If there was ever a reason to make one last attempt to get to something at the 13th annual Independent Film Festival Boston, then tonight’s Closing Night film is it! Alas, there are only rush tickets left, but if you can get them you can be among those special privledged few to see the Boston premiere of this years’ DOUBLE WINNER at Sundance! Here’s the full info from the official IFFB website at http://iffboston.org!
Me And Earl And The Dying Girl (Rush tickets only) – Coolidge Corner Theatre, 7:30 PM
Greg Gaines is an awkward, self-deprecating high school student determined to coast through his senior year as anonymously as possible. Avoiding social interactions like the plague, Greg spends most of his time remaking wacky versions of classic movies with his only friend, Earl. Greg’s well-meaning mother intervenes, forcing him to befriend Rachel, a classmate who’s been diagnosed with leukemia. Against his better judgment, Greg concedes. Both Greg and Rachel are surprised—even shocked—to find out that they actually like each other. Tentative at first, this unlikely duo becomes inseparable. But when Rachel gets sicker, Greg’s well-fortified world is changed forever. Bristling with wit from a clever screenplay by Jesse Andrews, director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon’s second feature is a poignant coming-of-age tale peppered with hilarious graphics and enchanting performances from its mostly young cast. Starring Thomas Mann, whose layered portrayal of Greg could skyrocket his promising career, ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL will tickle your funny bone and tug at your heart. Screenwriter Jesse Andrews will be in attendance and will do a Q&A after the film.
“Me and Earl” won both the Jury Prize AND the Audience Award for best picture at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival in January, and star Thomas Mann is an alum of eCinemaOne’s annual Rising Stars Honors – he made the list in 2011 after his supporting turn in TC’s Poppy-winning Best Picture of 2010, It’s Kind Of A Funny Story. Now, this film is poised to blast him to the top of the A List, and he’s already getting Oscar buzz for the film as well. And as if that isn’t enough, you will soon find him hard to avoid at your local theatres – he has three more films coming up in addition to “Me & Earl” – Welcome To Me (May 2), Barely Lethal (May 29), and The Stanford Prison Experiment (August TBD). And “Me & Earl” hits theaters on June 12.
We hope everyone had a great time at IFFB this year – I know we did! And we hope to see you tonight at the Coolidge – and here’s to next year’s IFFB too!
Don’t forget, our sister site eCinemaOne will have a HUGE podcast devoted to the ENTIRE spring festival season soon – Subject:CINEMA’s Fifth Annual “Boston Springs A Fethival” show will be up on May 10, complete with a huge PDF Magazine featuring a ton of links to the over 100 films that played the festival circuit this spring! Don’t miss it! Check it out at Subject:CINEMA !