THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8
OPENING NIGHT GALA!
Chicago
History Museum 1601 N. Clark St.
We’re
rolling out the pink carpet at the
Chicago History Museum … surfer style! Look out for surfboards
and hotties in wetsuits to get you in the mood for our opening night
film about surfer boys in love. Do the Watusi to beach party music
while enjoying hors d’oeuvres provided by Whole Foods, as well
as an open bar sponsored by Stella Artois and Ketel One’s extravagant
martini ice bar.
6:00 PM Reception / 8:00 PM Screening
Shelter
Jonah Markowitz
US, 2007
Having given
up an art school scholarship to hold his dysfunctional family together,
young Zach (played by the soulful Trevor Wright) settles for a dead-end
job at a local diner and an on-again/off-again relationship with
his sexually frustrated girlfriend. He also cares for his neglected
nephew, leaving just enough personal time for his two passions—art
and surfing. One day, while picking up his surfboard from “Richie
Rich” pal Gabe’s house, Zach runs into Gabe’s older
brother, Shaun (Brad Rowe from Billy's Hollywood
Screen Kiss), a
gay Hollywood writer who has recently returned home to San Pedro.
As Shaun joins Zach on an impromptu trip to the beach, the two are
gradually swept away by more than just the killer waves, and their
developing attraction catches Zach off guard. What's a sexually confused
surfer dude to do?
The alt-rock soundtrack adds depth to the unpretentious
script, and the stellar ocean scenes are nearly as gorgeous as the
cast. Wright and Rowe mesh with natural, seamless chemistry, while
Tina Holmes (best known as Maggie on Six
Feet Under) stands out
as Zach’s selfish, boozehound sister. The skilled performances
enhance writer/director Markowitz’s assured, award-winning
movie.
A classic coming-of-age story with a refreshing
edge, Shelter is not just about sexy
surfers riding the waves (and each other). It’s about the grin-while-you're-driving
moment you realize the exhilarating rush of new love is more than
just infatuation. 97 min
ADMISSION: Film & Gala: $45 / $40 members Film Only: $15 / $12 members