Opening Night

OPENING NIGHT FILM

SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN
DIRECTOR: Lasse Hallström - Great Britain

With a script from Simon Beaufoy (Slumdog Millionaire, 127 Hours) based on Paul Torday’s bestselling novel, this witty romantic comedy revolves around the effort to make the impossible possible. Fred (Ewan McGregor), a stuffy government fisheries scientist, is reluctantly drawn into the seemingly ludicrous effort to introduce British salmon into the highlands of the Yemen by a fishing-obsessed Arab sheik (Amr Waked). At first resistant, he is pressured into going along with the plan at the behest of senior diplomats and the prime minister’s PR maven (Kristin Scott Thomas), who are all intent upon gaining the sheik’s favor. Urged on by the sheik’s British rep, Harriet (Emily Blunt), Fred is ultimately won over by the sheik’s passion for the sport, which he believes brings him “closer to God” and hopes it will do the same for his countrymen. As the mismatched Fred and Harriet embark upon their task, a different sort of sport gains their interest. (112 mins.)

Selected Filmography: My Life as a Dog (85), What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (93), The Cider House Rules (99), Chocolat (00), A Unfinished Life (07), Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (09).

Showtime: 2/9, 7:30 p.m. | Newmark Theatre

Sponsored by Hotel Modera and Nel Centro.

No more advance tickets available. Limited tickets available at the door.

OPENING NIGHT PARTY

The Northwest Film Center, with support from The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, invites you to join us after the screening for our Opening Night Party, hosted by Nel Centro and the Hotel Modera. Expanding upon last year’s event, this year's party will feature delicious offerings from restaurateur David Machado and complimentary beverages from Pyramid Breweries and Firesteed Cellars, as well as mark the return of the PIFFtini. Enjoy the sounds of Swing Papillon as you roam between the restaurant, hotel lobby, and (new this year) tented patio courtyard.

Opening Night Film & Party Tickets: $25; $20 Silver Screen Club Friend and Portland Art Museum members.