Looking for Palladin

"Truth can be found in the strangest places."

“We have reached a point in our lives when our values have changed; when loyalty and friendship means more than money; when a structure in daily life is more attractive than another exotic trip; when the insecurity of love, passion, and temptation are replaced by devotion and a trustworthy companionship. That’s why I made Looking for Palladin. There is no sex or violence in it. There are not any “good” people or “bad” people—“right” and “wrong.”

We have become a transient society, a culture of nomads. Instead of working to live, we live to work. We pack and move following market trends and employment opportunities, leaving the unwanted ballast behind, be it our parents or just friends. And who is the loser? Inevitably a day comes when we meet again and look at our children, and they at us, and we think, “Who are these strangers”? This is what Looking for Palladin is all about. It is a nostalgic piece about lost opportunities, broken communication and misplaced values. Misplaced by all, us as well as our children. “

– Andrzej Krakowski writer/director

“Looking for Palladin: Ben Gazzara, Talia Shire, Vincent Pastore; Andrzej Krakowski, Producer/Director. Visually gorgeous, subtly arresting tale of son-stepdad reunion and clash of values it represents.”

- Allan Ross

“Looking for Palladin is a perfect vehicle to meet again Gazzara, an actor who started his career in the theater to subsequently shine in the film, especially during his association with the great John Cassavetes back in the rebellious 60’s. If there is one scene that illustrates Gazzara’s class as an actor, it would the moving moment in which he describes in an impressive guttural voice breaking with emotions the moments preceding his wife’s death.”

- Periodista – San Luis, Argentina

“Over the film’s arc, Moscow, using a hands-free telephone that makes him look like he’s talking to himself, goes through a transformation from callow youth to older-but-kinder pro, a role this talented actor plays with perfect pitch. In many ways Moscow is as much a star here as Gazzara, who plays the retired Oscar-winner-cum—cook Palladin, a man fed up with a world of impersonal, out-of-control technological momentum and what that does to the individual and collective souls of Millenial man. Moscow’s, intense, vulnerable characterization of Josh takes us through the greening of this super-now know-it-all from arrogant putz to sympathetic mensch, often providing an energy and fervor Gazzara husbands carefully to help him make his role real. ”
- El Blogador

“Saw the film at the Maine International Film Festival. Loved it! Where, oh where, can I get the soundtrack? Is it available on cd?”
-Ellen Richmond – Waterville, Maine

“MORE interesting cinematic ventures schlepping our way. […] This month, from writer/director Andrzej Krakowski of the Polish National Film School in Lodz, comes “Looking for Palladin.” This Talia Shire/Vincent Pastore/Ben Gazzara job about an arrogant Hollywood agent is — ready? — among the first films ever shot in Guatemala. What a surprise! I mean, given the vast scope of the Guatemalan film industry.”

- Cindy Adams – NEW YORK POST

91.7 WVXU Cincinnati
April 19, 2010

Ben Gazzara stars as an old Hollywood actor who has quit the biz and moved to Guatemala in search of a better life. A snotty talent agent comes looking for him to lure him back to the big screen. Low-budget indie film that is well-done and has much heart.

THEATRICAL RELEASE
Friday, January 21st, 2011
ARIZONA
Cinema Latino De Phoenix
7611 W Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ

COLORADO
Cinema Latino de Aurora
777 Peoria, Aurora, CO

DELAWARE
Theatre N at Nemours
11th & Tatnall Streets, Wilmington, DE

FLORIDA
Mos’Art Theatre
700 Park Ave. Lake Park, FL

Lake Worth Playhouse
709 Lake Avenue, Lake Worth, FL

TEXAS
Cinema Latino de Fort Worth
4200 South Fwy, Fort Worth, TX

Cinema Latino de Pasadena 6
2233 Southmore Ave., Pasadena, TX

MAINE
Friday, February 4th, 2011
The Movies at the Museum @ Portland Museum of Art
Seven Congress Square, Portland, ME
(207) 775-6148

Puerto Rico – THEATRICAL RELEASE -
The Fine Arts Cinema
#654 Ponce de León Ave., Stop. 11, San Juan, PR 00907

