Warrnambool's Capitol Cinema screens 'How Do You Know Chris?'

The film is rich in south-west connections.Director Ash Harris originates from Colac and star Dan Haberfield is a teacher at Brauer College.

The one-off screening will feature a question and answer session with the director and stars of the film before the audience gets to meet Chris Black, 28, who has invited an assortment of guests to celebrate with him at his inner-city Melbourne apartment.

The only problem for the guests is the missing host.

The film follows the conversations between guests, most of whom are strangers to one another. Almost every interaction results in one question, "how do you know Chris?". The answers vary, with guests discovering that he is different things to different people.

When Chris does eventually arrive, nothing is any clearer until he calls everyone together to propose a toast and after saying his piece, his real motive becomes apparent.

The film was well-received after its release in 2020 and has scored a 9.1 out of 10 rating on international film and television website IMDB.

Mr Harris is a celebrated indie director and producer with his work receiving several awards and screenings at film festivals around the world.

"How Do You Know Chris? is a dark and intriguing independent drama set against the unlikely backdrop of a party," Mr Harris said.

"As a first-time feature filmmaker, I was attracted to this multifaceted script from writer Zachary Perez for many reasons. I resonated with different characters from the script; some were misfits with a sense of identity crisis in the world, others had their youthful romanticism re-directed by circumstances beyond their control.

"On another level, I was fascinated by the script's handling of the themes of depression, suicide and anxiety.

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"To create an intense immersion experience, we designed the film to make audience members feel like a guest at the party as they bear witness to each event unfolding as they would at a real-life gathering.

"Before long though, we draw into mid and closer shots to heighten the intensity as alcohol and other mind-altering substances erode character inhibitions.

"Then, as the more dramatic elements unfold, we open up the canvas to a continuous stream of slow-motion action to capture the raw, emotive reactions to Chris's final moments.

"I believe How Do You Know Chris? is a film with universally appealing themes as it explores the central question each of us must face - what makes our life worth living?"

How Do You Know Chris? will be screened at the Capitol Cinema on Saturday at 7pm, with all tickets $20.

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