Men in Crises at Raindance Film Festival

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Sit back and enjoy these terse and dynamic stories about men in crises dealing with life-changing events from the four corners of the world.

Back to Maracana 

UK premiere / Israel / Director Jorge Gurevich

Tue 24 Sept 8:45pm Wed 25 Sept 3:30pm Tickets HERE

Roberto, divorced with a failing business; his son Itay, a spoiled child who despises football; and father Samuel, a terminally ill football enthusiast, depart spontaneously to the World Cup games in Brazil – their former homeland. Their unplanned trip turns into an emotional journey that changes all of them forever.

Coureur

UK premiere / Narrative Feature / Belgium, Italy / Director Kenneth Mercken

Thu 19 Sept 5:45pm Fri 20 Sept 12:45pm Tickets HERE

Felix wants to become a cycling pro no matter what, overshadowing his father Mathieu, who seeks to redress his own failed dreams of cycling glory. Felix turns out to be incredibly gifted, becoming the national junior champion. But the merciless competition and Felix’s feeble health may spell his downfall.

A Dobugawa Dream   

International Premiere / In Competition / Japan Narrative Feature / Directed by Asato Watanabe

PLEASE NOTE director Asato Watanabe and main actor Yuwa Kitagaki will attend the Q&A

Mon 23 Sept 9pm Tue 24 Sept 4pm Tickets HERE

After the death of his classmate, a young boy shuts himself away from his friends and family. One day something cracks inside of him and he decides to wander through the streets to find a new path.

Inmate #1: The Rise of Danny Trejo

UK Premiere / USA / Director Brett Harvey

Sun 22 Sept 11am Mon 23 Sept 10:15am Tickets HERE

71 years in the making, Inmate #1: The Rise of Danny Trejo is the feature documentary experience revealing the extraordinary life journey of Hollywood's most unlikely hero, Danny Trejo.

From an early life of drugs, armed robbery and hard prison time, to the red carpets of Hollywood blockbusters and helping troubled addicts. Danny gives a first hand account of one of the greatest transformations of human character ever put to film.

To this day, Danny continues to council recovering addicts and speak at state prisons. After 46 years of sobriety, he never forgets his roots and pays forward that which has been bestowed on him. Having spent 71 years starring in a personal expedition that outshines any Hollywood fiction, Inmate #1: The Rise of Danny Trejo, is the shocking story of one mans capacity to overcome his demons, only to discover redemption through the most unlikely of journeys.

Through the exploration of his old stomping ground and the supporting cast of family, friends and some of the worlds biggest stars, join Danny Trejo as he delivers a raw and sobering account of his transformation from a hardened criminal, to celebrated Hollywood icon and beloved friend of all who cross his path.

—Brett Harvey

The Long Haul: The Story of the Buckaroos

International premiere / Documentary / In Competition / Country: USA / Director Amy Enser

Sat 21 Sept 5:45pm Sun 22 Sept 12:45pm Tickets HERE

In the style of Magic Mike and The Full Monty, seven average joes defy traditional masculine stereotypes by putting a comedic twist on the archetypal male revue. This rag-tag group sets out to redefine masculinity, and prove that vulnerability, humility, inclusion, and respect can be the antithesis to toxic masculinity.

Oray

UK premiere / Narrative Feature / Germany / In Competition / Directed by Mehmet Akif Büyükatalay

Fri 27 Sept 9pm Sat 28 Sept 1:15pm Tickets HERE

Oray strives to be good but struggles with his shady past. When his dream of being the perfect Muslim and husband is suddenly shattered, he goes to Cologne, where he tries to rebuild his life in a new Muslim community. But he is constantly torn between his faith and identity.

Spell

UK Premiere / Narrative Feature / Iceland/USA / Directed by Brendan Walter

Fri 20 Sept 8:30pm Sat 21 Sept 3:30pm Tickets HERE

Following the unexpected death of his fiance, an American illustrator embarks on a soul-searching journey across the isolated Icelandic countryside, only to become drawn into a supernatural world of ancient runes and secrets. Unless, that is, it’s all in his head.