Chile – THEATRICAL RELEASE – Centro Alameda Cinemas

Guatemala – THEATRICAL RELEASE – Circuito Alba Cinemas

Sunrise, FL – THEATRICAL RELEASE -

Denver, CO – THEATRICAL RELEASE -

Cincinnati, OH – THEATRICAL RELEASE -

CINE LAS AMERICAS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL – (Official Selection)
Austin, TX

Lexington, KY – THEATRICAL RELEASE -

Hilton Head Island, SC – THEATRICAL RELEASE -

Mobile, AL – THEATRICAL RELEASE -

Boise, ID – THEATRICAL RELEASE -

Washington, D.C. – THEATRICAL RELEASE -

Waterville, ME – THEATRICAL RELEASE -

New York, NY – THEATRICAL RELEASE -

White Plains, NY – THEATRICAL RELEASE -

Roslyn, NY – THEATRICAL RELEASE -

Montclair, NJ – THEATRICAL RELEASE -

Tenafly, NJ – THEATRICAL RELEASE -

Los Angeles, CA – THEATRICAL RELEASE -

Encino, CA – THEATRICAL RELEASE -

Palm Springs, CA – THEATRICAL RELEASE -

Irvine, CA – THEATRICAL RELEASE -

Vina del Mar International Film Festival (Chile)

Cine World Film Festival – Sarasota (USA)

Cambridge International Film Festival (U.K.)

Seattle International Latino Film Festival (USA)

Culture&Cultures Film Festival (France)

Salento International Film Festival (Italy)

Lima International Film Festival (Peru)

The Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival (Armenia)

Maine International Film Festival (USA)

Moscow International Film Festival (Russia)

Chicago Latino International Film Festival (USA)

Guadalajara International Film Festival (Mexico)

Icaro International Film Festival (Guatamala)

San Luis International Film Festival (Argentina)

Queens International Film Festival (USA)
- Award: BEST FEATURE FILM
- Nomination: BEST DIRECTOR

Orlando Hispanic Film Festival (USA)
- Award: BEST FEATURE FILM
- Award: BEST ENSEMBLE CAST

Napa/Sonoma Wine Country Film Festival (USA)
- Award: BEST PRODUCTION COMPANY

Cinema South Festival (Israel)

Cannes du Marche (France)

Monte Carlo Film Festival (Monaco)

Cartagena Film Festival (Columbia)

Gdynia Film Festival (Poland)(Work In Progress)

“Looking for Palladin is a small movie with a big, big actor. In a gargantuan starring role, Ben Gazzara proves once again why he’s endured as one of the screen’s most popular and powerful performers for more years than the snow on top of his head gives away.”
“The cinematography beautifully captures the dramatic hues of the gorgeous textiles, shifting moods and architectural splendors of Guatemala, which is neither South America nor Mexico, but a magical combination of both, with azure skies and buildings of saffron yellow and chili-pepper red paint. Some of the writing is excellent; the scene in which Palladin relives the night his wife (and the boy’s self-centered, indifferent mother) died in his arms is as good a description of love and death as I’ve ever heard onscreen.”

“Local color has rarely been more colorful than in Andrzej Krakowski’s resplendent Guatemala-set outing, “Looking for Palladin.” Genial showcase for Ben Gazzara casts the indomitable near-octogenarian as a two-time Oscar winner who has abandoned Tinseltown for the laid-back society of artistic expats in Antigua, which the helmer renders with warmth and flair.”

“It is always a treat to see Ben Gazzara in a movie. He knows how to inhabit a scene while keeping his characters real. The film is absorbing and offbeat; a gem!”

“Ben Gazzara gives a big hearted, bravura performance.”

“Andrzej Krakowski has crafted a truly remarkable drama that serves as a high point for both Ben Gazzara and David Moscow’s careers. They make a lofty premise seem entirely plausible and human. ”

“Turns out, Krakowski made the film to make a point about the ways in which an entire generation has been cast aside by Hollywood, and to prove that older baby boomers will go to, buy, and download well-made movies capable of both entertaining and enlightening diverse audiences.”

