Film Festival presents Arizona Premiere of “The Narrows”

“The Narrows” is a gripping, heartfelt story about life’s crossroads, and how difficult it can be to choose which way to go. Mike Manadoro (Kevin Zegers), a young man from the Bay Ridge area of Brooklyn, wants nothing more than to leave the old neighborhood and study photography at a prestigious Manhattan university. The problem is Mike’s father Vinny (Vincent D’Onofrio), a retired sanitation worker-turned-bookie, is on disability and does not have the financial means to support his son’s dream.

When local mob boss Tony (Titus Welliver) offers Mike a well-paid job delivering a mysterious package, he thinks he has found his ticket to freedom. Mike soon saves enough money to enter college and there he meets the beautiful and intellectual Kathy Popovich (Sophia Bush). She is the complete opposite of every girl he has ever met, but in order to keep her around, he needs to hide his new gig.

However, when Mike’s tough childhood buddy Nicky Shades (Eddie Cahill) gets back from Afghanistan and is looking for a job, trouble ensues. In this world of small-time crime, friendship and loyalty are in short supply. The stakes only get higher as it becomes clear Mike must quickly decide which way his life is going to turn, and that no matter what he chooses, there will be consequences.

“The Narrows” was directed by François Velle. Born in France, Velle first worked as a child actor. After a few years as a director’s assistant in film and television, he became a TV writer/director in his home country. His work received seven nominations and two wins at the D’Or awards, the French equivalent to the Emmys. Velle made his feature film debut as writer and director with the comedy, “Comme des Rois” (Kings for a Day). The film earned not only critical praise, but also the attention of DreamWorks executives who have acquired the remake rights.

“When I read ‘Heart of the Old Country’, a crime drama set in Brooklyn, I was amazed by its authenticity and how the author Tim McLoughlin avoided the clichés that can come with such familiar territory. And for good reason — Tim’s own experience is behind every page and on every street corner,” said Velle. “I knew it would be a challenge to convey both the sweetness and the cruelty of this fading world.”

“I was honored when screenwriter Tatiana Blackington sent me ‘Heart of the Old Country,’ and recommended me to direct the film version,” added Velle.

Blackington will be in Sedona to host “The Narrows” and the Q&A sessions following both screenings. A native of Washington, DC, Blackington studied French and Russian at New York University and in Paris, then received a Masters degree in writing at the University of Southern California.

The title sponsor for the event is Pasidg Productions: Tommy Stovall and Marc Sterling. The co-sponsor is Vora Financial. The lodging host is Los Abrigados Resort & Spa. The series is also made possible by a grant from the Arizona Commission on the Arts and National Endowment for the Arts and the City of Sedona.