THE HANGING OF STUART CORNFELD Documentary

World Premiere

Screening to be followed by a conversation with director, screenwriter and producer Joan Bofill Amargós.

Stuart Cornfeld (AFI Class of 1975) looks back on his colorful career as a creative producer, collaborating with Anne Bancroft (AFI DWW+ Class of 1974), Mel Brooks, David Lynch (AFI Class of 1970), David Cronenberg, Steven Soderbergh, Guillermo Del Toro and Ben Stiller, among others. Featuring a wealth of interviews, Joan Bonfill’s intimate and insightful documentary portrait delves into the mysterious chemistry of creative collaboration, and sheds light on the work of a producer, helping writers and directors to make great movies. Made during the final years of his life, when Cornfeld was dealing with terminal cancer, Bonfill’s interviews with Cornfeld and his key collaborators are notable for their candor — including as to creative differences — and the mutual appreciation of one colleague for another. A painter, Bonfill sketches and paints portraits of his subjects while interviewing them, culminating in an exhibition in honor of Cornfeld, his life’s work and his enduring love for the movies. –Todd Hitchcock