Sister Cities

In this twisty and finely-observed family drama of Chekhovian simplicity, four estranged and wildly different sisters—each named after the city they were born in—are called home following the death of their mother. Free-spirited force of nature Mary Baxter lived a whirlwind life, and left her daughters adrift in her wake. After they arrive for Mary’s funeral, a raging storm traps them together in the house. Clashes ensue, old flames reappear, vodka is consumed, memories are triggered, and secrets bubble up, forcing them to confront the things they love about each other, and the things they’d just as soon forget. By turns awkward, funny, and moving, much like real-life family reunions, the fiery and forceful women at the film’s center give this American dramedy a winning appeal. Featuring an all-star cast including Jacki Weaver (“Silver Linings Playbook“), Stana Katic (“Castle”), Troian Bellisario (“Pretty Little Liars”), Michelle Trachtenberg, and Traverse City’s own Amy Smart, we are excited to play host to this film’s world premiere. In Person: Director Sean Hanish; Actor Amy Smart; Producer Paul Jaconi-Biery; Writer Collette Freedman.