2023 Naples International Film Festival
Opening Night Film & Party
Walk the Red Carpet and Meet the Filmmakers
Opening Night Presentation
Hard Miles
2023, PG-13, U.S., Drama, 108 minutes
East Coast Premiere
Filmmakers in Attendance
Director: RJ Daniel Hanna
Producers: Scott Sander, Christian Sander
Writers: RJ Daniel Hanna, Christian Sander
Cast: Matthew Modine, Cynthia Kaye McWilliams, Sean Astin, Jahking Guillory, Jackson Kelly, Zachary T. Robbins, Damien Diaz, Leslie David Baker
Hard Miles tells the inspirational true story of the cycling team at Ridgeview Academy, a medium-security correctional school in Colorado. This is the story of how a group of troubled young men were able to shift gears on their life through the power of sport, led by social worker and cycling coach Greg Townsend (Matthew Modine).
Thursday, October 26 • Artis—Naples
6pm Red Carpet Walk, 7pm Film Presentation
Feature Films
Listed in Alphabetical Order
Narrative
All Happy Families
2023, NR, U.S., Comedy, 90 min
Florida Premiere
Filmmakers in Attendance
Juried Film
Director: Haroula Rose
Producers: Liz Cardenas, Ian Keiser, Mary Munez, Coburn Goss
Writers: Haroula Rose, Coburn Goss
Cast: Josh Radnor, Becky Ann Baker, Rob Huebel, Chandra Russell, John Ashton, Colleen Camp, David Pasquesi, Eliza Shin, Rodney Crowell, Antoine McKay
When news breaks of Will's (played by Rob Huebel) on-set misconduct allegations, his brother Graham (Josh Radnor) and his parents, Roy (John Ashton) and Sue (Becky Ann Baker), begin to unravel. As the family reconvenes in Chicago for the weekend, the recent exposé threatens to tear them apart.
Saturday, October 28, 7:30pm
Sunday, October 29, 11am
Documentary
Art For Everybody
2023, NR, U.S., Documentary, 99 min
Florida Premiere
Filmmakers in Attendance
Juried Film
Director: Miranda Yousef
Producers: Morgan Neville, Tim Rummel
Both celebrated and disparaged for his kitschy signature settings, Thomas Kinkade rocketed to popularity in the ’90s. Yet beneath his pristine public persona were demons that would drive him to alcoholism, scandal and death from an overdose in 2012. After discovering a trove of his unseen and unexpectedly dark paintings, Kinkade’s daughters launched an investigation into their father’s true personality.
Friday, October 27, 6pm
Saturday, October 28, 3:15pm
Narrative
Duelers
2023, NR, U.S., Musical Drama, 99 min
World Premiere
Filmmakers in Attendance
Director: Christian Cicerone
Producers: Danny Mooney, Drew De Four, Christian Cicerone
Writer: Drew De Four
Cast: Elisa Carlson, Tom McGovern, Drew De Four, Danny Korzelius, Shelby Winfrey, Kin Curran, Vince Orlandi
It’s the last night at a dueling piano bar, and nobody knows it. Five performers, known as “duelers,” start their night as they always do: with lots of shots, problems and a whole lot of music. But their nightly routine quickly crumbles into an epic crisis as the news circulates that the club has been sold.
Friday, October 27, 7:30pm
Saturday, October 28, 4:45pm
Narrative
Everybody Wants to Be Loved
2022, PG-13, Germany, Dramedy, 80 minutes
English and German with English Subtitles
Director: Katharina Woll
Producer: Markus Kaatsch
Writers: Florian Plumeyer, Katharina Woll
Cast: Anne Ratte-Polle, Lea Drinda, Ulrike Willenbacher, Urs Jucker, Hassan Akkouch, Jonas Hien
On a blisteringly hot summer day, psychotherapist Ina notices something is wrong with her—but she doesn't have time to worry about it. Ina is busy trying to please everyone else: her waiting patients, her moody daughter, her boyfriend and her self-centered mother celebrating her 70th — but she’s reaching her breaking point.
