Filmmaking’s rising stars

BRATLLEBORO - Latchis Arts’ monthly Spotlight Film Series puts a focus in July on rising stars in filmmaking, with a theme of young voices. Spotlight is a curated series, featuring films on a different theme each month.
Films are shown on Thursdays at 7 pm, at the Latchis Theatre; admission is a suggested donation of $10, but no one will be turned away.  
The series opens July 8, with “Deidra & Laney Rob a Train,” Sydney Freeland’s socially-conscious, heartfelt, and humorous feature film about two sisters who turn to train robbery to make ends meet after their mother is arrested. Freeland’s voice is also worth spotlighting as a transgender Navajo filmmaker.
Spotlight continues July 15 with “Minding the Gap,” Bing Liu’s personal and powerful documentary of three young men who bond together to escape volatile families in their Rust Belt hometown. It touches on important topics of youth, American masculinity, and race relations.
July 22 is “Promising Young Woman,” a black comedy-thriller written, produced, and directed by Emerald Fennell, who won Best Original Screenplay at this year’s Academy Awards, with additional nominations for Best Picture, and Best Director. Carey Mulligan stars as Cassie, a smart and cunning young woman leading a secret double life. A surprising encounter gives Cassie a chance to right the wrongs of the past. What will she do?
The series concludes on July 29 with a classic from 1973, “American Graffiti,” which was 29-year-old George Lucas’ directorial breakthrough. A salute to summer and youth, the film stars Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, and a host of other young stars who went on to greater things.
Proceeds from Spotlight Series films benefit the non-profit Latchis Arts. For information visit latchis.com.