World Premiere

In the not so distant future?2009 to be exact?Los Angeles has gone to hell.

Arthur, a retired professor who has outlived both his wife and son, searches for any reason to live but is hard pressed to come up with one. To make matters worse, the last remaining city park is being closed to the public- the park where his family is buried. While resting by their graves, for seemingly one last farewell, Arthur contemplates ending his ?meaningless? life when he is confronted by an orphaned duckling, one who won?t take no for an answer. Arthur?s life will never be the same.

When the park?s pond is drained, Arthur and his trusty duck, now named Joe, venture on a journey to survive in a world where caring and humanity are treasured by few. In their search for a more welcoming world, the duo, with the aid of a colorful array of strangers?some helpful, others harmful, but all memorable?learn that friendship and loyalty are key to a meaningful life.

Philip Baker Hall (Magnolia, Hard Eight) lends both humor and poignancy to the role of Arthur that only an artist as he can master, while director/writer Nic Bettauer deftly creates a riveting tale of hope and survival

Sandy Wolf

MAVERICK COMPETITION