November 7–10

Home , Casey Wilson, Happy Endings (season 1), Happy Endings (season 2), Happy Endings (season 3)

2019

NOVEMBER 7–10

ALEXFILMFEST.COM | #ALEXFILMFEST Convenient Checking Account

It’s truly free. So is every ATM nationwide.

Burke & Herbert It’s betterhere. Bank Checking ® At Your Service Since 1852

WEʼRE LOOKING FOR SAVING STARS!

Burke & Herbert Bank is participating in the American Bankers Association Foundation Lights, Camera, Save! Video Contest for teens between the ages of 13 and 18. Create a video about money skills and you could win $5,000! ENTERING IS EASY! n Create a video that shows the value of sound money management in a way that will appeal to other teens. n Submit your video and completed entry form by December 3, 2019 to [email protected]. For more information, visit BurkeandHerbertBank.com/video. C2 Welcome to the 2019 Alexandria Film Festival!

A warm welcome to all film buffs, art lovers, and storytellers to our yearly celebration of cinematic art and ideas. We are so proud of our program this year. It connects the best of local filmmaking with the global reach we have worked hard to cultivate.

We welcome home Alexandria native and former Saturday Night Live (SNL) actress, writer, filmmaker, and director, (and T.C. Williams graduate) Casey Wilson, for the D.C. premiere of her film, “Daddio.” Alexandria native son, filmmaker Marc Carlini, presents the Virginia premiere of his film “She’s in Portland.”

We are also very excited to host the D.C.-area premiere of “This Changes Everything.” The truth about pernicious gender discrimination in Hollywood is told by its biggest stars: Meryl Streep, Natalie Portman, Jessica Chastain, Tiffany Haddish, Cate Blanchett, Reese Witherspoon, and many more, including director Maria Giese, who will be with us.

Lisa Wolfinger, who many Alexandrians will remember as the director of “Mercy Street” is back with her new film “The Kids We Lose.”

We also welcome filmmakers from 10 countries to AFF 2019. Rahul Sharma comes to us from India and will talk with the audience following the screening of his film, “The Binoculars.” Julie Prieur will be here from Montreal to add insights to her film, “Dolls Don’t Cry,” and Paul Gray joins us from Scotland for the screening of his film, “On the Outside.” Kevyn Settle (“Fruits of Peace”) brings stories from Vietnam to our Veterans’ Showcase, which features poignant reconciliations spanning history and geography.

Special thanks to all of our sponsors, especially major new partners, Brandywine Living and The Foundry at Carlyle, as well as to long-time supporters Burke & Herbert Bank and the Alexandria Commission for the Arts.

Finally, we are most grateful to our audiences and volunteers for getting us to our lucky 13th year of “Celebrating Independents.” Thank you and enjoy the show! Margaret Margaret Wohler Chair

1 WeWe WereWere YourYour CommunityCommunity NewspaperNewspaper ThenThen andand WeWe StillStill AreAre TodayToday

• Alexandria Gazette • Mount Vernon Packet Gazette • Arlington Connection • Oak Hill/Herndon • Burke Connection Connection • Centre View • Potomac Almanac • Chantilly Connection • Reston • Fairfax Connection Connection • Fairfax Station/Clifton/ • Springfield Lorton Connection Connection • Great Falls Connection • Vienna/Oakton • McLean Connection Connection Photo Courtesy of Alexandria Public Library Archives TheThe Alexandria Alexandria Gazette Gazette was was established established inin 1784.1784. ThisThe AlexandriaAlexandria GazetteGazette buildingbuilding waswas locatedlocated atat 317317 King Street. Today that For more information, call: 703-778-9431 spacespace is is part part of theof theblock block that housesthat houses www.AlexandriaGazette.com Alexandria Market Square and City Hall. [email protected] Alexandria Market Square and City Hall. 2 2019 FESTIVAL PROGRAM

Schedule subject to change without notice. Beatley screenings are free of charge. For all other events tickets are available on AlexFilmFest.Eventbrite.com. “Salute to Service Members Showcase” screenings are free of charge to veterans and one guest. 3 SCREENING #1 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8

Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library 10:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. FREE

