BASS ACKWARDS

Directed by Linas Phillips
United States. 103 minutes.
Drama
TUES OCT 19 @ 6:30pm | Salem Cinema

Program Change: Unfortunately Filmmaker Linas Phillips won't be able to join us

Film Host Sponsor: Harold's Quality Auto Repair

Yes, in BASS ACKWARDS, a man drives a '76 Volkswagen van across America. No, the film isn't mired with the tired mechanics of a typical road movie. This utterly original, lyrical, and visually exciting adventure has such a light touch that it quietly sneaks up and tugs you into an overpowering appreciation of being human. When humble Linas, kicked off of his friend's couch and spurned by his lover, finds a forgotten van on a llama farm outside Seattle, he begins lurching east with nothing to lose. Slowly, the road eases him out of his relentless longing and into the moment. As his encounters with enigmatic characters take on subtly transcendent qualities, his shame and discomfort at being alone gradually give way to self-acceptance and connection. The dented, off-kilter vehicle, which valiantly, amazingly endures the journey, becomes a colorful metaphor for the human condition -- our tenacity and hopefulness always tinged with imperfection.

Filmography: Walking to Werner (06)

Shown with the short films

Woke Up Ugly
Directed by Ryan Parker. United States. 21 mins.

Herbert Thibadeaux is changing. One day he wakes up malformed, the next he's too handsome for society to accept, but his transformations raise suspicion in the girl of his dreams who's been through a transformation of her own. Now, Herbert must make a sacrifice to prove his love.

The Everlasting Rest
U.S. Premiere!

Directed by Christopher "Kasper" Tobias
United States. 13 minutes.

Jake has had enough of his wife's lies and infidelity. Thinking that he has cleverly written a play about her cheating way, he gets her to read it. It is slowly revealed that the play is much more than an artistic expression. But has Jake conjured up this fantasy about his life in order to create a play? Or has the past and the truth finally caught up with both of them?