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THE POOL: Q & A with director CHRIS SMITH
(Recorded September 5, 2008)

DIRECTED BY CHRIS SMITH

“GORGEOUS... GLOWING LUMINESCENCE.” – Stephen Holden, The New York Times

“VIVID! A FUNNY, sweet-natured humanist character piece.” – Scott Tobias, The Onion

“Bollywood legend Nana Patekar (gives) a commanding, charismatic performance.” – John Anderson, Village Voice

“Critics’ Pick. A triumph, this! (A) gentle, muted drama. Genuine old-school humanism.” – Time Out NY

“A kind of counter-film which sets expectations in an environment that supports unexpected results… (with ) two seamless performances. Nana Patekar… is an eminence in Indian film and has commanding ease. His extensive talents shine.”
– Stanley Kauffmann, The New Republic

“A truly independent gem of a feature. Informed by incisive observations about the class divide but more interested
in the mysteries of the human heart, this gentle variation on neorealism is a delight on every level. Uplifting without a drop of sap.”
– Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter

“Sensitive to the culture, not only of India, but to those people who must work menial jobs to survive
and dream of something bigger, Smith has crafted a quietly beautiful movie that honors both.”
– Anthony Kaufman, indieWIRE

IN THIS CHARMING, ELEGANTLY SHOT FABLE SET IN NEIGHBORHOODS OF POVERTY AND PRIVILEGE IN GOA, India, 18-year-old Venkatesh ekes out a living working in a hotel and pounding the pavement selling plastic baggies. It’s a far cry from his fantasy — to dive into the glimmering David Hockney-esque swimming pool of an upper-class family. Remarkably, this neorealist tale, reminiscent of the great Satyajit Ray, is written and directed by an American, Chris Smith, acclaimed director of AMERICAN MOVIE and THE YES MEN. “A truly independent gem of a feature. A delight on every level. Uplifting without a drop of sap.” — Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter.

Official web site for THE POOL

USA • 2007 • 95 MINUTES • IN ENGLISH & HINDI WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES • VITAGRAPH FILM