Filmmakers to discuss movie starring Karen Allen of 'Indiana Jones' at Gardner Cinemas

Local movie enthusiasts will have an opportunity to learn firsthand about the craft of filmmaking during a special screening at the Gardner Cinemas on Sunday, April 14.

The cinema will host a 3:15 p.m. showing of “A Stage of Twilight,” a 2022 movie about the final chapter in a retired couple’s lives, followed by a question-and-answer session with the filmmakers behind the production.

The movie, which stars Karen Allen of “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and William Sadler of “The Shawshank Redemption,” tells the story about Barry and Cora’s dilemma as they deal with a terminal diagnosis, and the decisions each will have to make about their future.

Writer and director Sarah T. Schwab and producer Brian Long will be on hand following the screening to discuss the film with the audience.

“One of the key topics in (the film) is the discussion surrounding end-of-life conversations,” said Schwab. “The film explores the question of whose right is it to make these very difficult decisions. Is it the individual, or others? The Q&As have consistently provided enlightening conversations regarding this issue.”

Theater owner hopes to book more independent films

Chris Daigle, who co-owns Gardner Cinemas, said he was approached by the film’s producers, who asked him if he would be interested in screening the movie, which has played at several film festivals, and hosting a Q&A session with the filmmakers.

“I thought this would be something unique,” Daigle said. “We have had some local filmmakers that have made their own movies and been screened here, but this (event) is our first time with filmmakers who have actually worked on a professionally produced movie with veteran Hollywood actors.”

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Daigle said he was hoping that enough local moviegoers would be interested in attending the screening so that the theater might be able to book similar events in the future.

“A lot of independent (studios) will do a lot of things to promote their movies, and we’d love to have people attend and show that we can attract a crowd,” he said.

Movie's plot based on director's personal experience

The plot of the film was based partly on Schwab’s experiences after her father was diagnosed with cancer when she was a teenager. He passed away five years later, following several rounds of chemo and radiation.

“That was an impossible thing for my mother and me to witness, especially because he was the pillar of our family and community in Buffalo, New York,” she said. “During the time he was sick, he and I had many conversations about life, death, love, regret. The one conversation I’ll never forget is when I asked him, ‘Are you afraid to die?’ His answer was, ‘I have everything I’ve ever wanted: a good home, good friends, your mom and you. No, I’m not afraid.’ This made it into the film verbatim.”

Schwab said she made the movie, which was filmed in Milford, Connecticut, to pay tribute to her father, honor the deep love between her parents, and get audiences talking about a difficult subject that many would prefer not to discuss.

“Thankfully, the audience’s response to the film has been powerful,” she said. “Although the film is difficult, viewers have commented that it is truthful and impactful. The cast and story have gotten raves from everyone who has attended.”

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Schwab said she hoped her film would inspire a dialogue so that viewers could examine their own personal desires, fears and questions about end-of-life decisions.

“Compassion and connection grow from this kind of open and honest self-reflection,” she said. “To us, that’s what a good film is about. That’s the goal.”

This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Gardner Cinemas to screen movie starring Karen Allen, William Sadler