WILD HORSE NINE

Shortly before Chile's 1973 military coup, Chris (a superb John Malkovich), who is nearing retirement after decades as a CIA operative, and his impulsive young protégé Lee (an equally captivating Sam Rockwell) travel from Santiago to Easter Island on an assignment for their handler, MJ (Steve Buscemi). But when Chris strikes up an unlikely bond with two rebellious students (Mariana di Girolamo, Ailín Salas), he's forced to reckon with the weight of his past, straining his relationship with Lee and sending the mission spiraling out of control. Shot entirely on location on Rapa Nui, Wild Horse Nine unfolds against a landscape of ancient moai statues and wild horses roaming free across the island. Written and directed by Academy Award winner Martin McDonagh (The Banshees of Inisherin, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri), the film is a darkly funny, razor-sharp portrait of loyalty, friendship and guilt set against the paranoia of Cold War politics. Presentation of Spotlight Director Award to Martin McDonagh and Q&A following the screening.