Meanwhile

Hal Hartley, a distinguished American director, shot a mid-length film with sophisticated composition, following a one-day wandering of Joseph (D.J. Mendel) – a man of numerous interests, contacts, and planned projects. The impressively composed images of the everyday bustle in New York reveal the motives of his journeys to reach diverse goals. He bumps into closer and less-known acquaintances who inspire him in various ways and simultaneously disrupt his direction. The unpredictably leisurely narrative focuses on details and short episodes during which Hartley explores the genius loci and the nature of his characters. The original filmmaker has returned after a five-year break filled with short-length productions only. (Febiofest)