SHAD RUN 25 minutes, Nonficition, Short, USA VIRGINIA PREMIERE Filmmaker: Ben Dorger ALEXANDRIA Noticing a problem and finding the power to do 2451 Eisenhower Ave. something about it are two different things. “Shad Run” Alexandria, VA 22314 703.960.0500 is the story of place, possibility and determination— a beautifully-crafted film about individuals who over- 10/03/18 8596 TMG September 2018 LRM Trim: 4.25” x 5.5” come countless obstacles to restore the American Shad Round 1 Alexandria Ad V2 to the Potomac River. The Alexandria Film Festival Q&A with Becky Harlan, co-producer and Todd Gratefully Acknowledges the Support of Grabowsky, aerial photographer the Alexandria Commission for the Arts and the City of Alexandria BARBARIAN UTOPIA: ENCOUNTERS ON THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL 94 minutes, Nonficition, Feature, USA DC AREA PREMIERE Filmmaker: Thaddeus Lamar A recent college graduate embarks on the journey of his young life—hiking all 2,185 miles of the Appalachian Na- tional Scenic Trail. He learns that the value of his journey is better measured—not in miles traveled—but in his own personal growth and self-discovery. Q&A with filmmaker Thaddeus Lamar Comfort Food Wine Bar

Cheese Shop cheesetique.com

4 TO SEEK JUSTICE: THE POWER OF THE SHE PROSECUTOR 3 minutes, Experimental, Short, USA 20 minutes, Nonficition, Short, USA Filmmaker: Tais Morga VIRGINIA PREMIERE Do you believe in love at first sight? Filmmaker: Daniel Richards Q&A with Tais Morga When reports emerge of prosecutors’ abusing their power, it can shake public confidence in the entire THE UNIMAGINABLE judicial system. In “To Seek Justice,” you will serve 14 minutes, Fiction, Short, USA as witness, judge, and jury in a compelling case that Filmmaker: Maya El-Hage reveals that a prosecutor’s work is not only to get Two mothers who went through the unimaginable convictions but also to serve justice. seek forgiveness and comfort in one another. Q&A with Matt Wood Q&A with Maya El Hage

The following films come to us from the Northern Virginia Community College film program. DEAD, WHITE & BLUE 2 minutes, Experimental, Short, USA GABRIEL’S REVOLT Filmmaker: Sean Gordy 41 minutes, Nonficition, Feature, USA Is the image of freedom portrayed by the United States in conflict with the true surveillance state we US PREMIERE are subjected to daily? Filmmaker: Sah Ara Sanu-t Q&A with Sean Gordy A massive African-led rebellion against slavery in 1800s Richmond, Virginia, leads to laws that change MI TIERRA the lives of free blacks for years to come. Q&A with Nicholas Gaffrey and Dr. Jimmie McClellan 11 minutes, Fiction, Short, USA Filmmaker: Sandra Camargo LOVE YOU Miguel, a stubborn and desperate Salvadoran father 10 minutes, Fiction, Short, USA of two, barricades his family inside their home to avoid deportation. Filmmaker: Zalina Zangievar Q&A with Sandra Camargo A world-wide contamination forces five people to isolate themselves. Young lovers face the worst possible dilemma. SIEMPRE ESPERANZA Q&A with Zalina Truitt 25 minutes, Fiction, Short, USA/Mexico Filmmakers: Christian Arvizu & Benjamin Stancik Esperanza and her family flee Mexico for safe haven in America, only to experience the true meaning of living as undocumented immigrants in the “Land of the Free.” Q&A with Christian Arvizu & Benjamin Stancik

SCREENING #2 GOD BLESS THE COOK 20 minutes, Short, USA SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9 EAST COAST PREMIERE Filmmakers: Zoe Malhotra and Annalise Pasztor AMC Hoffman Center 22 Chef Roslyn Spence trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, THEATRE 2 but her biggest critic and mentor remains her mother, a 94-year-old self-taught cook for Hollywood’s biggest stars. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Q&A with Zoe Malhotra and Annalise Pasztor

Burke & Herbert Bank Presents: TEAM MARCO Alexandria Film Festival 90 minutes, Fiction, Feature, USA DC AREA PREMIERE Family Showcase Filmmaker: Julio Gambuto Eleven-year old Marco is so obsessed with his electron- SAVING TO GIVE ics that he hardly leaves the house. In “Team Marco,” 1.5 minutes, Nonfiction, Short, USA state-of-the-art amusements make way for the world’s VIRGINIA PREMIERE oldest game. Join us for a match-up not to be missed! Filmmaker: Julia Hocker Q&A with Julio Vincent Gambuto and Sam Sandweiss A teen learns about saving while helping her favorite charity. 1st place regional winner and 2nd place national winner in the “Lights, Camera, Save” video SCREENING #3 contest sponsored by the American Bankers Association and Burke and Herbert Bank. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9 Q&A with Julia Hocker

