Cynematik • Cyndi Greening

BY CYNDI GREENING, PARK CITY (USA) — According to Director Christopher Zalla, “On the surface, PADRE NUESTRO is a suspenseful drama about stolen identity. But on a much deeper level it’s a film about family relationships and the ambiguous nature of morality. At the heart of the film lies the visceral labyrinth of deceptions and frustrated hopes that is New York City – a place where most people are outsiders and family becomes defined by relationships not based on blood, but on shared experience and the need for connection.” I really connected with this film and, clearly, the dramatic jury panel did as well. Superbly acted, exquisitely shot and beautifully edited, PADRE NUESTRO was a pleasure on many levels.

At the end of the screening of the film at the Racquet Club, there was an excellent Q&A in which Zalla discussed his background, the source of his story, the visual decisions that were made and the strength of the cast. While I don’t typically go up to speak to the filmmakers, I felt strongly enough about this film to endure the post-screening mob scene. I waited for the other earnest well-wishers to finish and approached Zalla. “I just wanted you to know,” I said, “This is the BEST film I’ve seen in the festival.” He smiled modestly. “That means a lot to me.” Later, my 19-year-old son told me that the film almost brought him tears. The scene that Zalla describes about the father taking pride in his “son” was moving. To learn more about the film, check out the Q&A below and be sure to go see it when it comes to town.

PADRE NUESTRO Post Screening Q&A

Podcast on Tuesday, 30 January, 2007
Recorded 26 January 2007 Sundance Film Festival

PADRE NUESTRO Q&A - Large - Direct download link
PADRE NUESTRO Q&A - Small - Direct download link
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