Chandler International Film Festival returns Friday, Jan. 17, to Monday, Jan. 20. The festival will feature over 120 films from more than 35 countries and six continents screening at Harkins Chandler Fashion Center. Here are a few you won’t want to miss!
Buffaloed
The festival’s opening night film, “Buffaloed,” directed by Tanya Wexler (“Hysteria”) and starring Zoey Deutch, Judy Greer and Jai Courtney, is an engrossing comedy about natural-born hustler Peg who descends into the unorthodox world of debt collection to escape her blue-collar existence. Writer, producer and actor Brian Sacca will participate in a Q & A following the screening.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrQZpeMcM5g
Mott Haven
The closing day film making its world premiere is Michael Domino’s drama “Mott Haven,” starring Robert Davi as a former radio mogul who has fallen on hard times. He enlists the aid of a beleaguered businessman (Paul Wilson) to battle a thuggish superintendent (Chuck Zito) and the forces of gentrification in the South Bronx. Domino and actors Davi and Wilson will participate in a Q & A moderated following the film.
Clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQR6uEcMkUY
The Nomads
The centerpiece film and this year’s multicultural festival screening is Brandon Eric Kamin’s debut sports drama inspired by true events. “The Nomads” follows Cassey “Mac” McNamara (Tika Sumpter) and Mark Nolin (Tate Donovan) as they teach rugby to an inner-city high school, amidst the chaos of massive budget cuts and school closures. Winner of the Audience Award at both Philadelphia and Napa Valley film festivals, director and producer Kamin will participate in a Q & A following the film.
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/380791547
Sleeping in Plastic
In director Van Ditthavong’s feature debut, “Sleeping in Plastic,” a small Texas town awakes when a high school wrestler (Alex MacNicoll) gets involved with a drifter (Addison Timlin) and her psychopathic lover (Dash Mihok). The coming-of-age tale explores the behaviors of people swimming in abusive relationships and has been called “a noir masterpiece” by Blogcritics. Ditthavong will be in attendance for a Q & A.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHYeZ87PDyA
The Wretched
The new horror film, “The Wretched,” is about the rebellious teenage Ben (John-Paul Howard), who visits his father and makes a haunting discovery—a malevolent fiend from the deep woods stalks the family living next door. Premiering at the Fantasia International Film Festival, “The Wretched” is an absolute blast. Come for the summer fun, stay for the body-inhabiting, baby-munching witch” (Nightmare on Film Street). Brett and Drew Pierce along with Howard will be in attendance for a Q & A.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-pvH9qPUeQ
To see the full lineup and purchase tickets, visit www.ChandlerFilmFestival.com