DEL RAY: WHERE MAIN STREET STILL EXISTS AMC Hoffman Center 22 5 minutes, Nonfiction, Short, USA THEATRE 3 WORLD PREMIERE 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Filmmaker: Emma Schutzius A young filmmaker celebrates the traditions and vitality MY BEAUTIFUL STUTTER of her close-knit Alexandria, Virginia neighborhood. Q&A with Emma Schutzius 90 minutes, Nonfiction, Feature, USA VIRGINIA PREMIERE Filmmaker: Ryan Gielen ROXANNE Chronicles the lives of five kids who enroll in a NYC arts- 2 minutes, Fiction, Short, USA based program that ultimately empowers them to deal DC AREA PREMIERE with the pain and stigma of their speech impediments. Filmmaker: Kathryn Elizabeth Heady Q&A with Taro Alexander Animated short about the forbidden romance between Roxanne, a pet rock, and Dwayne, a swashbuckling action figure.

Thank You Hilton Hiltons of Alexandria Old Town 1767 King Street 703-837-0440 Alexandria! www.hiltonoldtown.com

Alexandria Film Festival would like to thank Hilton Alexandria Hotels for their generous Embassy Suites by Hilton support of our Festival. Alexandria Old Town 1900 Diagonal Road 703-684-5900 alexandriaoldtown.embassysuites.com

Hilton Garden Inn Alexandria Old Town 1620 Prince Street 703-302-8300 hiltongardeninnalexandria.com

7 WE'RE PROUD TO SUPPORT THE 2019 ALEXANDRIA FILM FESTIVAL! $5 OFF Your next reg-priced SENSEI FRAN KICKS ASS purchase of $25 or more 20 minutes, Nonfiction, Short, USA VIRGINIA PREMIERE Filmmaker: Simone Fary Eighty year old Fran Vall leads a “kick-ass” life. As a Valid only at Old Town Ace Hardware. master teacher of two martial arts, who snowboards Exclusions apply, see store for details. in her spare time, she proves that “age” is merely a FLORABELLESPRINGSALE state of mind. Q&A with Simone Fary 809 Washington St Alexandria, VA 22314 703.566.7040 Free parking garage behind store! SCREENING #4 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9 Join us for the Alexandria Film Festival! AMC Hoffman Center 22 RusRussian & Uzbek Uz+ Authentic Cuisine THEATRE 2 10% OFF 1–4 p.m. Dinner and a Movie A FRESH PERSPECTIVE Bring your Ticket Stub in and get 10% off your bill! 11 minutes, Nonfiction, Short, USA Rus Uz - Alexandria: 210 Swamp Fox Rd. Alexandria, VA 22314. (703) - 567 - 7020 Filmmaker: Aaron Hose Striving to diversify a mostly white industry, three in- genius African-American entrepreneurs create the first black beer festival.

ONE SUMMER NIGHT 146 minutes, Fiction, Feature, USA WORLD PREMIERE Filmmaker: Conner Keesling Over the course of one night, an incoming college freshman reconnects with an old flame to help him 209 Swamp Fox Rd 10% chart a new direction for his life and avoid repeating Alexandria, VA 22314 Entire CheckOff past mistakes. alcohol excluded 703.329.0006 Q&A with Conner Keesline and Nick Watson, Dine In Only Director of Photography expires: Across from the 12/16/19 AMC Movie Theater

8 SCREENING #5 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9 200 Swamp Fox Road AMC Hoffman Center 22 Alexandria, VA 22314 THEATRE 3 (703) 329-6400 1–4 p.m. sabarandgrill.com Salute to Service Members $10 off each MY FATHER’S BROTHERS $40 purchase 83 minutes, Nonfiction, Feature, USA Exp 12/31/2019 Not Valid for VIRGINIA PREMIERE Alcoholic Beverages Filmmaker: Shawn Kelley June 29, 1966—a seemingly routine Wednesday that Parking Garage Tickets Validated would torment and bond a company of soldiers for more than fifty years. In “My Fathers’ Brothers” film-mak- er Shawn Kelley embarks on a journey to understand what his father experienced on that haunting day during the Vietnam War. Q&A with director Shawn Kelley, veteran Mike Thivault, and composer Cristina “Trinity” Velez-Justo

