston), she becomes convinced that the owner is her soulmate and is thrust into a sexy, heartwarming and hilarious adventure while searching for the iPod’s true owner. Also starring Matt Walsh, Joe Lo Truglio and Maynard James Keenan. Directors Chris Pomerenke & Ryan Page, Producer Topper McDaniel and star Ron Livingston to be in attendance for screening!

Return

Directed by: Liza Johnson, USA, 97 minutes, Rating: MT

A soldier, dazzlingly played by Linda Cardellini, returns from a tour of duty in Afghanistan to her children, friends, job and loving husband, played by 2011 Emerging Master honoree Michael Shannon. But the PTSD she suffers from makes every day a struggle. Return also features Mad Men's John Slattery in a memorable supporting role.

Smokey and the Bandit

Directed by: Hal Needham, USA, 96 minutes, Rating: PG

A maverick racecar driver is hired to run a tractor-trailer full of beer over county lines with a pesky sheriff in hot pursuit. To coincide with the release of his memoir, Stuntman!, RiverRun has invited legendary Hollywood stuntman and director Hal Needham to reflect on this film (his directorial debut) and his illustrious career. Needham will be holding a book signing following the screening as well.

The Art of Love (L'art d'aimer)

Directed by: Emmanuel Mouret, France, 85 minutes, Rating: MT

The importance of sex within a relationship is highlighted through a string of people engaged in intrigues of the heart. Multiple story lines - from the serious wife who wants to help her friends by entrusting them with her husband's care to the bachelor who can't make up his mind about his teasing yet prude young neighbor - explore whether lust can be separated from love and shows how difficult it is to untwine the two. This is the third Mouret film (after Shall We Kiss? (2009) and Please, Please Me! (2010)) to be screened at RiverRun.

The Eye of the Storm

Directed by: Fred Schepisi, Australia, 114 minutes, Rating: MT

Elizabeth Hunter (Charlotte Rampling) controls every aspect of her stiff upper-crust life: society, her staff, her children (played wonderfully by Oscar-winner Geoffrey Rush and Oscar nominee Judy Davis); but the once great beauty will now carry out her most defiant act as she chooses her time to die. Director Fred Schepisi to be in attendance for screening

The Good Doctor

Directed by: Lance Daly, USA, 93 minutes, Rating: PG-13

Orlando Bloom stars as a socially aloof doctor who befriends a pretty young patient with a kidney infection. He likes having her around so much, in fact, that he starts tampering with her treatment in order to keep her sick and in the hospital near him.