The 11th Chain NYC Film Festival taking place August 4 – 13, 2023, announced the diverse lineup of over 180 features, shorts, and web series, both narrative and documentaries. The festival wilI showcase the work of a variety of artists including Golden Globe-winner Jacqueline Bisset, Academy Award-nominee Andrew Chesworth, Hugh Dancy, Morgan Fairchild, Corey Feldman, Robin Givens, Tony Award-winner James Naughton, Academy Award-winner Mercedes Ruehl, Jefferson White.
Festival Highlights include:
THE NANA PROJECT
Set in the competitive world of chess, we follow Nana’s journey in a heartwarming feel-good comedy about reuniting her grandsons and supporting her retirement community. Starring Academy Award-winner Mercedes Ruehl (The Fisher King, Lost in Yonkers, Hustlers, The Last Action Hero), Nolan Gould (Modern Family), Morgan Fairchild (Falcon Crest, Flamingo Road) and Charlene Tilton (Dallas). Directed by Robin Givens (Boomerang, Riverdale, Batwoman).
THE MISPRINT
Starring Jefferson White (Yellowstone)–When a reformed criminal receives a cry for help from his former partner in crime, he finds himself back in the game with no way out but through. Directed by Adam Volerich.
THE BRAVE LOCOMOTIVE
Directed and written by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Andrew Chesworth. Old West musical tale with 1940s Andrews Sisters flair about a mighty little train facing harrowing disaster. Chesworth co-wrote and co-directed the animated short film One Small Step at Taiko Studios. Prior to that, he was an animator at Disney on such films as Frozen, Big Hero 6, Zootopia, and more. He is also an experienced character designer and director of animated commercials.
MONSTR
This animated short starring Corey Feldman (Stand By Me, The Lost Boys, The Goonies) was directed by Tank Standing Buffalo. How do you go on living when everything is taken from you in the blink of an eye? A young artist confronts his inner demons while apprenticing with a northwest totem carver after the death of his beloved.
MY DEAR MR. WHITMAN
This animated excerpt from the documentary series Queer for Fear illustrates an 1872 letter of adoration sent to American poet Walt Whitman by a young British writer named Bram Stoker, years before he would find fame as the author of Dracula. Starring Hugh Dancy (Black Hawk Down, Hannibal) Directed by Jeremiah Dickey.
NOT THE SAME CLARENCE
This touching short film about parental aging and Alzheimer’s disease is a tribute to fathers and sons, featuring family bonds in front of and behind the camera. Starring Tony Award-winner James Naughton (And Just Like That, Planet of the Apes, Broadway’s Chicago, and City of Angels) and his son Greg Naughton (The Independents, Artistic Director of the Blue Light Theater Company). Written and directed by Brian Russell (Yo Andrea) and his son Sam Russell (Bad Tidings).
I’M OKAY, WE’RE OKAY
On a road trip with her unfaithful boyfriend, Ellie discovers she has DID (once called multiple personality disorder) and that her fractured identities are offering them clues about her mysterious past. Directed, co-written, and starring Adrienne Acevedo Lovette (Better Call Saul, Fosse/Verdon, The Dark Room). Co-written and starring John Rice (Hidden Daylight, The Dark Room).
LOREN & ROSE
Rose is a legendary actress trying to revive her career. Loren is a promising filmmaker. Over the course of their many encounters, a deep friendship evolves as their love of art, understanding of grief, and faith in life’s potential guide them through personal and creative transformations. Golden Globe-winner Jacqueline Bisset (Dancing on the Edge, Murder on the Orient Express, Bullitt) and Kelly Blatz (Aaron Stone, Senior Love Triangle) star with a chemistry that is at once authentic and intoxicating. Directed by Russell Brown.
MY SISTER’S WEDDING
Allison Valentine awakes on the day of her younger sister’s wedding with two simple goals: ensure the smooth execution of the ceremony and break the news of her resignation from the family business. Unfortunately, all members of the family have come with their own agenda and have asked Allison for her help in getting what they want. Will Allison continue to ignore what she needs to keep the peace? Or will she finally take a stand and risk hurting those she loves and ruining this important day? Directed by Kenneth R. Frank
The Chain NYC Film Festival takes place August 4 – 13 in the heart of midtown (312 W. 36th Street, 3rd and 4th Floor, New York, NY 10018) with specially curated film blocks from animated shorts by Oscar-nominated Disney animators to Asian Voices, LGBTQIA Stories, Comedies, BIPOC filmmakers and gripping documentaries from around the world.