WHO KILLED LT. VAN DORN? 80 minutes, Nonfiction, Feature, USA DC AREA PREMIERE Filmmaker: Zachary Stauffer Navy pilot Lt. Wes Van Dorn is killed when his 53E helicopter crashes off the Virginia coast. His widow’s relentless pursuit of the truth spurs an investigation that finds no pilot error and a helicopter that proves to be the military’s deadliest aircraft. Q&A with Jason Paladino, associate producer, Chuck Spinney, former Pentagon analyst, and Pierre Sprey, former military aircraft designer

Post Screening Happy Hour at San Antonio Grill sponsored by Project on Government Oversight

9 10 SCREENING #6 PIPE DREAM 19 minutes, Biography, Drama, Short, USA SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9 VIRGINIA PREMIERE Filmmaker: Chris King AMC Hoffman Center 22 Dramatizes how legendary entertainer, Carol Burnett, rocketed from obscurity to Broadway stardom in just a THEATRE 2 few years. 4–7 p.m.

Salute to Service Members SCREENING #8

FRUITS OF PEACE SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9 83 minutes, Nonfiction, Feature, USA WORLD PREMIERE AMC Hoffman Center 22 Filmmaker: Kevyn Settle THEATRE 2 A single event over the fiery skies of Quang Binh province on January 26, 1966 during the Vietnam War leaves indel- 7–10 p.m. ible scars on two families who are forever linked in their struggles to pick up the pieces and repair the damage. DEMAND CURVE Q&A with Kevyn Settle, Michael Chiplock, executive 11 minutes, Fiction, Short, USA producer, and Shirine Hossaini, producer ALEXANDRIA PREMIERE Filmmaker: Meredith Bragg Offended by his kidnapper’s trivial demands, a university SCREENING #7 professor applies his economics expertise to ramp up the ransom and get in on a piece of the action. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9 Q&A with Meredith Bragg

AMC Hoffman Center 22 THE BODY THEATRE 3 42 minutes, Fiction, Feature, Russia VIRGINIA PREMIERE 4–7 p.m. Filmmaker: Oleg Basov Tamara’s husband dies from a heart attack, but inexpli- THE SPY BEHIND HOME PLATE cably, his body does not decompose. Seeing it as a sign, 101 minutes, Nonfiction, Feature, USA she forgoes burial to continue living with his body.

Filmmaker: Aviva Kempner The true story of Moe Berg, a brilliant Jewish scholar turned major league baseball player, whose spy activities for the Allies in World War II helped thwart Germany’s development of its own atomic bomb. Archival footage captures an All-Star roster from the

worlds of history, sports, and spy craft.

Q&A with editor Barbara Ballow, moderated by

Allison Silberberg 11 Freedom to... Share.

Our new Alexandria community is Brandywine Living's 29th luxury, active aging community Call 703.940.3300 to schedule your vist! with licensed Assisted Living and Memory-Care, visit us at www.Brandycare.com 5550 Cardinal Place (next to Cameron Station) Alexandria, VA 22304 12 Freedom to... Share.

BURGER MONDAY $6.99 WAKE MONCLASSIC BURGERS 96 minutes, Fiction, Feature, USA TACO TUESDAY $5.99 DC AREA PREMIERE TUE W/ CHIPS & SALSA TWO TACOS Filmmaker: Cyrus Mirakhor RIB WEDNESDAY $10.99 A widowed mortician, struggling with agoraphobia, is WEDHALF PORTION, CORNBREAD & SEASONED FRIES given an unusual birthday gift from her mother and NACHO THURSDAY $5.99 daughter as a joke. The gift, a life-sized male doll named THUHALF ORDER OF CHILI NACHOS Pedro, evolves from funny to fantastical, complicating FRIDAY FISH FRY $9.99 her ties with her family as well as a budding relationship FRI with a documentary filmmaker. $6 APPS AFTER 9PM* 7 DAYS PER WEEK Q&A with Cyrus Mirakhor DINE IN ONLY *SELECT APPETIZERS ONLY RAISE MONEY FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION! Sign up for our DINING FOR DOLLARS PROGRAM, and Glory Days Grill will donate 10% of the food & beverages SCREENING #9 purchased to your organization! Log onto our website for more information on our fundraising programs. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9 ALEXANDRIA COMMONS 703-567-1577 | 3141 DUKE ST GLORYDAYSGRILL.COM AMC Hoffman Center 22 THEATRE 3 7–10 p.m.

