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Bucheon Choice: Features

The Art of Self-Defense

Riley STEARNS

USA2019104min Color International Premiere

Synopsis

A sheepish accountant is attacked at random on the street. He decides to enlist at a local dojo, led by a charismatic and mysterious Sensei, in an effort to learn how to defend himself. What he gets into is something more than bargained for.

Program Note

Riley Stearns’ dark, subversive yet hilarious commentary on ‘uber-masculinity’ works perfectly with Jesse Eisenberg’s unlikely transformation from a victimized meek accountant into a karate-chopping man of vengeance. Also starring are Alessandro Nivola as machismo dojo sensei and Imogen Poots as a determined female instructor of children’s class. (Jongsuk Thomas NAM)

Diretor

Riley STEARNS

Riley Stearns grew up in Pflugerville, TX, a suburb of Austin. His feature debut FAULTS premiered at SXSW in 2014 and went on to play festivals around the world. THE ART OF SELF-DEFENSE, his second feature, also premiered at SXSW in 2017. The film was released by Bleecker Street domestically and Universal Pictures internationally. DUAL is Stearns’ third feature as writer/director and first as a producer. When not making films you can find Stearns on the mats training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.