Solid Air

Running time: N/A

North American Premiere. Set in the twin worlds of high-stakes gambling and the law, May Miles Thomas' psychological drama, Solid Air, displays the skillful artistry of a confident filmmaker, as she explores mortality, injustice, betrayal and paternal love. In his late 50s, lonely divorcee, Robert Houston, suffers from asbestosis, a progressive and fatal disease. In a pursuit to win compensation, he embarks on a civil action case against his former employers. As Robert ties up loose ends, his estranged son, Robert Junior, arrives on his doorstep seeking refuge because of the enormous gambling debt he has amassed - a situation he keeps secret from his father. When Junior discovers his father's pitiful, out-of-court settlement, he confronts his father's lawyer and takes up the case. However, when Robert learns of his son's true motivation to use the settlement money to reconcile his debt, suspicions turn to torment. But Junior continues undeterred in his pursuit, which leads to the sins of both father and son being unveiled. Based on actual events, Solid Air is a stunning cinematic feast that leads to a poignant conclusion, uniting an unlikely pair who face adversity as a means to beat the odds. - Al Owens