As a filmmaker, there's the thrill of the process, and the work, and the craft, the art as a goal, and with it, the millions of choices in how to tell the story. For the last many years I have focussed on a feature film project that captured my imagination in a unique and powerful way. Reading the novel Manhattan Nocturne by Colin Harrison in 1999 set in motion a line of dominos that come rumbling down the stretch next month as the film "Manhattan Night" starring Adrien Brody, Yvonne Strahovski, Campbell Scott and Jennifer Beals gets release by Lionsgate Premiere in select theaters around the country and on various digital and cable platforms to watch at home. Now as a filmmaker there's the shift to this movie having a life of it's own as I become the observer to see what effect did those millions of choices have on this audience versus that audience. It's a different kind of thrill, as strangers and dear family alike take it in - each with distinct filters, some similar, many not. All in the eons of tradition back to cave people around the fire listening to stories. It's a humbling kind of thrill.
There are two special screenings of Manhattan Night that I would love to see you at. The first is May 21 st at the Ridgefield Playhouse at 7pm. This will be the first theatrical showing in Connecticut and vicinity as part of the brand new Ridgefield Independent Film Festival who is hosting a Q&A and cocktail reception to follow as well. You can get tickets now at Riff Tickets.
The second is May 22nd also at 7pm, when I will be visiting my hometown to go to a showing at the East Providence 10 where the film will be playing that week. When I was a kid the theater was called the Four Seasons, and was my favorite place to see a movie. So it's a particular thrill to return home and share this long journey with the family and friends who remember me setting off to the big city to make my filmmaker dreams come true all those years ago. Please join us if you nearby. It's what makes the special screenings special.