
They Shot the Piano Player
Synopsis
In this lively animated music documentary, a New York journalist named Jeff Harris (Jeff Goldblum) goes on a quest to uncover the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of a young Brazilian jazz pianist, Tenorio Jr., in the 1970s. The film switches back and forth between Harris’ present-day investigations in Brazil and Argentina, where he tracks down and talks to music virtuosos like Gilberto Gil and João Gilberto, and beautifully envisioned memories of the Bossa Nova music scene of the ‘60s and ‘70s.
From the directors of the Oscar-nominated animated feature Chico and Rita, They Shot the Piano Player is both an engaging political murder mystery and a snapshot of the creative freedom and musical innovation that took place during a turning point in Latin American history, just before the continent was engulfed by totalitarian regimes.
Screenings & Events
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Film Credits
- Cristina Huete
- Fernando Trueba
- Arnau Quiles
- Jeff Goldblum
- Nano Arrieta, Fabien Westerhoff
- Fernando Trueba P.C., Les Films d’Ici, Submarine Animanostra
Sponsors
Documentary Program Sponsors
Cynthia Stone Raskin

Robot Dreams
Synopsis
In this love letter to 1980s New York City, Dog lives in Manhattan. Tired of being alone, he orders and builds himself a robot companion, and their friendship blossoms. Dog and Robot become inseparable, living life to the fullest in time with the vivacious rhythms of the big, bustling city. And then one summer night, Dog, with a heavy, reluctant heart, has no choice but to abandon Robot at the beach. Will the two ever meet again?
Based on the popular graphic novel by Sara Varon, director Pablo Berger (Blancanieves) brings us a unique animated feature that follows the adventures and misfortunes of two souls, forever united. Full of charm, daydreams, deadpan comedy, and moments of subtle heartbreak, Robot Dreams is an ingeniously playful, tenderly articulated tale of friendship in all its fragility and glory.
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Film Credits
- Ignasi Estapé, Sandra Tapia, Ibon Cormenzana, Pablo Berger, Angel Durández
- Pablo Berger
- Fernando Franco
- Animators: José Luis Ágreda, Benoît Feroumont, Daniel Fernándes Casas, Patricia Andrades
- n/a
- Alfonso de Vilallonga, Yuko Harami
- Arcadia Motion Pictures

Foremost by Night Sobre todo de noche
Synopsis
When Vera was young, she gave her infant son up for adoption. Years later, she begins a seemingly futile search to find him. When Cora was young, she adopted a young boy, Egoz, after she was told she could not have children of her own. Now the two women’s lives, each a mirror of the other, unite as Egoz is about to turn 18 and their paths finally cross.
A road trip crossing northern Spain, a caper heist, and the discovery of a new family merge into a striking and stylized contemporary noir. Foremost by Night is a masterfully choreographed and ever-surprising examination of the nature of motherhood, and the threads that connect those who search for each other across time and space.
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Film Credits
- Isaki Lacuesta, Isa Campo, Tamara García, Katixa De Silva, Valérie Delpierre, Víctor Iriarte
- Isa Campo, Andrea Queralt, Víctor Iriarte
- Ana Pfaff
- Pablo Paloma
- Lola Dueñas, Ana Torrent, Manuel Egozkue
- Maite Arroitajauregi
- La Termita, Atekaleun, CSC Films, Inicia Films
- http://www.alphaviolet.com/sobre-todo-de-noche-foremost-by-night/
Sponsors
New Directors Program Sponsors
Robert and Penelope Steiner Family Foundation
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You Have to Come and See It Tenéis que venir a verla
Synopsis
Having lost touch over the course of the pandemic, two 30-something couples catch up in Madrid for dinner and a concert. They make plans to hang out again—this time in the countryside where one couple has moved and is adopting a suburban lifestyle. The afternoon transforms from a friendly get-together into a referendum on opposing approaches to life and the city. Captivating performances translate a smart, incisive script to create a rumination on modern living.
Screenings & Events
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The Good Boss El buen patrón
Synopsis
In this scorching satire, seemingly benevolent boss Blanco’s (Javier Bardem) industrial scales factory is up for a prestigious award, with one week until the upcoming evaluation. Just as he is feeling assured they will measure up, a disgruntled ex-employee demands his job back and throws everything out of balance. Described by the director as the “reverse angle shot” of his 2002 Mondays in the Sun, this comedy slyly observes the precarious state of the modern workplace.
Screenings & Events
Post-Screening Discussion
Post-screening discussion led by Pepe Vargas, director of the Chicago Latino Film Festival, and Marius Laurentiu Radoi, Instituto Cervantes.
Post-screening discussion presented by: