Project Detail

The Closer We Get

Synopsis

A compelling portrait of loyalty, broken dreams and redemption told by its director, reluctantly-dutiful daughter Karen, who takes you under the skin of the deceptively humdrum household she returns to for this long goodbye.

Karen’s mother Ann suffers a devastating stroke that brings her daughter back home. But Karen isn’t the only one who comes back to help care for Ann in the crisis: Her prodigal father - the endearing yet unfathomable Ian, who’s been separated from Ann for years - also reappears.
Reunited so unexpectedly, and armed with her camera, Karen seizes this last chance to go under the skin of the family story before it’s too late, to come to terms with the aftermath of the secret her father had tried - and failed - to keep from them all: a relationship and a son, Campbell, born in Ethiopia and now in Scotland.
With candour, warmth and much unexpected humour, Karen’s role as family confidante, busybody, therapist and spy brings to life both an extraordinary story and a profound portrait of family survival.
Hot Docs 2015 - World premiere

Details

Year
2015
Type of film
Features
Running time
87 mins
Director
Karen Guthrie
Producer
Karen Guthrie, Nina Pope
Editor
Alice Powell
Screenwriter
Karen Guthrie
Director of Photography
Nina Pope
Sound
Doug Haywood
Composer
Malcolm Middleton
Principal cast
Ann Guthrie, Ian Guthrie, Karen Guthrie
Sound Design
Doug Haywood

Categories

Production Status

Production Company

Somewhere

J Goodings Pie & Mash
257 Well Street
London
E9 6RG

Sales Company

Somewhere

J Goodings Pie & Mash
257 Well Street
London
E9 6RG

Page updates

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