See . . . DADDIO 18 minutes, Fiction, Short, USA DC AREA PREMIERE Filmmaker: Casey Wilson A comedy about death. A year after the sudden passing of their beloved wife and mother, duct-taped goggles, pee pills, and a misguided selfie play roles in a father and daughter’s struggle with life after loss. Paul (played

by Michael McKean “Better Call Saul,” “Spinal Tap”) gets a perm. Abby (played by Casey Wilson “SNL,” “Happy Endings”) is sleeping in her closet. Warning: affects heartstrings and funny bones. Q&A with Casey Wilson, and her father, Paul Wilson

DADDIO CASEY WILSON’S

Directorial Debut

14 THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING KEYSTROKE 97 minutes, Nonfiction, Feature, USA 25 minutes, Fiction, Short, USA DC AREA PREMIERE Filmmaker: Tim Sanchez Prunier Filmmaker: Tom Donahue Two roommates clean up their new apartment after Star-studded documentary chronicling the history of their previous tenant—a hoarder—moves out. Amongst gender discrimination in the male-dominated media and the junk, they find a mysterious computer that allows entertainment industry. This eye-opening film includes them to edit history in any way they choose. interviews with the biggest names in Hollywood: Meryl Q&A with Tom Sanchez Prunier Streep, Natalie Portman, Jessica Chastain, Marisa Tormei, Zoe Saldana, Taraji P. Henson, Shonda Rhimes, Tiffany SOUL: ROOH Haddish, Reese Witherspoon, Cate Blanchett and Maria 13 minutes, Fiction, Short, Saudi Arabia Giese, to name only a few. US PREMIERE Q&A with Maria Giese Filmmaker: Mansour Assad A short film about a guy trying to balance his struggling work life and taking care of the only soul that matters SCREENING #10 to him. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9

AMC Hoffman Center 22 THEATRE 2 10 p.m.+ Late Night Showcase

FAR FROM ORDINARY 13 minutes, Fiction, Short, USA VIRGINIA/DC AREA PREMIERE Filmmaker: Paul Bugarin The story of the transformation of an ordinary, unassum- ’s KITC Mon-Thurs 11 am - 9 pm O H Fri 11 am - 10 pm ing man after he undertakes a big time project. S E Saturday 11 am - 10 pm

N Q&A with Paul Bugarin A Closed Sundays V • Take-Out Available

a e DECISION li c tt e 25 minutes, Fiction, Short, Macedonia le re piece of g (703) 548-2747 Filmmaker: Agim Abdula In the Historic 1225 Powhatan Street A scheming man engages a thief to break into an Dixie Pig Landmark Alexandria VA 22314 old lady’s apartment, then finds himself in a very unex- pected situation.

15 AT

Alexandria Times SCREENING #11 The Times is a locally SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9 owned, independent newspaper with a AMC Hoffman Center 22 weekly circulation THEATRE 3 of 19,000. 10 p.m.+ Subscribe to the Alexandria Late Night Showcase Times E-edition to get the news every Wednesday night. www.alextimes.com/sign- SUFFOCATING WITH MANNERS up-to-receive-e-edition 12 minutes, Fiction, Short, Turkey WORLD PREMIERE 703-739-0001 Filmmaker: Sertac Koyuncu 110 S. Pitt St. Alexandria, VA 22314 Seven complaining residents of an apartment building crowd into an elevator. Then…it breaks down, giving them something to really complain about.

THE TURNER EXHIBIT 25 minutes, Fiction, Short, USA VIRGINIA/DC AREA PREMIERE Filmmaker: Mathew Bainbridge Replays the classic Biblical saga of Cain and Abel in a contemporary setting. A striking imbalance in their levels of achievement and success feed a deepening resentment between two brothers that leads to tragic consequences. Q&A with Mathew Bainbridge, Writer-Director- Co-Producer; Alexander Hedstrom, Co-Producer; and Paul Weiss, Co-Producer

THE KEEPER 14 minutes, Fiction, Short, USA WORLD PREMIERE Fr anconia Family Medicine Filmmaker: Bob Celli The distance between longing and obsession is shorter 6160 Fuller Court than you think. Alexandria, VA 22301 Q&A with Bob Celli and Laura Delano Susan E. Bienert, M.D., W. James Pettit, M.D. [email protected] [email protected] 703-922-3994 703-922-5998

