2017 | India | NR | 106 min.
Black comedies about democracy are so hot right now, you’ll definitely want to check out this movie about the world’s largest democracy, India, as it prepares for an election with an expected 800 million voters. Idealistic rookie government clerk Newton is sent with a military escort to set up and oversee a dangerous polling station in a deep jungle that has been besieged by communist guerrillas for decades. Never one to back down from a challenge, Newton holds tight to his democratic duty and goes to hilarious lengths to ensure that all 76 voters in the region have a chance to make their voices heard. Striking a perfect balance between sincerity and humor, second-time director Amit V. Masurkar uncovers something important when the voters finally have a chance to talk to Newton about voting. Equal parts silly and profound, “Newton” is a rare delight, and one of the gems of this year’s festival.
PRE-SHOW MUSIC BY
Old Empire (Sat)
SPONSORED BY
Alan Kirby (Wed)
Diane Hubert & Richard Sutton (Sat)