Veteran filmmaker Jay Duplass will make a notable appearance at the upcoming San Luis Obispo International Film Festival (SLO Film Fest), set to take place from April 24-29. Duplass is set to receive a prestigious spotlight award and present a screening of his latest film, The Baltimorons.
Following its debut at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas, The Baltimorons tells the unconventional tale of a newly sober man who experiences a Christmas Eve dental emergency, leading to an unexpected romance with his older dentist. The film stars Michael Strassner, Liz Larsen, and Olivia Luccardi. Duplass both directed and co-wrote the screenplay alongside Strassner. This marks Duplass’ first feature as both writer and director since his 2012 film The Do-Deca-Penathlon.
Over the years, Duplass has been a significant presence in television, directing episodes of Togetherness, Search Party, and Somebody Somewhere. Additionally, he has been involved in producing and executive producing a wide array of films and TV series.
Skye McLennan, executive director of the SLO Film Fest, expressed enthusiasm about Duplass’ contribution to independent cinema: “We are honored to celebrate such an icon in the independent film community. Jay Duplass and his brother, Mark Duplass, have long been champions and trailblazers in the world of independent cinema.”
On April 27, Duplass will receive his spotlight award, followed by a screening of The Baltimorons and a career retrospective Q&A session. The festival promises a rich program, including over 113 films, ranging from narrative features to short films, documentaries, and doc shorts. Notable festival highlights include the opening film, DJ Ahmet, which won the audience award at the Sundance Film Festival, and the closing film, Daryl Hannah’s documentary on Neil Young’s solo tour, Coastal. Additional programs will celebrate the legacy of filmmaker David Lynch and focus on environmental documentaries.
Duplass, along with his brother Mark, first gained recognition in the early 2000s with independent films such as The Puffy Chair, Baghead, and Cyrus. Their collaborative work includes Jeff, Who Lives at Home and the creation of the HBO series Togetherness. The Duplass brothers also produced the Emmy-winning Netflix docuseries Wild Wild Country. In addition to his behind-the-scenes work, Jay Duplass has appeared in numerous high-profile projects, including Industry, Transparent, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Chair, Outside In, and Beatriz at Dinner.
Related topic:
Indie Rights Acquires Distribution for Alan King’s “Vincent”
‘You’re Cordially Invited’ : A Missed Opportunity for Comedy
India’s Censorship Holds Up Release of Acclaimed Film “Santosh”