The following is a brief glimpse of what Focus Features will be releasing in the upcoming months. Looks like a lot great talent in some very special movies. So mark the following movies on your calendar and I'll see you at the show!


EVENING

Release Date: June 15 (limited)

Synopsis: An outstanding cast unites for a drama exploring the romantic past and emotional present of Ann Grant (Academy Award winner Vanessa Redgrave) and her daughters, Constance (Tony Award winner Natasha Richardson) and Nina (Academy Award nominee Toni Collette). As Ann lays dying, she remembers, and is moved to convey to her daughters, the defining moments in her life 50 years prior, when she was a young woman (played by Golden Globe Award winner Claire Danes). Emmy Award nominee Patrick Wilson plays Harris, the man Ann loves in the 1950s and never forgets.

Director: Lajos Koltai ("Fateless")

Writers: Susan Minot (Evening) and Michael Cunningham (The Hours), based on the book by Susan Minot

Cast: Claire Danes, Toni Collette, Vanessa Redgrave, Patrick Wilson, Hugh Dancy, Natasha Richardson, Mamie Gummer, Eileen Atkins, Meryl Streep, Glenn Close

MPAA Rating: PG-13


TALK TO ME

Release Date: July 20 (limited)

Synopsis: The powerful real-life story of Ralph Waldo "Petey" Greene (portrayed by Academy Award nominee Don Cheadle), an outspoken ex-con who talked his way into becoming an iconic radio personality in the 1960s in Washington, D.C. Sparked by both the era's vibrant soul music and exploding social consciousness, Petey openly courted controversy at a white-owned station. Relying on his producer Dewey Hughes (double Golden Globe Award nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor) to run interference, Petey's unprecedented "tell it like it is" on-air style gave voice and spirit to the black community during an exciting and turbulent period in American history.

Director: Kasi Lemmons ("Eve's Bayou")

Writers: Story by Michael Genet; Screenplay by Michael Genet and Rick Famuyiwa

Cast: Don Cheadle, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Cedric The Entertainer, Taraji P. Henson, Mike Epps, Vondie Curtis Hall, Martin Sheen

MPAA Rating: R


ATONEMENT

Release Date: August31 (limited)

Synopsis: The filmmakers of "Pride & Prejudice" reunite for a new movie, based on the award-winning best-selling 2002 novel Atonement, which is a classic British romance that spans several decades. Fledgling writer Briony Tallis, as a 13-year-old, irrevocably changes the courseof several lives when she accuses her older sister’s ("Pride & Prejudice" Academy Award nominee Keira Knightley) lover (James McAvoy) of a crime he didnot commit.

Director: JoeWright ("Pride & Prejudice")

Writers: Christopher Hampton ("Dangerous Liaisons"); Based on the book by Ian McEwan

Cast: Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, Romola Garai, Vanessa Redgrave, Brenda Blethyn

MPAA Rating: R


EASTERN PROMISES

Release Date: September14 (limited)

Synopsis: The new thriller from director David Cronenberg reteams him with his "A History of Violence" leading man Viggo Mortensen. The film follows the mysterious and ruthless Nikolai (Mr. Mortensen), who is tied to one of London's most notorious organized crime families. His carefully maintained existence is jarred when he crosses paths with Anna(Academy Award nominee Naomi Watts), an innocent midwife trying to right a wrong, who accidentally uncovers potential evidence against the family. Now Nikolai must put into motion a harrowing chain of murder, deceit, and retribution.

Director :David Cronenberg ("A History of Violence," "Naked Lunch," "The Dead Zone")

Writer: StevenKnight ("Dirty Pretty Things")

Cast: ViggoMortensen, Naomi Watts, Vincent Cassel, ArminMueller-Stahl


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