CHUCK NORRIS VS COMMUNISM, Dir. Ilinca Calugareanu
World Cinema Documentary Competition (World Premiere)

John Battsek and Brett Ratner are among the producers of this wonderfully entertaining documentary that pulls back the curtain on how the arrival of VHS in 1980s Romania didn't just signal a media revolution—it helped overthrow a regime. Hidden from the scrutinizing eyes of the Secret Police, Irina Nistor dubbed thousands of foreign blockbusters that were smuggled into the country illegally. For the millions who attended secret screenings all over the country, these movies provided a glimpse into the forbidden West, resplendent with blue jeans, Coca-Cola and fast cars. It was a view of freedom that helped sow the seeds of revolution and Irina's voice became a unifying one of defiance for her Romanian fans. Through interviews, footage and evocative reenactments, the film tells the tale of Nistor, her mysterious employer and the movies whose hilariously bloated American propagandizing created unlikely heroes to those on the other side of the Iron Curtain. Acquisition title. (79 min.)

Friday, Jan. 23, 8:30pm – Prospector Square Theatre
Saturday, Jan. 24, 3:30pm – Redstone Cinema 1
PRESS: Sunday, Jan. 25, 11:30am – Holiday Village 1
Tuesday, Jan. 27, 6:00pm – Salt Lake City Tower Theatre
Thursday, Jan. 29, midnight – Egyptian Theatre
Friday, Jan. 30, 3:00pm – Egyptian Theatre

Attending: Director Ilinca Calugareanu, subject Ilina Nistor, producers Mara Adina & Brett Ratner and exec. prod. John Battsek

Press materials: www.chucknorrisvscommunism.co.uk
 

DREAMCATCHER, Dir. Kim Longinotto
World Cinema Documentary Competition (World Premiere)

On the West Side of Chicago at 3:00am, a van with the words "Dreamcatcher Foundation" emblazoned across the side cruises through the dimly lit streets. The two women inside are Brenda Myers-Powell and Stephanie Daniels-Wilson, survivors of the sex trade. The van slows down as they approach a young girl. Brenda leans out and calls, "Hey pretty, do you need some condoms?" This opening scene takes you immediately into the sharp end of the world of Dreamcatcher, vividly directed by master documentarian Kim Longinotto. Brenda became a prostitute as a teenager, developed a drug addiction, and years later came out the other side. Her experience, combined with her irresistible personality, puts her in a unique position to help other trafficked women reclaim their lives. With warmth and humor, Brenda gives hope to those who have none. (98 min.)

PRESS: Saturday, Jan. 24, 12:30pm – Holiday Village 3
Sunday, Jan. 25, 6:00pm – Yarrow Hotel Theatre
Monday, Jan. 26, 3:45pm – Salt Lake City Broadway Centre Cinema 3
Wednesday, Jan. 28, 7:00pm – Redstone Cinema 2
Friday, Jan. 30, 9:00am – Yarrow Hotel Theatre
Saturday, Jan. 31, 3:15pm – Holiday Village 2

Attending: Director Kim Longinotto, subject Brenda Myers-Powell

Press materials: www.dogwoof.com
 

WHAT HAPPENED, MISS SIMONE?, Dir. Liz Garbus
Documentary Premieres (World Premiere) Opening Night Film

Classically trained pianist, dive-bar chanteuse, black power icon and legendary recording artist, Nina Simone lived a life of brutal honesty, musical genius and tortured melancholy. She was the consummate live performer who could spellbind her audience into an almost religious reverie. Her distinctly emotional style had an appeal that crossed race and gender boundaries, while blending elements of jazz, blues, soul, folk and classical music. In this epic documentary, Oscar-nominated director Liz Garbus interweaves never-before-heard recordings and rare archival footage together with Nina's most memorable songs, to create an unforgettable portrait of one of the least understood, yet most beloved, artists of our time. A Netflix Original Documentary. (102 min.)

Thursday, Jan. 22, 5:45pm – Eccles Theatre
PRESS: Thursday, Jan. 22, 6:30pm – Yarrow Hotel Theatre
Friday, Jan. 23, 8:30am – The MARC
Friday, Jan. 23, 6:00pm – Salt Lake City Library Theatre
Friday, Jan. 30, 12:30pm – Redstone Cinema 1
Saturday, Jan. 31, 9:00pm – Salt Lake City Library Theatre

Attending: Director Liz Garbus, musician Al Schackman

Press materials: https://pr.netflix.com

WHITE GOD, Dir. Kornél Mundruczó
Spotlight (North American Premiere)

Hungarian filmmaker Kornél Mundruczó's staggering vision of dogs driven to rise up against their human masters was a sensation at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Un Certain Regard prize. When 13-year-old Lili is forced to give up her beloved dog Hagen because its mixed-breed heritage is deemed "undesirable" by the State, she and the dog begin a dangerous journey back toward each other. The series of events that follows leads to a full-scale canine uprising in a film that blends a coming-of-age narrative, political allegory and rousing revenge tale. Filmed with a cast of over 200 dogs, thrills run the gamut, from scenes of Hagen bonding with fellow street mutts to dramatic chase sequences as the dogs tear through the city in this one-of-a-kind adventure tale. Opens on March 27 through Magnolia Pictures. (119 min.)

PRESS: Friday, Jan. 23, 11:30am – Holiday Village 1
Friday, Jan. 23, 9:00pm – Salt Lake City Library Theatre
Sunday, Jan. 25, 8:30pm – The MARC
Saturday, Jan. 31, midnight – Egyptian Theatre

Attending: Director Kornél Mundruczó, canine star "Bodie"
and dog trainer Teresa Ann Miller

PRESS DAY: Monday, Jan. 26 (director also available on Jan. 27)

Press materials: www.magpictures.com