Friday, October 27, 11am
Sunday, October 29, 1:45pm
Documentary
Full Circle
2023, NR, U.S., Documentary, 103 minutes
Florida Premiere
Juried Film
Director: Josh Berman
Producers: Conor Smith, Roy Tuscany
Writers: Thomas Crandall, Josh Berman, Conor Smith
Cast: Trevor Kennison, Barry Corbet
Trevor Kennison and Barry Corbet each suffered devastating spinal cord injuries, 50 years apart. But injury didn’t stop them; Kennison became a remarkable sit-skiing athlete, and Corbet became a disability leader and activist. A heartwarming portrayal of resilience and reinvention, Full Circle tells their parallel stories, highlighting the way they hold on to their zeal for life.
Saturday, October 28, 6:15pm
Sunday, October 29, 11:15am
Documentary
Geoff McFetridge: Drawing a Life
2023, NR, U.S., Documentary, 81 minutes
Florida Premiere
Director: Dan Covert
Writers: Erik Auli, Dan Covert, Amy Dempsey, Tara Rose Stromberg
Cast: Geoff McFetridge, Spike Jonze, Sofia Coppola, Sarah DeVincentis
The artwork of Geoff McFetridge has been featured everywhere, from your Apple watch to worldwide galleries and the side of buildings. What sets him apart is his quest for balance as a father, ultramarathoner and designer. Deeply thoughtful and illuminating, this documentary delves into McFetridge’s life and the universal questions of what makes a fulfilling life.
Friday, October 27, 12:15pm
Sunday, October 29, 6:45pm
Narrative
Grey Matter
2023, PG-13, U.K., Drama, 100 minutes
U.S. Premiere
Filmmakers in Attendance
Director: Arabella Burfitt-Dons
Producer: Nicola Barrell
Writer: Elizabeth Hrib
Cast: Eloise Smyth, Stephanie Beacham, Elizabeth Berrington, Harry Kirton, Kierston Wareing, Paul Brennen, Sunetra Sarker, Brooke Burfitt
Chloe has never been close with her nan, Peg. But when Peg gets diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and moves into the family home, Chloe becomes her stay-at-home caregiver overnight. After realizing how precious their time together is, Chloe helps her nan come up with a ‘f***-it list,’ and they decide to make Peg’s last memorable summer unforgettable.
Friday, October 27, 5:30pm
Saturday, October 28, 11am
Documentary
Happy Clothes: A Film About Patricia Field
2023, NR, U.S., Documentary, 100 minutes
Florida Premiere
Filmmakers in Attendance
Director: Michael Selditch
Producers: Donald Zuckerman, Samuel J. Paul, Michael Selditch
Cast: Patricia Field, Kim Cattrall, Lily Collins, Sarah Jessica Parker, Darren Star, Michael Urie, Vanessa Williams, Bresha Webb
Happy Clothes is a candid, fly-on-the-wall glimpse into the extraordinary life of Oscar-nominated and Emmy-winning costume designer Patricia Field, whose unique vision has impacted fashion and popular culture for nearly six decades. When she opened her clothing store in 1960s New York City, the odds were stacked against her — but she quickly proved herself as a savvy businesswoman and creative genius.
Friday, October 27, 7:30pm
Sunday, October 29, 11:30pm
Narrative
Heightened
2023, NR, U.S., Comedy, 98 minutes
Florida Premiere
Filmmakers in Attendance
Director: Sara Friedman
Producers: John Hermann, Matt Ratner, Sara Friedman
Writer: Sara Friedman
Cast: Sara Friedman, Dave Register, Mike Mitchell, Xander Berkeley, Sarah Clarke
After a particularly bad panic attack, Nora returns home to live with her parents in Maine, As part of her psychiatric treatment, Nora is assigned to volunteer at her local state park. There, she meets Dusty — her neurotic new supervisor who dreams of becoming a real park ranger — and romantic feelings bloom.
Saturday, October 28, 5:45pm
Sunday, October 29, 2pm
Documentary
Immediate Family
2023, NR, U.S., Documentary, 102 minutes
Filmmakers in Attendance
Director: Denny Tedesco
Producers: Jack Piatt, Greg Richling, Jonathan Sheldon
Cast: Carole King, James Taylor, Linda Rondstadt, Keith Richards, Don Henley, David Crosby, Jackson Browne, Lyle Lovett and Phil Collins
Immediate Family follows the rise of legendary session musicians Danny Kortchmar, Leland Sklar, Russ Kunkel and Waddy Wachtel through the 1970s and onward, chronicling their star-studded collaborations and hit songwriting. The group worked with some of rock’s most iconic voices — including Carole King, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Keith Richards, Stevie Nicks and more.
