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June 11, 2015
The granddaughter of filmmaking royalty, Gia Coppola, directs this coming-of-age drama based on James Franco's novel, Palo Alto.
A Coming-of-Age Story Based on James Franco's Novel, Directed by Coppola's Granddaughter
Palo Alto: Gia Coppola's Feature Debut
Palo Alto, a coming-of-age drama based on actor James Franco's novel, is the feature film debut of Gia Coppola, granddaughter of the legendary Francis F. Coppola. It will be shown exclusively as part of the "Calte Fantastic! Cinema Collection 2015" from Saturday, June 6th to Friday, June 26th, at Shinjuku Cinema Qualite.
Text by YANAKA Tomomi
A Cast of Rising Stars, Including Emma Roberts, Captures Delicate Sensibilities
Popular ActorJames FrancoPalo Alto is a film adaptation of a short story published in 2010 by James Franco, set in his hometown. The film, exploring the delicate relationships and complex emotions of adolescence, was directed by Gia Coppola, granddaughter of the legendary Francis Ford Coppola, niece of Sofia Coppola, and also a photographer in her own right.
Gia Coppola, making her feature film debut, collaborated with James Franco on this project, which took two years to complete. The cast features a collection of young actors who reflect the director's sensitive vision, with Emma Roberts, niece of Julia Roberts and a rising star, playing the lead role of April, a high school student.
James Franco himself portrays the soccer coach with whom April becomes involved. Jack Kilmer, son of Val Kilmer and a model for Yves Saint Laurent, makes his acting debut, delivering a compelling performance as a naive young man, rounding out a stellar cast.
April's Infatuation with Her Soccer Coach, and Teddy's Unrequited Love
Palo Alto, a town in the San Francisco Bay Area. April, a shy and sensitive high school student living there, harbors a secret crush on Mr. B, her soccer coach and a single father.
Meanwhile, Teddy, a classmate who is in love with April, is devastated when he witnesses her kissing another boy, leading him to drive drunk and cause a car accident.
The film is a realistic portrayal of youth, with Coppola's direction focusing on and capturing the struggles of young people grappling with the dreams, ideals, and inevitable setbacks of adolescence.
Palo Alto
Opens Saturday, June 6th, at Shinjuku Cinema Qualite
Director & Screenplay: Gia Coppola
Starring: Emma Roberts, James Franco, Nat Wolff, Jack Kilmer
Distribution: Unplugged
2014 / USA / 100 min
http://paloalto-story.com
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