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The Samuel Project

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The Samuel Project
Directed byMarc Fusco
Written by
  • Marc Fusco
  • Chris Neighbors
  • Steve Weinberger
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyStephen Sheridan
Edited byMarc Fusco
Music byJoey Newman
Distributed byin8 Releasing
Release date
  • September 28, 2018 (2018-09-28)[1]
Running time
92 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

The Samuel Project is a 2018 family comedy drama film directed by Marc Fusco and written by Fusco, Chris Neighbors and Steve Weinberger. The film stars Hal Linden, Ryan Ochoa and was shot in San Diego, California.

Plot

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A high school teen reconnects with his Jewish grandfather and creates art based on his experience in The Holocaust.[2]

Cast

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Production

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Development

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In an interview with AARP, Linden talks about distancing the film from Schindler's List. He states “so the movie became less of a Holocaust picture and more about a boy pursuing his dream of being an artist. [...] The Samuel Project is about three generations that don’t communicate much — it isn’t until art tells the story that you get communication.”[3]

Casting

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Fusco cast Linden, Lapira and Bowgen during the time they were performing in Steve Martin's Picasso at the Lapin Agile at San Diego's Old Globe Theater.[3][4]

Filming

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Principal photography took place in March and April 2017 in San Diego.[5][6] "Action traveled to the streets of Hillcrest, a pawn shop on University Avenue, the Chuck Jones Gallery in the Gaslamp, Balboa Park, a La Jolla estate masquerading as a Newport Beach mansion, a farm in Ramona, Shelter Island Cleaners, and more."[7]

Themes

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Dave McNary of Variety said "Through art, the film explores how Jewish immigrants struggled to find new homes in the U.S. following World War II and explores themes of the universal struggle for acceptance and opportunity with direct relevance to today’s headlines."[8]

Release

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The Samuel Project had a limited release on September 28, 2018, and expanded to nationwide on October 5, 2018.[6] The film opened to 25 markets[8] and was distributed by in8 Releasing and selected by AMC Independent. Fusco said "Audiences are hungry for independent, character-driven films like ours which are a refreshing alternative to the big blockbuster franchises."[9]

Reception

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Critical response

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Kimber Myers of the Los Angeles Times said "Despite its flaws, The Samuel Project is likely to make an impact on open-hearted audiences, with extra credit due Linden for an authentic performance in line with the actor's body of work."[10] Tim Appelo of AARP scored it 3 out of 5 and said "It could use more of grandpa's drama and less teen dramedy, but it's heartwarming."[11] John Delia of Aced Magazine called it "a very good inspirational film" scoring it 4 out of 5 stars.[12]

Accolades

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The family-friendly film won three San Diego Film Awards, Best Narrative Feature, Best Actor for Hal Linden and Best Director for Marc Fusco. Ryan Ochoa was also nominated for Best Actor.[13]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Homnick, Jay D. (10 October 2018). "Uncle Samuel Needs You". The American Spectator. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  2. ^ Carmona, Sergio (October 4, 2018). "'The Samuel Project' connects Holocaust survivor, grandson". Sun-Sentinel. Retrieved August 7, 2021.
  3. ^ a b Appelo, Tim (September 27, 2018). "Hal Linden on His Holocaust Film 'The Samuel Project'". AARP. Retrieved January 20, 2022.
  4. ^ Bell, Diane (March 1, 2017). "San Diego Co-stars in Film Quietly Screening Next Door to 'Black Panther'". The San Diego Union Tribune. Retrieved January 20, 2022.
  5. ^ Cristi, A.A. (March 7, 2017). "Hal Linden and Ryan Ochoa Will Make Their Way to the Big Screen in 'The Samuel Project'". Broadway World. Retrieved January 20, 2022.
  6. ^ a b "SAN DIEGO - 'The Samuel Project' is in theaters nationwide on Friday, October 5th". CBS 8. October 4, 2018. Retrieved August 7, 2021.
  7. ^ Bell, Diane (March 27, 2017). "Old Globe actors use off-stage time to film a movie". The San Diego Union Tribune. Retrieved January 20, 2022.
  8. ^ a b McNary, Dave (July 19, 2018). "Hal Linden-Ryan Ochoa's 'The Samuel Project' to Be Distributed by In8 Releasing (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved August 7, 2021.
  9. ^ Ottiniano, Liz (September 26, 2018). ""The Samuel Project" Starring Hal Linden & Ryan Ochoa Receives Expanded Multi-City Release Through AMC Independent". PR Newswire. Retrieved August 7, 2021.
  10. ^ Myers, Kimber (October 4, 2018). "Review: Well-meaning, if flawed, Holocaust-inspired drama 'The Samuel Project' touches the heart". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 7, 2021.
  11. ^ "The Samuel Project". Rotten Tomatoes. September 28, 2018. Retrieved January 20, 2022.
  12. ^ Delia, John (February 28, 2019). ""The Samuel Project" a Labor of Love". Aced Magazine. Retrieved January 20, 2022.
  13. ^ "FILM CONSORTIUM TV: San Diego Film Awards (2019)". PBS. May 31, 2019. Retrieved August 7, 2021.
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