Montclair Film Festival: ‘Conclave’ to Open, ‘The Piano Lesson’ to Close, ‘Unstoppable’ as Fiction Centerpiece (Exclusive)

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As a seasoned film enthusiast with a soft spot for stories that delve deep into human emotions and societal issues, I am absolutely thrilled about this year’s Montclair Film Festival lineup! The opening film, “Conclave,” promises a gripping tale of intrigue within the Catholic Church, something I’ve always found fascinating.

The 2024 Montclair Film Festival has selected its opening, closing, and main feature films, and announced the awards it will be presenting this year.

The upcoming New Jersey festival is set to commence with Edward Berger’s movie “Conclave,” a story revolving around the selection of a new pope. In this film, Ralph Fiennes plays Cardinal Lawrence who oversees a clandestine process. During this procedure, he uncovers hidden secrets from the unexpected demise of the previous pope, secrets that have the potential to rattle the very core of the Catholic Church.

The event will conclude with a performance of “The Piano Lesson” by August Wilson, marking Malcolm Washington’s first directorial feature. This film, starring John David Washington and Danielle Deadwyler, revolves around a cherished piano causing discord between two siblings. Adapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winning stage play, it is produced by Denzel Washington and Todd Black, with Samuel L. Jackson, Ray Fisher, Michael Potts, Erykah Badu, and Corey Hawkins completing the cast ensemble.

Montclair Film Festival will bestow the Breakthrough Director Award upon Malcolm Washington, while presenting the Performance Award to John David Washington.

Montclair’s main work of fiction is William Goldenberg’s “Unstoppable”, featuring Jharrel Jerome and Jennifer Lopez. This movie, inspired by real events, chronicles the journey of Anthony Robles, who was born without a leg but used his indomitable spirit and determination to overcome the odds and chase his wrestling aspirations.

Gints Zilbalodis’ “Flow” becomes the heart of the family’s viewing experience. This animated film tells the tale of a cat whose home is swept away by a massive flood, leading him to team up with various other animals in their quest for dry ground. The production delves into the vulnerability of our environment and promotes themes of friendship and unity.

The main documentary featured at the festival is Asif Kapadia’s 2073, which delves into a bleak future characterized by surveillance drones casting a burnt orange hue over the skies, militarized police patrolling destroyed streets, and survivors seeking refuge underground while grappling with memories of a once free and optimistic past. This future seems eerily prophetic given the issues of the present, such as authoritarianism, unchecked tech giants, income disparity, and global warming, woven together in a mix of science fiction and real-world commentary. Samantha Morton portrays a survivor tormented by disturbing recollections of her past and the harsh reality of the present, both brought to life through contemporary footage. Kapadia is set to receive the festival’s esteemed Documentary Director Award.

As a passionate gamer and storyteller, I’m excited to share that I’ll be one of the artists spotlighted at the Montclair Film Festival. This unique platform is dedicated to showcasing creators who push boundaries in cinematic storytelling, particularly those who connect with audiences online. For me, this means getting an early sneak peek at my very own feature-length episode from my docuseries, Challenge Accepted: 90 Day Blackbelt, which will have its YouTube debut at the festival! Let’s see how it goes and connect with fellow creators!

Beyond the praises for Marielle Heller’s work on “The Piano Lesson,” “2073,” and most recently “Nightbitch,” the Montclair Film Festival will bestow its Director Award upon her. This recognition comes following a screening of her film, where Amy Adams portrays a mother character who temporarily halts her career to raise her young child, only for her everyday routine to take an unexpectedly fantastical twist. Meanwhile, director Petra Costa will be granted the David Carr Award for Truth in Filmmaking for her movie, “Apocalypse in the Tropics,” which delves into the political clout wielded by faith leaders in Brazil.

2021’s lineup for our film festival is bursting with fresh, impactful pieces, and we are thrilled to present these outstanding artists and their movies at the Montclair Film Festival, as expressed by Tom Hall, our artistic director and co-head, in an announcement.

The 13th Montclair Film Festival is set to run from Oct. 18-27 in Montclair, New Jersey.

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2024-09-19 19:27