In the landscape of American independent cinema, Hal Hartley (b. 1959) remains a well-kept secret, a cult director. Why? Because, unlike other filmmakers of his generation, he has maintained an unwavering fidelity to the true meaning of the word “independent” – in addition to running his own production company (Possible Films), he refuses to give up a rigorous method that ranges from the most technical element to the most philosophical or eccentric dialogue.
He began in the late 1980s and early 1990s with the distinctive mark of the romantic comedy (The Unbelievable Truth, Trust), and continued with a cinema grounded in ambiguity and delight in language. Joining this LEFFEST retrospective is the European premiere of his latest film, Where to Land, in Competition.