Friday, October 27, 3:15pm
Sunday, October 29, 6:30pm
Narrative
Karaoke
2022, NR, Israel, Comedy, 100 minutes
Hebrew with English Subtitles
Director: Moshe Rosenthal
Producer: Efrat Cohen
Writer: Moshe Rosenthal
Cast: Lior Ashkenazi, Sasson Gabay, Rita Shukrun
Karaoke follows Tova and Meir — an old married couple with 46 years of marriage and two grown daughters. They live a comfortable life, with Meir currently on sabbatical from his academic professorship and Tova running a boutique shop. Their lives get a jolt of excitement when their new upstairs neighbor, Itzik, invites them to his penthouse for a karaoke night. An enigmatic and charismatic bachelor, Tova and Meir fall hard for Itzik’s energetic lifestyle and irresistible charm. Before long, they find themselves competing against their other neighbors — and even each other — as everyone tries to win Itzik’s prized attention.
Friday, October 27, 2:45pm
Sunday, October 29, 4:30pm
Documentary
Karen Carpenter: Starving for Perfection
2023, NR, U.S., Documentary, 110 minutes
Filmmakers in Attendance
Director: Randy Martin
Producer: Andy Streitfeld
Writer: Randy Schmidt
Cast: Olivia Newton-John, Carol Burnett, Carnie Wilson, Cynthia Gibb, Kristin Chenoweth, Cubby O-Brien, Belinda Carlisle
As the No. 1 American musical act of the 1970s, The Carpenters produced a string of pop music masterpieces. But behind closed doors, Karen Carpenter’s quest for perfection resulted in low self-esteem, a disheartening love life and a very public battle with anorexia nervosa — the eating disorder that resulted in her untimely death at the age of only 32.
Friday, October 27, 2pm
Saturday, October 28, 4:30pm
Narrative
La Syndicaliste
2023, NR, France, Investigative Thriller, 122 minutes
French with English Subtitles
Director: Jean-Paul Salomé
Cast: Isabelle Huppert, Grégory Gadebois, François-Xavier Demaison
La Syndicaliste follows the true story of Maureen Kearney (Isabelle Huppert), the head union representative of a French nuclear powerhouse who becomes a
whistleblower when she discovers international backroom dealings. Surrounded by powerful enemies and unable to trust anyone, Maureen must stand up for justice and fight against the targeted suspicion cast on her name.
Friday, October 27, 4:45pm
Sunday, October 29, 5:30pm
Narrative
Long December
2023, NR, U.S., Musical Drama, 80 minutes
Florida Premiere
Filmmakers in Attendance
Director: Thomas Torrey
Producers: Thomas Torrey, Brad Jayne
Writer: Thomas Torrey
Cast: Stephen Williams, Charley Koontz, John Mark McMillan, Maximiliano Hernández, Emily Althaus
Long December is a drama that follows a struggling artist pursuing his dream of music. Channeling the spirit of singer/songwriter musicals like Once and A Star is Born — and embracing the melancholy hue of the holidays in America — Long December is a story about music, dreams and the heavy hopes we carry.
Friday, October 27, 7:45pm
Saturday, October 28, 2pm
Documentary
Maestra
2023, NR, U.S., Documentary, 88 minutes
Florida Premiere
Juried Film
Director: Maggie Contreras
Producers: Maggie Contreras, Neil Berkeley, Emma West, Melanie Miller, Lauren Lexton
Cast: Mélisse Brunet, Tamara Dworetz, Zoe Zeniodi, Ustina Dubitsky, Anna Sułkowska-Migoń
In the male-dominated world of orchestral conducting, five incredible women are breaking the glass ceiling and taking center stage. Filmmaker Maggie Contreras’ directorial debut follows the inspiring work of five women who gather in Paris to partake in La Maestra, the only competition in the world for female conductors.
Saturday, October 28, 11:45am
Sunday, October 29, 1:15pm
Narrative
Mr. Blake at Your Service!
2023, NR, France, Comedy, 110 minutes
East Coast Premiere
French and English
Director: Gilles Legardinier
Writer: Gilles Legardinier
Cast: John Malkovich, Emilie Dequenne, Fanny Ardant, Philippe Bas, Eugenie Anselin, Al Ginter, Anne Brionne, Christel Henon, Konstantin Rommelfangen, Hugo Malpeyre, Philippe Meyrer
When Mr. Blake signs up to be a butler at Domaine de Beauviller estate in France, he’s hoping for a peaceful fresh start — but he finds the rundown manor and its colorful residents to be in even worse shape than he is. Will Mr. Blake be able to help the manor and its residents find a new lease on life?
