panchita_jones

I was fortunate enough to catch this film at the 2017 Newport Beach Film Festival, and it lingered with me for days. It's no surprise it took home the Jury award for best film.

There was something ethereal about the Scottish landscapes that gave this movie a sort of quietness. The performances were so strong, with Tara Lee, Christy O'Donnell and Jack Parry-Jones (NBFF Best Actor winner) dominating throughout. Even the supporting actors, in the roles of the parents, had a powerful presence.

It would be trite to call this a coming-of-age film, but in many respects it is. The situations in which the characters find themselves create a transformation and maturing of each. Well worth the watch.

I recently watched this film at the Newport Beach Film Festival. It is such a fun story with great music and acting. A lot of fresh new faces. I love when the underdog triumphs, as in this story. I'm sure there are a lot of guys out there like this main character: searching for recognition and acknowledgment in an industry obsessed with youth.

You don't have to love punk music to love this movie. I was surprised to learn from the director, writers and producer at the Q&A afterward that this was all based on a true story about The Alarm and Mike Peters. It wasn't even over yet and I wanted to watch it again!

I hope this film has a wider distribution in the United States. I'm not sure if or when there is a general release date.

I had the privilege to watch the world premiere screening of this film at the San Sebastian International Film Festival. It is a visually stunning film that draws you in from the very beginning. This first-time director from Mallorca, Spain, was fortunate to have two powerful actors in his film - Harvey Keitel and Lauren Bacall - and used them both superbly. Bacall's performance was the most impressive as well as the rich costumes and set designs. Nilo Mur, in the role of Miles, was the surprise enchantment of the film. Don't miss it!