16 VIDEOGENIC 24 minutes, Fiction, Short, USA Filmmaker: Lawrence Whitener A mild-mannered, henpecked accountant finds joy in collecting antique 8mm movie cameras. His latest find captures much more than just life, but will it open doors to a new way of living and seeing the world? Q&A with Lawrence Whitener

SCREENING #12 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10

AMC Hoffman Center 22 THEATRE 2 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

WHITE RIGHT: MEETING THE ENEMY 60 minutes, Nonfiction, Feature, USA VIRGINIA/DC AREA PREMIERE Filmmaker: Deeyah Khan An Emmy-winning documentary, “White Right,” follows acclaimed Muslim filmmaker Deeyah Khan as she meets face-to-face with U.S. neo-Nazis and white nationalists, and tries to understand the rise of white supremacy in America. Her investigation puts her in the middle of the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. Q&A with filmmaker Jackson Landers, “Charlottesville: Our Streets”

UNREPRESENTED 84 minutes, Nonfiction, Feature, USA EAST COAST PREMIERE Filmmaker: Andrew Rodney (writer) It’s no secret that special interests bankroll campaigns and relentlessly lobby to rig the system in their favor. “Unrepresented” pulls back the curtain to investigate the mechanisms that propel the corruption cycle and

17 Inspired by foods found in ciies across reveals the opportunities and challenges for public the country with a toast servants, non-partisan activists, and everyday Ameri- to their craa brews, cans to fix the broken system before it’s too late. wines, and spirits Q&A with Andrew Rodney, Sheila Krumholz, Executive fatcitykitchen.com 330 S. Pickee Street, Alexandria, VA 22304 Director of Center for Responsive Politics/Open Secrets.org, and Maya MacGuineas, President of Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget

SCREENING #13 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10 1603 Commonwealth Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301 Tel: 571.312.0402 | LiveOakDelRay.com AMC Hoffman Center 22 THEATRE 3 Receive 15% off your meal at Live Oak 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

ON THE OUTSIDE Nature’s Nibbles 42 minutes, Dramatization, Feature, 2601 Mt Vernon Ave United Kingdom Alexandria, VA. 22301 703-931-5241 VIRGINIA PREMIERE [email protected] Filmmaker: Paul Gray 10% off purchase Told in their own words but portrayed by actors, four with this ad women in prison share their stories in “On the Outside.” Not to be combined with any other discounts Q&A with Paul Gray

www.naturesnibbles.com COLORS OF RESISTANCE 30 minutes, Nonfiction, Short, USA Filmmaker: Areeb Zuaiter A painter, comedian, poet, hip-hop artist, and soul singer figure out ways to affirm their belonging to their homeland, Palestine–a place at risk of losing its own right to exist. Regardless of their generation, gender or profession, these artists use their distinctive voices to challenge the annihilation of their identity. Q&A with Areeb Zuaiter

18 FEARLESS AT 40: THE STORY OF WHITMAN-WALKER 56 minutes, Nonfiction, Feature, USA VIRGINIA/DC AREA PREMIERE Filmmaker: Jewel Addy Since 1973, Whitman-Walker Health has been a sanc- tuary for underserved populations of the Greater Washington, D.C. area. This is the inspiring story of the historic and courageous institution providing stigma-free, culturally competent and vital healthcare to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities, as well to those affected by HIV/AIDS. Q&A with Jewel Addy

SCREENING #14 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10 “If you build it, they will come.” AMC Hoffman Center 22 THEATRE 2 Congratulations on 1–4 p.m. another successful Alexandria Film CARRY MY HEART TO THE YELLOW RIVER Festival! 21 minutes, Fiction, Short, USA VIRGINIA/DC AREA PREMIERE Filmmaker: Alexis Van Hurkman Reluctantly taking her hospitalized friend’s place on a bike tour to the Yellow River, a high school graduate travels to faraway Gannan and races the clock to share pictures of the journey with her sick friend, before it is IN COLORS too late. 15 minutes, Fiction, Short, USA THE BINOCULARS VIRGINIA/DC AREA PREMIERE Filmmaker: Stephanie Willis 15 minutes, Fiction, Short, India The arrival of an undocumented immigrant on the run WORLD PREMIERE seeking help complicates a Latina immigrant’s efforts to Filmmaker: Rahul Sharma adjust to life in an Arizona border town with her new A young girl runs away during an unwanted trip with her husband. Will Lauris do what she believes is right and mother. Looking through binoculars leads her to an un- help Julieta? Or will she choose self-preservation? expected and life-changing meeting with two refugees.

