Dark drama Blindness named Atlantic Film Fest opener

Blindness, the dark Canadian-Brazilian-Japanese drama based on Jose Saramago’s acclaimed novel, is set to open the 28th edition of the Atlantic Film Festival.

Organizers announced their selection on Friday from Halifax, where the 10-day festival will unspool beginning Sept. 11.

“Opening night will beautifully align our celebration of Canadian cinema with this incredible Brazilian co-production,” said festival director Lia Rinaldo.

Packed with Canadian and international stars, Blindness tells the story of a mysterious epidemic that afflicts an unnamed city, robbing citizens of their sight and quickly causing societal breakdown.

The cast includes U.S. actors Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo and Danny Glover, Mexico’s Gael Garcia Bernal, Brazil’s Alice Braga, Japan’s Yusuke Iseya and Canadians Sandra Oh, Maury Chaykin, Susan Coyne, Martha Burns and Don McKellar — who also adapted the screenplay from Saramago’s book.

The movie opened the Cannes International Film Festival in May and will also screen at the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival. Blindness is set for a limited North American theatrical release in September.
Source: CBC News