Familiar Strangers is the first independent film produced by Cavalier Films. It was filmed in Staunton, Virginia in the fall of 2006 and released in 2008. The film is honest, funny, simple and sad – much like our lives. How we deal when going home to our parents as adults, instead of how they remembered us as children, can be confusing for all parties involved. This was a beautiful and well-written film for everyone to enjoy. Don’t expect big hollywood lights and a lavish set – the film stays true to its form. It was filmed in a small town which captured some great cinematography. The characters are real and relatable. It’s a feel good movie with a realistic ending – in addition to leaving with a full popcorn belly, you leave with a little perspective on life, too. And to answer your question at the end – Yes, Donkey Ball is a real game. The crew hired a professional Donkey Ball player to coordinate the game in the movie.

From Cavalier Films:

Familiar Strangers is the type of film that you will not see too often. Familiar Strangers is an off-beat – funny – heartfelt story of a family negotiating the changing relationships between parents and children, especially as those children grow into adulthood. Audience reaction has been very strong and we hope you agree with us that it would be great to get more of this type of film.

Familiar Strangers opens March 6th, 2009 at Angelika Film Center located at 5321 East Mockingbird Lane in Mockingbird Station.

Official site:  www.familiarstrangersmovie.com
Follow @familiarstrange
Directed by: Zackary Adler
Written By: John Bell
Cast Includes: Shawn Hatosy, DJ Qualls, Ann Dowd, Cameron Richardson, Georgia Mae Lively, Nikki Reed, Tom Bower
Running Time: 01:26:05:21
Filmed on: Kodak, Super Sixteen

From the Director:

Directing John Bell’s script Familiar Strangers, invited me into a world of nostalgia and emotional vulnerability that sparkled with optimism for reconciliation.

The story tells of the Worthington family and their reunion over one Thanksgiving weekend in the family’s hometown. The story unfolds the joy and pain of coming home, the fear and agony of growing up and how frighteningly easy it is to become disconnected from the ones we love and cherish the most.

Familiar Strangers is a nuanced study of universal unfamiliar common grounds and how we all may hope to reconcile our families, relationships and lives.

Strangely I believe that some of the funniest and most memorable moments in my life emerged from some of the most demanding and awkward times – and so many of these moments and events are portrayed within this very personal story.

Families are funny and wonderful things.

***Update*** via @familiarstrange: It is a looong journey bringing a film to life. Q and A with Producer Barry Sisson 3/6 and 3/7 – 7:40 show Angelika

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