The Downtown Festival: The Basics of Philosophy + Q&A

Basics of Philosophy, a film by Paul Schrader
U.S. Premiere 

John Jorissen teaches philosophy in a small liberal arts school in the American Midwest, and is writing a book on Spinoza. His life revolves around teaching, writing and spending time with his partner Becca, a fellow professor, and her adolescent son Willie. Jorissen is smart, serious and distant. Something from the past torments him.

When Jorrisen’s estranged father passes away, an unexpected figure from that buried history reemerges—Miguel Vasque, the son of the family’s former gardener, who carries with him the weight of a long-ago incident. Their reunion forces Jorrisen to confront uncomfortable truths about guilt, obligation, and the fragile nature of the life he’s constructed.

Screening followed by a conversation between director Paul Schrader, moderated by SPECIAL GUEST

ABOUT THE DOWNTOWN FESTIVAL:
The Downtown Festival is a multidisciplinary celebration of independent film, music, art, and culture held across Lower Manhattan each October. Founded and directed by filmmaker Rebekah Sherman-Myntti, the festival brings together artists across disciplines and generations through film premieres, anniversary screenings, live music performances, artist talks, and special one-night-only events. Programming is led by Sherman-Myntti and Associate Director Briana Bursten, with a focus on discovery, experimentation, community, and genuine artist-to-artist exchange. The festival’s film program runs October 9-18 at Roxy Cinema, with additional programming and special events taking place all over downtown.