Directed by Matt Finlin | 90’ | Canada
A true love letter to independent movie theatres, THE MOVIE MAN introduces us to colorful entrepreneur Keith Stata and his bizarre multiplex set deep in the forest of small-town Ontario, Canada. Keith opened Highlands Cinemas during the summer of 1979. What began as a single screen, transformed into a 5-screen multiplex showing first-run films over the course of its history. But after 40 years in business, Keith is forced to confront his current limitations, dwindling health, and a global pandemic.
Changes in technology, dwindling ticket sales, a popcorn-eating bear, and his 50 cats all contribute to the chaos. Despite his steadfast passion, we follow Keith as he is beaten down with issues and complications due to COVID-19. With no family and few friends to help, Keith is confronted with insurmountable challenges of keeping his unlikely cinema open for another season.
Preceded by the Short Film:
WHEN THE GIFTS ARRIVE – directed by Sergio Eduardo Munoz Esquer | 14’’ | Mexico
A night in the life of Felipe, a man who travels Mexico’s state of Chihuahua dressed as Santa Claus, delivering gifts to public hospitals. The story explores every aspect of the gift-giving process, from the physical to the emotional.
