TCFF Spotlight: 20 Weeks
Over the course of 11 days, October 18-28, film fans and filmmakers from across the country will descend upon the ShowPlace ICON Theatre at the Shops at West End in St. Louis Park for the 2017 Twin Cities Film Fest.
More than 120 films – including features, shorts, animation and documentaries – will screen over the course of the festival. In addition, a large number of directors, producers, and actors will walk the red carpet, present their films, attend the mixers and chat with fans about their work.
Over the course of TCFF 2017, we’ll be chatting with some of those filmmakers and stars to find out more about what they’re bringing to the TCFF screens.
Film: 20 Weeks
Showtime: 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 20
Information/tickets: http://twincitiesfilmfest.org/films/20-weeks/
Later today – Friday, Oct. 20 – the drama “20 Weeks” will get its Midwest premier at TCFF 2017. Prior to that screening, the film's director and writer Leena Pendharkar took some time to chat about the film.
Q: Tell us about “20 Weeks.”
“20 Weeks” is the story of a couple who is deeply in love and committed to each other, but then learns that their baby is diagnosed with a potentially series health issue in utero. They suddenly find themselves in a place where they have to make some tough decisions. We go deep into their relationship, and how they cope with this news.
Q: Where has the film screened and what has the audience reaction been like so far?
We premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival, and have been playing all over since. We have been in San Diego, Heartland, Tallgrass, and will also be going to Rochester, Naples, Cucalorus and a few others. It’s been very exciting!
Q: What was the inspiration for the film?
The movie was inspired by personal events, as this was something that happened to me and my husband. It was a tough situation, one I never thought we’d be in, but it brought up a lot of questions for us. We got through it, but it was a very stressful time.
Q: What was it that drew you to the Twin Cities Film Fest?
We want Twin Cities audiences to watch the movie and engage with the ideas in it.
Q: If someone is only going to see one or two films at the Twin Cities Film Fest, why should “20 Weeks” be one of them?
Because it explores a timely issues around women’s rights, and explores a situation that one might have through they’d never be in. And because Anna Margaret Hollyman and Amir Arison's performances are outstanding and will draw you in.