The Napa Valley Film Festival has announced their Narrative Feature films in core competition for the ninth annual Napa Valley Film Festival. These films will vie for the respective titles of Best Narrative Feature by the NVFF Jury.
Narrative Competition
Bring Me an Avocado, directed by Maria Mealla
Fun-loving parents Robin and George have their world turned upside down when a fateful event leaves Robin in a coma. While Robin is in the hospital, George does his best to keep his daughters’ spirits up with the help of family friends. Starring Bernardo Peña, Sarah Burkhalter, Molly Ratermann, and Candace Roberts.
Here Awhile, directed by Tim True
Anna returns to Oregon to reconnect with her estranged brother Michael, only to reveal that she has decided to end her life via the Death with Dignity Act due to her terminal illness. Michael tries to convince Anna to continue fighting for her life, while Anna does her best to make her remaining days as fulfilling as possible. Starring Anna Camp, Steven Strait, and Joe Lo Truglio.
Justine, directed by Stephanie Turner
Struggling single mother Lisa takes a job as a nanny to Justine, an 8-year-old girl with spina bifida and two overbearing parents. While Justine’s parents believe its best to keep Justine isolated at home due to her condition, Lisa tries to form a connection with Justine to find out what her true desires are. Starring Glynn Turman, Darby Stanchfield, Josh Stamberg, Daisy Prescott, and Stephanie Turner.
Lucky Grandma, directed by Sasie Sealy
An ornery, chain-smoking Chinese grandmother goes all in at the casino, landing herself on the wrong side of luck. As she attempts to safeguard her newfound fortune, she finds herself in the middle of a gang war set in New York City’s Chinatown. Starring Tsai Chin, Corey Ha, Michael Tow, Woody Fu, Yan Xi, Wai Ching Ho, and Clem Cheung. Northern California Premiere
The Nomads, directed by Brandon Eric Kamin
Amidst the chaos of massive budget cuts and school closures, a young female teacher introduces men’s rugby to an inner-city North Philadelphia high school. Starring Tika Sumpter and Tate Donovan.
Run This Town, directed by Ricky Tollman
This is the story of the inner workings of a city seen through the eyes of the interns and assistants that run it. A political aide tries to corral his brash, outspoken boss when a young researcher at a newspaper gets word of a scandal that could make or break both of their careers. Starring Ben Platt, Mena Massoud, Nina Dobrev, Damian Lewis, Jennifer Ehle, and Scott Speedman.
Standing Up, Falling Down, directed by Matt Ratner
Standing Up, Falling Down is a comedy about the unlikely friendship that kindles between a struggling stand-up comedian and a tragically flawed, yet charming and charismatic, dermatologist. Each helps the other find healing, as well as the confidence to face the self-appointed failures in their lives. Starring Billy Crystal, Ben Schwartz, Eloise Mumford, Grace Gummer, Caitlin McGee, David Castaneda, Debra Monk, and Jill Hennessy.
Stealing School, directed by Li Dong
Tech prodigy April Chen is accused of plagiarism by a teaching assistant and the two must stand trial at a secret academic tribunal to determine if April is still eligible for graduation. In this game of psychological cat and mouse, someone is always one step ahead and nothing is as it seems. Starring Celine Tsai, Jonathan Keltz, Michelle Monteith, Mpho Koaho, Darrin Baker, Jonathan Malen, Matthew Edison, and Vas Saranga.
The Grape Geeks 