Etienne! (CLOSING NIGHT)

The Santa Cruz Film Festival is proud to be closing its ninth edition with the locally-produced feature Etienne!    Before the film begins, the SCFF Awards Ceremony will be held.  Winners of the jury competitions and audience awards will be announced.

Shot in town and along the coast up to San Francisco and Marin County, Etienne! is a sweet, funny, touching, timeless tale of two kindred spirits on a journey of friendship and togetherness.  What makes this story special is that one of the friends is a hamster.

Richard is a shy nerd with a strange 1970s mustache who has recently begun a janitorial job at a San Francisco residential hotel.  Something of a loner, his closest friend is a hamster named Etienne.  When Richard learns that Etienne has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, he decides to take Etienne on a bicycle trip down the California coast to see the world before he dies.

Along the way, they spend time in Pogonip Park, Loch Lomond, Henry Cowell State Park, the Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel, and even Pergolesi, where they encounter all manner of colorful characters who teach them about life, love and happiness.  When Richard meets Elodie, who’s reeling from a bad breakup and leaving Santa Cruz, they establish a bond that may not have been possible without a little help from Etienne.

Funny, sad, sweet and weird all at once, Etienne! evokes the spirit of films of yesteryear and features an incredible soundtrack.  A triumph of pure, innocent storytelling.

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Join us before the show at Caffe Pergolesi in the Blue Room for a pre-screening reception with the filmmakers.  Music will be provided by BeatBeat Whisper.  418 Cedar St at Elm, 5:30-7:00

Caffe Pergolesi is also offering a 25% discount all day for Festival attendees. Present any SCFF ticket stub to receive discount.

Following the screening, rock out to the tight, riotous sounds of The Mulhollands at the Cypress Lounge. Celebrate the conclusion of our 9th season. No cover. Drink specials.