With the main protagonist, a college professor who teaches ancient Greek history and culture, the new film of the greatest director of modern American cinema, dear friend of the Festival, winner of two Oscars, director and screenwriter of Greek origin, is touring the world Alexander Paynewho on Thursday, November 2, presented at 64th Thessaloniki Film Festival the film “The Holdovers”. It has also been screened at major international festivals and received excellent reviews.

In the press conference after the screening of the film, Alexander Payne spoke about the choice of the main characters and Paul Giamatti who entrusted him with the difficult role of the teacher, saying that he was sure of success. “But with other protagonists – young college students I sat for several weeks until I put them in the shoes of their roles,” said the creator of the film, written by David Hemmingson.

His film, which will be shown in cinemas from January 25, 2024, is a journey of self-awareness, with the tender touch and humor of Alexander Payne, which takes us to a distinguished American college during the Christmas holidays in the 1970s .

Alexander Payne also spoke of a story of reconciliation and coexistence between teacher and student that balances drama and comedy in an exemplary way, reminding us that connection and redemption can spring up even in the most barren ground, at the most unsuspecting moments. .

An awkward professor is forced to stay on the college campus, tasked with looking after the few students who will be spending the holidays away from their families. In this isolated setting, where the cold and snow “swallow” everything, the professor will develop an unlikely relationship with an unruly but at the same time genius student, who comes from an unstable family environment, but also with the head cook of the college, who mourns the loss of her son in the Vietnam War. The three mismatched characters, each burdened with deep wounds, will become close.

Alexander Payne also spoke at the press conference about social inequality, saying: “The sons of the rich have the means and opportunities to go to college and go on in life with a good education. And this always happens, and somewhere this has to stop…”.

*Children of Winter will be released in theaters from January 25, 2024 by Tanweer.