Q&A with Rahul Sharma

19 COTTON CLOUDS 22 minutes, Fiction, Short, USA West End Business Association DC AREA PREMIERE Filmmaker: Tyler Lyon In 1912 Roanoke, Virginia, a young girl struggles to help “An essential element of any art is risk. If provide for her family while surviving the work condi- you don’t take a risk then how are you tions of a brutal cotton mill. Inspired by the photography going to make something really beautiful, of Lewis Hine, who documented early 20th century that hasn’t been seen before?” child workers—the exploited laborers upon which in- —Francis Ford Coppola dustrial America had come to depend. Q&A with Chloe Shelton, writer and director and director of photography, Dave Perry Businesses share risk with artists. Joining the West End Business DOLLS DON’T DIE Association (WEBA) can help. 10 minutes, Fiction, Short, Canada Filmmaker: Julie Prieur Contact us to learn how at Five year-old Mia hasn’t seen her big sister in a long time. www.alexandriaweba.com. Mom says she will return home once she eats again. So between dreams and memories, Mia starts to cook, determined to bring her sister back again. Q&A with filmmaker Julie Prieur and producer Vic Stojanovic

ONE FALL 16 minutes, Nonfiction, Short, USA

Proudly supports the: WORLD PREMIERE Filmmaker: Melissa Tumas

An exploration of the world of independent professional

Alexandria Film Festival wrestling raises intriguing questions about how art, theater, athleticism, and sport intersect. Experience their joy, pain, sacrifice, and gain as the wrestlers sacrifice all for the adoration of diehard fans and the glory that comes with stepping into the ring.

Alexandria Toyota-- Proud recipient of the Toyota President’s Award Q&A with writer/director Yancy Burns and producer for 34 years in a row. Sadie Zuch 3750 Richmond Highway Alexandria, Virginia 22305 Phone: 703-684-0700 www.alexandriatoyota.com

20 SCREENING #15 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10

AMC Hoffman Center 22 THEATRE 3 1–4 p.m.

RAISING BUCHANAN 96 minutes, Fiction, Feature, USA VIRGINIA/DC AREA PREMIERE Filmmaker: Bruce Dellis In suburban Phoenix, Ruth Kiesling, a 40 year-old, oppor- tunistic donut shop employee with anger issues, crafts a plan to steal the “body” of President James Buchanan for a handsome ransom. Things do not go as planned… Q&A with Amanda Melby and writer/director Bruce Dellis

GO TO HELL AND TURN LEFT 82 minutes, Fiction, Feature, USA VIRGINIA/DC AREA PREMIERE Filmmaker: Carlo Caldana Do you believe in ghosts? Parallel universes? A deaf painter struggles with alcohol aftter his wife’s death. But then he meets her doppleganger and goes on a series of misadventures which upend his life. Q&A with Carlo Caldana

21 SCREENING #16 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10

AMC Hoffman Center 22 THEATRE 3 4–6 p.m.

SHE’S IN PORTLAND A Tradition of Service 100 minutes, Fiction, Feature, USA CELEBRATING 125 YEARS IN ALEXANDRIA VIRGINIA PREMIERE Filmmaker: Marc Carlini Wes and Luke, two 30-something college friends, ad- n n Fuel Oil Boilers Furnaces mire each other’s lives and feel trapped in their own. Air Conditioning n Heat Pumps Join the pair as they travel from Los Angeles to Portland Water Heaters n Gas, Oil, & AC Service to find Luke’s “one that got away.” On the road, the journey takes a deeper look into life choices, accep- tance, and commitment. 1200 DUKE STREET, ALEXANDRIA, VA Q&A with Marc Carlini 703-549-5700

www.tjfannonandsons.com SCREENING #17 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10

AMC Hoffman Center 22 THEATRE 3 4–6 p.m.