Saturday, October 28, 8:45pm
Sunday, October 29, 4pm
Documentary
Out There: A National Parks Story
2023, G, U.S., Documentary, 75 minutes
Filmmakers in Attendance
Director: Brendan Hall
Producers: Anthony Blake, Graham Raubvogel, Sandra Tan
Writer: Brendan Hall
Cast: Gary Stellpflug, Jack Gladstone, Julia Michalski, Q.T. Luong, Jim Hall
A young filmmaker sets out on a 10,000-mile exploration of the U.S. national parks with his childhood friend, documenting conversations with the people they meet along the way. Featuring the stunning visuals of our sweeping American landscape, this film is a love letter to the National Park Service and its adoring supporters.
Friday, October 27, 5:15pm
Saturday, October 28, 12pm
Documentary
Pianoforte
2023, NR, Poland, Documentary, 91 minutes
Polish with English Subtitles
Director: Jakub Piątek
Producer: Maciej Kubicki
Writer: Jakub Piątek
Cast: Leonora Armellini, Michelle Candotti, Alexander Gadjiev, Eva Gevorgyan, Hao Rao, Marcin Wieczorek
Every five years, contestants flock to the legendary International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, Poland. Out of 160 preliminary pianists, only 12 make it to the final. Pianoforte follows an eclectic group of young musicians from around the world who have spent their childhood preparing for this once in a-lifetime opportunity.
Friday, October 27, 3:45pm
Sunday, October 29, 5pm
Documentary
The Longest Goodbye
2023, NR, Canada and Israel, Documentary, 87 minutes
Director: Ido Mizrahy
Producers: Paul Cadieux, Ido Mizrahy, Nir Sa’ar
Writers: Ido Mizrahy, Nir Sa'ar
Social isolation affects millions of people — even Mars-bound astronauts. A savvy NASA psychologist is tasked with protecting these daring explorers from the emotional turbulence of intergalactic adventure.
Friday, October 27, 12pm
Sunday, October 29, 3:30pm
Narrative
The Problem of the Hero
2023, NR, U.S., Drama, 85 minutes
Florida Premiere
Filmmakers in Attendance
Juried Film
Director: Shaun Dozier
Producers: Ayana Johnson, Gravel Films
Writers: James A. Hodge, Ian Finley
Cast: J. Mardrice Henderson, David zum Brunnen, Derrick Ivey, Brandon Haynes, Josephine Hall, Charlie Cannon, Alex Yeames, Annie McElroy, Lex Wilson
It’s March of 1941, and Richard Wright is teaming up with playwright Paul Green to create a stage adaptation of his bestselling book. But as opening night inches closer, the writers are battling over issues of race, social justice, politics and creative agency. The argument threatens to ruin the show — and their friendship.
Friday, October 27, 1:30pm
Saturday, October 28, 8:15pm
Narrative
Scrap
2022, NR, U.S., Drama, 105 minutes
Florida Premiere
Filmmakers in Attendance
Juried Film
Director: Vivian Kerr
Writer: Vivian Kerr
Cast: Vivian Kerr, Anthony Rapp, Lana Parrilla, Beth Dover, Khleo Thomas
Beth has recently been laid off and struggles to maintain the appearance of a successful middle-class lifestyle as she bounces around Los Angeles. Hoping to land a new job and change her situation before her estranged older brother Ben finds out, Beth must confront her own pride and reconnect with her brother in order to provide for her young daughter, Birdy. Meanwhile, Ben and his wife, Stacy, consider a third round of IVF. Stacy, a successful attorney, must reevaluate her own conflicted relationship with motherhood.
Friday, October 27, 8pm
Saturday, October 28, 1:30pm
Shorts
A Selection of Short Films Packaged by Theme
Shorts Package
True Stories
79 minutes
Film Premieres
Filmmakers in Attendance
Something hits different when you read those infamous words: “based on a true story.” From the sunbaked farmlands of Southwest Florida to the icy waters of Lake Michigan, meet some of today’s real-life heroes!
