ON THE ROAD
Indie filmmaker takes ‘Phoenix, Oregon’ on 70-city screening tour
Bowling alleys, pizza and aliens.
They sound like the trifecta when it comes to films.
They’re also some elements that the independent feature “Phoenix, Oregon” possesses.
The film will make its New Mexico premiere with screenings at the Guild Cinema on Wednesday, July 10. The times are 3:30, 6 and 8:30 p.m.
The film is on a 70-city national screening tour.
“We wanted as many eyes to see this film as possible,” says Molly Kreuzman, co-producer. “The independent film world wants you to go through festivals, and that can get expensive. We decided to take the movie on the road on our own and screen it across the country.”
Kreuzman says this film has heart.
It stars James LeGros, Jesse Borrego, Lisa Edelstein, Reynaldo Gallegos, Diedrich Bader and Kevin Corrigan.
The film tells the story of Bobby, played by LeGros, and Carlos, played by Borrego, who are defying midlife haze. The two seize an unlikely opportunity to reinvent their lives, quitting their jobs to restore an old bowling alley and serve the “world’s greatest pizza.”
Despite controlling bosses, dead-end jobs and broken relationships, the two leads
must awaken hibernating courage and resilience to take new risks and keep dreams alive.
“We showed it recently in Oregon, and the whole audience erupted in cheers,” she says. “The pacing is a little slower, but you get to build the story and meet the characters. By the end, you don’t want it to be over. You find yourself rooting for the characters. That’s one of the main reasons I jumped on this project.”
The film was written, directed and edited by Gary Lundgren. Also producing are Annie Lundgren and Luis Rodriguez.
Production took place over 21 days.
Kruezman says the cast signed on because of previously working with Gary Lundgren.
“Gary had worked with Diedrich (Bader) before, and he was the one who helped get the rest of the cast,” she says. “The really neat part is that the entire process has felt like a family.”
There will also be an Q&A session after the screenings on Wednesday, July 10. SEND ME YOUR TIPS: If you know of a movie filming in the state, or are curious about one, email film@ABQjournal. com. Follow me on Twitter @ agomezART.