Mammoth Lakes Film Festival features nine West Coast, U.S., World Premieres

Sept. 22-26 at various venues in Mammoth

The seventh annual Mammoth Lakes Film Festival will take place, in-person, from Sept. 22-26 at venues across Mammoth Lakes.

The festival will open on Sept. 22 with the West Coast Premiere of “Ultrasound,” the feature debut by director Rob Schroeder, based on the graphic novel Generous Bosom. Cast includes Vincent Kartheiser, Chelsea Lopez, Breeda Wool and Tunde Adebimpe.

Closing night on Sept. 26 will feature the West Coast Premiere of “First Step” directed by Brandon Kramer, a documentary that follows Van Jones as he draws storms of controversy for working across party lines on a landmark criminal justice reform bill.

“This has been undoubtedly a tough year for everyone,” said Festival Director Shira Dubrovner. “But we are excited to return to some semblance of normalcy with this year’s in-person festival. The community of filmmakers that we bring together in Mammoth Lakes is truly remarkable. While we are taking every precaution to keep it safe, we are delighted to create this unique event and return to the shared cinematic experience.”

A few highlights:

West Coast Premiere:

What Josiah Saw (USA) – In this thrilling and suspenseful Southern Gothic tale, three siblings are all living twisted lives as a consequence of buried family secrets. Eventually they reunite at the old farmhouse to dig up their past sins.

Cast includes Robert Patrick (Terminator 2), Nick Stahl (In The Bedroom), Scott Haze (Child of God), Kelli Garner (Lars and the Real Girl), Tony Hale (Veep) and Jake Weber (Dawn of the Dead). Directed by Vincent Grashaw. Written by Robert Alan Dilts.

International Narrative Feature:

A Trip to the Moon (Iran) – Sounds are mechanical waves remaining in the space without disappearing. Zoya has gone to the Moon. Directed and written by Mohammadreza Shayan-nejad.

Hurrah, We Are Still Alive! (Poland) – There’s high-stakes personal and political intrigue as a commune of filmmakers awaits the return of the Director, their leader, who has disappeared without a trace. In this debut feature from visual artist Agnieszka Polska, the narrative weaves in and out of a rich and colorful dream state. Directed and written by Agnieszka Polska.

North American Documentary Feature: Larry Flynt for President (USA) – “Larry Flynt for President” chronicles the wild ride of the Hustler Magazine publisher’s campaign for president in 1983. Directed by Nadia Szold.

North American Premiere: World Premiere:

El Father Plays Himself (UK) – A young film director returns to Venezuela, inspired to make a film based on his father’s life in the Amazon jungle. Directed by Mo Scarpelli. West Coast Premiere

FOR TICKETS AND SCHEDULE

• Go to www.mammothlakesfilmfestival.com for more information or connect on Facebook and Twitter.