The Closer We Get
Synopsis
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 & Mash257 Well Street
London
E9 6RG
Sales Company
Somewhere
J Goodings Pie & Mash257 Well Street
London
E9 6RG
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