To read the entire interview please go to:
http://chinaconfidential.blogspot.com/2009/10/andre-interviews-andrzej-exclusive.html

“The rare project shot entirely in Guatemala, Andrzej Krakowski’s modestly charming culture-shock comedy has an unusual midpoint game changer, as it suddenly mutates into an intimate familial-generational drama.

“Ben Gazzara’s portrayal of Jack Palladin, a long-retired two-time Oscar-winning actor living in Guatemala, lends critical weight to Andrzej Krakowski’s “Looking for Palladin”.

“Andrzej Krakowski’s character-driven film takes its time with the characters, giving the audience a chance to get to know them and their lives. The theme doesn’t involve transforming robots or building crawling super heroes. It centers on real people and their introspective on the importance and appreciation of relationships and family. [...] “Looking For Palladin” was a breath of fresh air. It deserves to be seen by the masses. And, hopefully, it will.”

“This one will make you think about what’s really most important in your life. Hey- a movie that just make you THINK is worth the price of admission!!!

“As comedy has always been liked by everyone, this movie is also being talked about a lot. If you had been looking for this fantastic piece of comedy then you need not to look any further.”

““Looking for Palladin” is a human comedy about values.”

““Looking for Palladin” is a comedy with dramatic elements all about a Hollywood power player exploring a remote destination in attempts to save money on an upcoming deal. So, think a high end version of, “Doc Hollywood”. This film has been richly awarded and highly recommended, so if you’re in the mood to be moved this weekend, go for this one.”

“Brilliant acting and the script, which has some wonderful dialogue. […] What begins like a clichéd ‘dramedy’ of sorts eventually becomes a character study of two generations and values coming together, and in turn, revealing the teachings that result as a consequence.”

“Looking for Palladin” is the story of a young, brash movie agent in search of a retired actor in Guatemala in this inter-generational coming-of-age story.”

“A very warm film featuring neither sex nor violence, it became a kind of bridge between different nations, cultures and age groups. [...] Shot quite recently, “Looking for Palladin” has been already declared as the best film during Latin American film festival in Orlando and Queens as well as during Wine Country Festival in Napa.” – PanArmenian Network

“The solid performance of a veteran, gutsy Hollywood actor, a well-written script containing natural dialog strikingly spoken by the players, and the stunning cinematography in the picturesque town of Antiqua.” – Christian Garbis

“Here’s a movie that’s got it all: a compelling story, an unforgettable location, genuine stars and a real message. [...] Looking for Palladin, which also stars Talia Shire and Vincent Pastore, is a tonic to the spirit.”

“I was very nervous selecting this film. Since I was not going to see it alone, it had to “fulfill expectations” This film fulfilled them one hundred percent! [...] Overall – well-made, good film I recommend to go and see without any hesitation”

“Films bind communities together and help them to become better known to the outside world.

All of which may explain the phenomenal international reaction to Andrzej Krakowski’s brilliant new film, Looking for Palladin. It is the first feature film made in Guatemala since the 1938 release, Tarzan and the Green Goddess. That Looking for Palladin, which focuses on a group of bohemian expatriates, is also about the Central American nation—or, a slice of it, at least—makes the movie even more newsworthy. It is also exceptionally entertaining and moving, and unquestionably universally appealing. The foreign setting adds texture and color to the film—and terrific production value—without detracting from its deeper meaning or underlying message in any way.

Simply put, Looking for Palladin is a gem, an instant classic; and audiences of all ages, especially Guatemalans and other Latin Americans, are embracing it, even though the film, which has won film festival awards, has yet to be commercially released in the United States.”

“This reporter was privileged to have been present for Sunday night’s screening at the 25th Chicago Latino Film Festival, the largest, oldest, and most influential Latino film festival in the U.S. Well over 200 people attended the screening. [...] To describe the reception as tremendously positive is to understate it—seriously. Audience members who hail from Guatemala (and there were many) had tears in their eyes as they praised the picture and participated in the post-screening Q&A session that went on till midnight.

Said one such audience member: “I have never seen my country shown so poetically and lyrically.” “