SXSW attendees stood soaked and shivering in long lines despite the heavy rain on day two of the festival. Feature films “Sun Don’t Shine” and “Small Apartments” along with documentary feature “Dreams of a Life” premiered to packed audiences on Saturday.

 

Sun Don’t Shine: “Sun Don’t Shine” marks the directorial debut for actress and producer Amy Seimetz. The film - inspired by a recurring nightmare Seimetz has experienced since childhood – follows a couple on a mysterious road trip through central Florida. The gritty narrative, which slowly unravels details of the couple’s dark past, draws blow out performances from leads Kate Lyn Sheil (Crystal) and Kentucker Audley (Leo).

Dreams of a Life: Director Carol Morley answered audience questions after the North American premiere of her documentary film, “Dreams of a Life.” The stunning, fast-paced narrative dissects the mysterious story of Joyce Vincent, who died alone in her London flat only to be discovered three years later. Police found her decomposed body on her living room floor among wrapped Christmas presents, her television still turned on. Police could only identify the body through dental records.

Morley purposely chose not to focus on the nature of Joyce Vincent’s death. Rather, the film explores the beautiful and haunting aspects of Vincent’s personality and life through interviews of her friends and colleagues. The film forces an audience to ask the disturbing question – would people come for you if you died?

 “Joyce’s story could happen to any of us,” said Morley. “I hope her legacy is something powerful.”

Small Apartments: Based on the novel by Chris Millis, “Small Apartments,” was met by audience laughter, tears, and tears from laughter. The unusual yet vibrant film tells the story of protagonist Franklin Franklin (portrayed by actor Matt Lucas… and yes, the name is Franklin Franklin) who accidentally kills his landlord and goes on a journey of self-discovery as he explores the messages his long lost brother (James Marsden) sends him through cassette tapes. Filmed in Los Angeles, the indie feature has a star-studded cast including James Caan, Billy Crystal, Johnny Knoxville and Rosie Perez.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Director Jonas Akerlund and actors Matt Lucas and Johnny Knoxville participated in a talkback following the screening. You may recognize Matt Lucas as the awkward, sluggish roommate of lead actress Kristen Wiig in the film “Bridesmaids.” In “Small Apartments,” Lucas shows us his raw and dramatic, but still hilarious, side.

“I’m a comedian,” said Lucas. “But I’m really glad I had a go at proper acting.”

Stay tuned for more SXSW updates.

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