The Public

Running time: 122 mins

A police standoff...a media sideshow...at the public library. An incredible all-star cast mesmerize in Emilio Estevez's (The Breakfast Club) powerful new film that explores issues surrounding homelessness, mental health, role of community, and fighting for what is right. Stuart (Estevez) and Myra (Jena Malone, Into the Wild) have their daily challenges managing the library and its daily assortment of visitors - ranging from knowledge seekers, loiterers, to homeless people. The growing danger of one of the coldest winters on record sparks a sit-in by patrons who have nowhere to sleep. Their refusal to leave the warmth of the library soon escalates into chaos that involves the police, a crisis negotiator (Alec Baldwin, Cinequest Maverick Spirit Award Recipient), a local politician (Christian Slater), and a reporter (Gabrielle Union). Also featuring Taylor Schilling, Jeffrey Wright, and Michael K. Williams, The Public lays out the conflicts between rights and responsibilities, empathy, and authority. Sponsored by Bank Of America Presented In Honor Of Jim Boyce