World Premiere
Initials S.G.
US Narrative Competition
| Argentina, Lebanon, USA | 98 MINUTES | English, Spanish | English subtitlesComedy, Drama, Music
“Struggling actor” is a generous way to think of Sergio Garces (Diego Peretti)—he’s closer to a prolific featured extra. On top of that, he’s having the unluckiest few days of his life. After pushing someone out of a window in the heat of a scuffle, he’s sentenced to probation and anger management training. Then, bike accident busts his nose to the point that he can only “appear” onscreen in virtual reality porn. All the same, Sergio exudes an enticing charisma, a rumpled cool—an aura that led him to record covers of Serge Gainsbourg, to whom he bears more than a passing resemblance. He hooks up with a thrill-seeking American sales agent (Julianne Nicholson) in town for a film festival, but their dreams of adventure only escalate the trouble.
Like Sergio’s covers, Initials SG riffs on classic cool, nodding to Goodfellas, Breathless, and the effortlessly chic sensuality of an icon like Gainsbourg. From these reference points, co-directors Rania Attieh and Daniel Garcia create a world that is entirely their own, toggling between deadbeat dramedy, crime caper, and even surreal bouts of black comedy. Their body of work, which has taken them from Attieh’s home city of Tripoli in OK, Almost, Goodbye to an apocalyptic upstate New York in H., lets setting create the mood. Here, Buenos Aires is laid-back and rhythmic, the perfect backdrop for Sergio’s dreamy, stylish, and, frankly, weed-induced head trip.
—Frederic Boyer
Like Sergio’s covers, Initials SG riffs on classic cool, nodding to Goodfellas, Breathless, and the effortlessly chic sensuality of an icon like Gainsbourg. From these reference points, co-directors Rania Attieh and Daniel Garcia create a world that is entirely their own, toggling between deadbeat dramedy, crime caper, and even surreal bouts of black comedy. Their body of work, which has taken them from Attieh’s home city of Tripoli in OK, Almost, Goodbye to an apocalyptic upstate New York in H., lets setting create the mood. Here, Buenos Aires is laid-back and rhythmic, the perfect backdrop for Sergio’s dreamy, stylish, and, frankly, weed-induced head trip.
—Frederic Boyer
Cast & Credits
Directed by
Rania Attieh and Daniel Garcia
Rania Attieh, from Lebanon, and Daniel Garcia, from Texas, are Independent Spirit award-winning filmmakers that have co-written and co-directed many films. Their last film H. was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award, and appeared at Venice Film Festival, Sundance, and Berlinale. Initials SG is their fourth feature film collaboration.
Director
Rania Attieh, Daniel Garcia
Producer
Ivan Eibuszyc, Shruti Ganguly, Georges Schoucair
Screenwriter
Rania Attieh, Daniel Garcia
Cinematographer
Roman Kasseroller
Editor
Leandro Aste, Daniel Garcia
Composer
Bill Laurance, Maciej Zielinski
Cast
Diego Peretti, Julianne Nicholson, Daniel Fanego, Malena Sanchez, Francisco Lumerman
Contacts
Press Contact
Print Source
International Sales Contact
US Sales Contact
* Rush Tickets available at venue except for
Beacon Theatre
Beacon Theatre
Rush will be offered when advanced tickets for a screening or event are no longer available at venues
other than Beacon Theatre.
The Rush system functions as a standby line that will form at the venue approximately one hour prior to scheduled start time. Admittance is based on availability and will begin roughly 10 minutes prior to program start time. Rush Tickets are the same price as advance tickets and are payable upon entry.
The Rush system functions as a standby line that will form at the venue approximately one hour prior to scheduled start time. Admittance is based on availability and will begin roughly 10 minutes prior to program start time. Rush Tickets are the same price as advance tickets and are payable upon entry.