THE KIDS WE LOSE 81 minutes, Nonfiction, Feature, USA Filmmaker: Lisa Wolfinger By the famed director of “Mercy Street,” an unflinching expose of how some educators approach the unique After the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade, join us on the waterfront needs and problems of some of society’s most vulnera- in Old Town Alexandria, December 7, for the 20th Annual Holiday ble and misunderstood kids. Boat Parade of Lights—part of Alexandria’s biggest holiday Q&A with filmmaker Lisa Wolfinger and Ross Greene, weekend! Enjoy new dockside festivities, the Torpedo Factory Art Center Holiday Festival, and more. Ph.D, executive producer VisitAlexandriaVA.com/Holidays

22 THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

ACE Hardware Franconia Family Medicine Ted’s Montana Grill Alexandria Commission for the Arts Galae Thai Restaurant Vaso’s Kitchen Alexandria Gazette Packet/ Glory Days Grill Visit Alexandria Connection Newspapers Highwood Theater West End Business Association Alexandria Hyundai Hilton Hotels Wilson Grand Communications Alexandria Living Magazine Hops N Shine The Zebra in Alexandria Alexandria Shoe Repair Jack Taylor’s Alexandria Toyota Alexandria Times Let’s Meat on the Avenue Alphagraphics Live Oak Restaurant Brandywine at Alexandria Nature’s Nibbles Burke & Herbert Nesbitt Realty Cheesetique Pizzeria Paradiso City Kitchen Rus Uz – Alexandria Cornellisen Beer San Antonio Bar & Grill Delia’s Restaurant Signs by Tomorrow The Foundry at Carlyle Thomas J. Fannon & Sons

23 Proud SuPPorter of The Alexandria Film Festival ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Special Thanks

Joe Cantwell DIYA Indian Cuisine Paul Wilson and Marjorie Klein Chadwicks Restaurant, Alexandria David Griffin Safeway on King Street Geneva Collins and Terry Fischer Harris Teeter at Foxchase Veronica Szalus Dennis McDonald Kimpton Lorien Hotel & Spa Chris Brownlowe Bittersweet Catering Lucy Gebre-Egziabher Whole Foods of Old Town Sweet Fire Donna’s Restaurant Namaste Jalsa Restaurant on Alexandria Living Magazine Giant Food at Alexandria Commons King Street Dan Yager

We greatly appreciate the support of our individual donors!

Chief David P. Baker (ret.) Cozetta Johnson Mary C. Harris Paul Gibberman, DDS Wendy and Doug Sanders Timothy Hall Geneva Collins and Terry Fischer Barbara Conner Susan Amber Gordon Margaret Wohler Rochelle Mayer Jeanne Feden David and Jane Blumenstein Lynda D. Williams Erika Dogan Laura Willner Susan Townsend Susan Cohen Dara Sanders Jim Scheye Mike and Buffy Brown Eileen Bradley Sylvia Saborio James Bradley Patti North Eileen O’Brien Babatunde Akinsanya Joan and Irwin Singer Dan and Beth Marks Thomas Batchelor Leslie Armstrong Penelope Pierce Edmund and Suzanne Berkey Barbara Tragakis Conner Chessa Lutter Susan Bickley Eugenie Ballering and Chris Wolz Chonda Long Elizabeth Biffl Betty Guttmann Wendi Kaplan and Kevin Dohman David and Jane Blumenstein Need Annual Reports? Susan Bickley Suzanne Johnson Tom and Judy Parkins Alexandria Film Festival Executive Committee Need Fund Raising Mailngs? Margaret Wohler, Chair Deborah Funk, Sponsorships Dara Sanders, Vice Chair Pat Miller, Sponsorships Ed Berkey, Technical Wizard Elisa Morsch, Graphic Design Eileen Bradley, Outreach, Sponsorships Patti North, Executive Director Gayle Converse, Public Relations Need Marketing Materials or Signs? We can help!

P 703.549.2432 | [email protected] | us635.alphagraphics.com 1001 N. Fairfax Street | Suite 100A | Alexandria, Virginia 22314

24 Proud SuPPorter of The Alexandria Film Festival

Need Annual Reports? Need Fund Raising Mailngs? Need Marketing Materials or Signs? We can help!

P 703.549.2432 | [email protected] | us635.alphagraphics.com 1001 N. Fairfax Street | Suite 100A | Alexandria, Virginia 22314

3 Welcome to

Features & Amenities

• Rooftop pool with outdoor heated deck Studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom • Rooftop entertaining area with lounge, fireplace, apartments coming to the heart and dining spaces of Alexandria in early 2020 • Three-story fitness facility • Lobby with home-inspired lounge and concierge Just moments from both Historic Old Town • Two-level sports bar/game room and Downtown DC, this rapidly growing urban • Pet run and spa neighborhood and economic epicenter offers unparalleled convenience and endless state-of-the- art amenities. From here you can go anywhere, be Modern living starts at home — anything, do everything. let us lay the foundation.

Learn more at FoundryALX.com @foundryalx