This week’s virtual cinema features two cutting edge women filmmakers

— from Orcas Island Film Festival —

“Saint Frances,” – written by and starring Kelly O’Sullivan. The movie premiered at last year’s SXSW Film Festival and won the audience award in the narrative feature competition, as well as a special jury recognition for breakthrough voice. O’Sullivan (who makes her feature screenwriting debut while also leading the film, appearing in every scene), is a real find, the kind of “voice of a generation” talent who spends less time talking about her genius insight and more time simply delivering on it.

“Thousand Pieces of Gold” – Directed by Nancy Kelly, starring Rosalind Chao and Chris Cooper. Way ahead of its time, the film resonates even more powerfully today in the era of #MeToo. But Nancy Kelly became a victim of prejudice against women directors within the American film industry and was never offered another movie to direct in spite of extraordinary reviews from critics, some of whom compared her talent to that of John Ford. Rosalind Chao’s performance is a wonder – the sort that, in a conventional Hollywood epic, would inspire Oscar speculation. It’s quite a story.

Thank you for your support and enjoy the films.

Saint Frances USA | 2019 | 106min Flailing thirty-four-year-old Bridget (Kelly O’Sullivan) finally catches a break when she meets a nice guy and lands a much-needed job nannying six-year-old Frances (played by a scene-stealing Ramona Edith-Williams). But an unwanted pregnancy introduces an unexpected complication. To make matters worse, she clashes with the obstinate Frances and struggles to navigate a growing tension between Frances’s moms. Amidst her tempestuous personal relationships, a reluctant friendship with Frances emerges, and Bridget contends with the inevitable joys and shit-shows of becoming a part of someone else’s family. Watch Trailer and Buy Ticket Here

Thousand Pieces of Gold USA | 1990 | 105min Set in a mining town in the 1880s, Thousand Pieces of Gold is based on the classic novel by Ruthanne Lum McCunn with a screenplay by award-winning filmmaker Anne Makepeace (Tribal Justice). Upon its release in 1990, the film won immediate acclaim for its portrayal of the real-life story of Lalu (Rosalind Chao), a young Chinese woman whose desperately poor parents sell her into slavery. She is trafficked to a nefarious saloonkeeper in Idaho’s gold country. Eventually, Charlie (Chris Cooper), a man of different ilk, wins her in a poker game and slowly gains her trust. Way ahead of its time, the film resonates even more powerfully today in the era of #MeToo. Nancy Kelly became a victim of prejudice against women directors within the American film industry and was never offered another movie to direct in spite of extraordinary reviews from critics, some of whom compared her talent to that of John Ford. Watch Trailer and Buy Ticket Here

**Technical Support: Every film released in our virtual cinema is available through the individual distributor’s websites and streaming services. The link to rent and view the film will take you to their website, but a portion of your virtual rental will help support the Sea View Theatre during this challenging time when their doors must remain closed to protect the community. If you are having technical issues, please read the FAQ or help tab on the distributor’s website when you buy a ticket.