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The Samuel Project
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Wikipedia article
{{Infobox film
| name = The Samuel Project
| image = File:The Samuel Project.jpg
| alt =
| caption =
| director = Marc Fusco
| writer =
| producer =
| starring =
| cinematography = Stephen Sheridan
| editing = Marc Fusco
| music = Joey Newman
| production_companies =
| distributor = in8 Releasing
| released =
| runtime = 92 minutes
| country = United States
| language = English
| budget =
| gross =
}}
'The Samuel Project' is a 2018 family comedy drama film directed by Marc Fusco. It stars Hal Linden and Ryan Ochoa.
Plot
A high school teen reconnects with his Jewish grandfather and creates art based on his experience in The Holocaust.
Cast
* Hal Linden
* Ryan Ochoa
* Mateo Arias
* Michael B. Silver
* Ken Davitian
* Liza Lapira
* Catherine Siggins
Production
Development
In an interview with 'AARP', Linden talks about distancing the film from 'Schindler's List'. He states so the movie became less of a Holocaust picture and more about a boy pursuing his dream of being an artist. [...] 'The Samuel Project' is about three generations that dont communicate much it isnt until art tells the story that you get communication.Casting
Fusco cast Linden, Lapira and Bowgen during the time they were performing in Steve Martin's 'Picasso at the Lapin Agile' at San Diego's Old Globe Theater.Filming
Principal photography took place in March and April 2017 in San Diego. "Action traveled to the streets of Hillcrest, a pawn shop on University Avenue, the 'Chuck Jones Gallery' in the Gaslamp, Balboa Park, a La Jolla estate masquerading as a Newport Beach mansion, a farm in Ramona, 'Shelter Island Cleaners', and more."Themes
Dave McNary of 'Variety' said "Through art, the film explores how Jewish immigrants struggled to find new homes in the U.S. following World War II and explores themes of the universal struggle for acceptance and opportunity with direct relevance to todays headlines."
Release
'The Samuel Project' had a limited release on September 28, 2018 and expanded to nationwide on October 5, 2018. It was distributed by 'in8 Releasing' and selected by 'AMC Independent', with Fusco adding "Audiences are hungry for independent, character-driven films like ours which are a refreshing alternative to the big blockbuster franchises."
Reception
Critical response
Kimber Myers of the 'Los Angeles Times' said "Despite its flaws, 'The Samuel Project' is likely to make an impact on open-hearted audiences, with extra credit due Linden for an authentic performance in line with the actor's body of work." Tim Appelo of 'AARP' scored it 3 out of 5 and said "It could use more of grandpa's drama and less teen dramedy, but it's heartwarming." John Delia of 'Aced Magazine' called it "a very good inspirational film" scoring it 4 out of 5 stars.Accolades
The family-friendly film won three San Diego Film Awards, Best Narrative Feature, Best Actor for Hal Linden and Best Director for Marc Fusco. Ryan Ochoa was also nominated for Best Actor.References
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