Scene from "Chasing Oz"

The film and it’s makers are associated with SouthEastern Connecticut FilmMakers.

FILM FESTIVALS & AWARDS
CANNES FILM FESTIVAL 2008 – WINNER BEST ACTOR/BENICIO DEL TORO
TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2008
NEW YORK FILM FESTIVAL 2008
AFI FILM FESTIVAL 2008

November 26, 1956; led by Fidel Castro (Demian Bichir), a band of 80 rebels sails to Cuba. Among these young rebels is Argentine physician, Marxist, soldier, Ernesto “Che” Guevara (Benicio Del Toro). Nation-less, strapped for resources and fueled only by determination, the group engages in swift, bloody battle to free the Cuban people from the corrupt dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista. Che and his soldiers wrestle the nation’s resources and affection from Batista’s grasp. Though considered a hero by some, Che becomes a hugely controversial figure. At the height of his fame and power, he disappears. Entering South America incognito, Che recruits another band of guerilla fighters in the harsh Bolivian jungles. They embark upon a mission to spark revolution throughout Latin America.

ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS

STEVEN SODERBERGH (DIRECTOR)

Director Steven Soderbergh won an Academy Award® for Best Director for his 2000 ensemble drama TRAFFIC. He had earned dual Best Director Oscar® nominations that year,also receiving one for ERIN BROCKOVICH, starring Julia Roberts in her Oscar®-winning performance. Soderbergh had earlier garnered an Academy Award® nomination for Best Original Screenplay for SEX, LIES, AND VIDEOTAPE, his feature film directorial debut, which also won the Palme d’Or at the 1989 Cannes Film Festival.

CHE PART ONE is Soderbergh’s eighteenth film, following, amongst others, OCEAN’S THIRTEEN, THE GOOD GERMAN, BUBBLE, OCEAN’S TWELVE, SOLARIS, FULL FRONTAL, OCEAN’S ELEVEN, THE LIMEY, OUT OF SIGHT, GRAY’S ANATOMY, SCHIZOPOLIS, THE UNDERNEATH, “KING OF THE HILL and KAFKA.

In addition, Soderbergh has produced or executive produced a wide range of features, including Todd Haynes’ I’M NOT THERE, Tony Gilroy’s MICHAEL CLAYTON and Marina Zenovich’s documentary ROMAN POLANSKI: WANTED AND DESIRED. Further producer or executive producer credits include Gregory Jacobs’ WIND CHILL and CRIMINAL, George Clooney’s GOOD NIGHT AND GOOD LUCK and CONFESSIONS OF A DANGEROUS MIND, RichardLinklater’s A SCANNER DARKLY, Rob Reiner’s RUMOR HAS IT, Stephen Gaghan’s SYRIANA, Lodge Kerrigan’s KEANE, Todd Haynes’ FAR FROM HEAVEN, Christopher Nolan’s INSOMNIA, Anthony and Joseph Russo’s WELCOME TO COLLINWOOD, Gary Ross’ PLEASANTVILLE and Greg Mottola’s THE DAYTRIPPERS.

BENICIO DEL TORO (PRODUCER, CHE)

Benecio Del Toro has earned critical acclaim for his poignant and powerful performances throughout his career. Winning an Academy Award® for Best Supporting Actor in Steven Soderbergh’s TRAFFIC, his performance also garnered him Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, BAFTA, New York Film Critics Circle, National Society of Film Critics, Chicago Film Critics Association, and Silver Bear [Berlin International Film Festival] awards.

Del Toro also earned an Academy Award® nomination for his role in Alejandro Gonzales Inarritu’s 21 GRAMS, for which he also won the Audience Award for Best Actor at the 2003 Venice International Film Festival. He has also received two Independent Spirit Awards for Best Supporting Actor: for Bryan Singer’s THE USUAL SUSPECTS and Julian Schnabel’s BASQUIAT. He has most recently appeared in Susanne Bier’s THINGS WE LOST IN THE FIRE and Robert Rodriguez’s SIN CITY.

Del Toro made his motion picture debut in John Glen’s LICENCE TO KILL, opposite Timothy Dalton as James Bond. Subsequent films include Peter Weir’s FEARLESS, George Huang’s SWIMMING WITH SHARKS, Abel Ferrara’s THEFUNERAL, Marco Brambilla’s EXCESS BAGGAGE, Terry Gilliam’s FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS, Christopher McQuarrie’s THE WAY OF THE GUN, Guy Ritchie’s SNATCH, William Friedkin’s THE HUNTED and THE INDIAN

RUNNER and THE PLEDGE, both directed by Sean Penn.

Alec – The fact that this legend is in our own back yard is what originally grabbed me. I have always loved ghost stories and hope that the audience will be inspired by our cinematic rendition to explore history on their own. History is an important element to any civilization, and the truth is its’ only recorded from a certain perspective. When more people take the time to research the recorded page, new truths will be discovered. History opens up opportunities for many of us to become detectives.. and with these new results uncovered, we learn a deeper understanding of ourselves.

Q: What are some of the best things about making a film in CT?

Alec – Some of the best things about making a film in CT is a combination of working with a local cast & crew, shooting at the fantastic locations around the area, and of course utilizing the amazing support we have from the talent in our surrounding communities. I feel honored to have been able to create this film in the place I call home. Creating a motion picture is not a single effort, it takes an army to put it together and when you have a team of dedicated individuals working to attain one goal, amazing results can be achieved. For me, my proudest moment is when the credits roll and I’m reminded of those who contributed to this project. We could not have done it without all of their support.

The Staff and Volunteers of the NCC would also like to thank The Day for their great support and publishing the story of the Norwich Community Cinema on our behalf today.

My earliest memory of going to the movies dates back to the 50’s when my Dad would take my brother and I to the grand Loew’s Poli Theater in Hartford. Armed with a half pound of penuche and a half pound of cashew pieces from the candy shop next door, I could barely wait for the cartoons to begin before the double feature. Movie stars were glamorous with no hint of scandal or misbehavior, sex and swearing were nonexistent and an afternoon or evening at the movies didn’t cost an arm and a leg.

Although the films I saw as a child are now classics and gone are the “extras,” I still love going to the movies. If I can first get my hands on the book a movie is based on, all the better. My favorite movies are three hours long because a really good movie can that much time to develop complex characters and an intriguing plot.

It is my hope that we capture some of that magic for you at the Donald Oat Theater. Whether it’s a “date “ night, girls night out or merely a chance to unwind after a long week, I hope your evening at this theater is memorable. Although the films we show may not be the extravaganzas of those early years, they will be thought provoking, informative and entertaining. We will offer snacks, beverages, baked goodies, hot coffee and of course, popcorn, at affordable prices (I still can’t watch a movie without Junior Mints or Twizzlers). You can come early and chat with friends or stay after the movie for a talk back session. You can even bring a bottle of wine.

If you’ve seen an outstanding movie at another independent theater, let us know. This is your alternative community cinema and we welcome comments about your experience. Send us an email or talk to us at the Theater. Please tell your family, friends and coworkers to join us. The movies you see at the Donald Oat Theater probably won’t be playing “at a cinema near you.”

See you at the cinema!

Sandy Quarto
President, Norwich Community Cinema