Swimming Through
The Face of Immokalee
In Cod We Trust
The Orchestra Chuck Built
Funny Not Funny
Friday, October 27, 8:30pm
Saturday, October 28, 10:45am
Shorts Package
Family Affair
81 minutes
Film Premieres
Filmmakers in Attendance
There’s no drama like family drama. Our families have the power to profoundly shape us — for better or for worse. From fathers and sons to birds and their precious eggs, this package covers it all.
Not the Same Clarence
Boom
Nisei
A Moment for Glory
Shadow Brother Sunday
Saturday, October 28, 7:15pm
Sunday, October 29, 2:15pm
Shorts Package
Journeys
88 minutes
Film Premieres
Filmmakers in Attendance
Sometimes, we choose to embark on a journey. And sometimes, life decides to take us for a whirl. Will the winsome characters in this package of short films get to where they need to go?
The Old Young Crow
The Lost Couriers
In Wonderland
Soldiers
I Am What You Imagine
To My Father
Friday, October 27, 11:15am
Saturday, October 28, 1pm
Shorts Package
Viewpoints
77 minutes
Film Premieres
Filmmakers in Attendance
Looking through a new lens can totally alter your feelings or opinions. Filmmakers can prompt these shifts with artful scripts and the gentle nudge of cinematography. Come see what these filmmakers have to show you!
Closing Dynasty
They Grow Up So Fast
Pickled Herring
Sandpaper
Saturday, October 28, 7:30pm
Sunday, October 29, 11:45am
Shorts Package
Unexpected Outcomes
84 minutes
Film Premieres
Filmmakers in Attendance
The element of surprise is one of every filmmaker’s favorite tools. A perfect twist can prompt laughter, drama or even fear. From weird to whimsical, these are some of our favorite shorts with unexpected outcomes.
Mystic Tiger
Autumn Leaves
Infraction
FairPlay
Poof
The Father, the Son and the Rav Kalmenson
Friday, October 27, 1pm
Saturday, October 28, 4pm
Shorts Package
Student Filmmaker Showcase
76 minutes
Film Premieres
The student filmmakers today are the Hollywood stars of tomorrow! Tap into the boundless creativity of the next generation’s cinematic endeavors.
K-12 Division
Memento Mori
College/University Division
Farewell
Shelter
Proposal
SAR
Cubicle
Dandelion
Saturday, October 28, 2:15pm
Talks & Panel Discussions
Conversations with Filmmakers
Tales from the Set
2023 NIFF Panel Discussion
60 minutes
Filmmakers in Attendance
Panelists:
Arabella Burfitt-Dons, director Grey Matter
John Hermann, producer, Heightened
Haroula Rose, director, All Happy Families
Michael Selditch, director, Happy Clothes
Vivian Kerr, director/actor, Scrap
Moderator:
Elaine Newton, Artis—Naples resident film critic
What happens behind the scenes can be as interesting as what ends up on screen. Get an inside look at what it's really like to make a movie.
Friday, October 27, 10am
Film of Art
2023 NIFF Panel Discussion
60 minutes
Filmmakers in Attendance
Panelists:
Danny Mooney, director, Sandpaper, and producer, Duelers
Thomas Torrey, director, Long December
Miranda Yousef, director, Art for Everybody
David zum Brunnen, EP/featured actor, The Problem of the Hero
Moderator:
Elaine Newton, Artis—Naples resident film critic
Explore how film can reflect and enhance our understanding of the visual and performing arts and the artists who create and perform it.
Saturday, October 28, 10am
Closing Night
Food, Fun, Awards and Film
Awards Ceremony, Film & Wrap Party
2023 Naples International Film Festival Awards
Filmmakers in Attendance
There’s no better way to cap your Naples International Film Festival experience than by attending the Closing Night Awards Ceremony. Enjoy food, fun and a chance to celebrate the very best work NIFF brought to Naples this year.
Sunday, October 29, 5:30pm
Closing Night Film
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in Concert
1982, PG, U.S., Science Fiction Drama, 114 minutes
Film score with full orchestra
Film and live concert performance
Join Jack Everly and the Naples Philharmonic as they befriend the galaxy’s friendliest alien! Experience Steven Spielberg’s Academy Award-winning film like never before with a live screening as Jack and the orchestra perform John Williams’ iconic score onstage.
Sunday, October 29, 7:30pm