Opening Night: Rebuilding
Description
Californians are overly familiar with the devastating effects of wildfires. Blazes and destruction captivate headlines, but the totality of loss and years of communal rebuilding quickly recedes into obscurity. In Max Walker-Silverman’s achingly personal tale of one man’s journey to reclaim his identity, the story focuses on what happens after the embers fade. Josh O’Connor (Challengers, La Chimera, The Crown) stars as uncertain, mild-mannered Dusty, a man adrift after losing his family ranch and his purpose as a cowboy. As he clambers to find his footing, Dusty must also reconcile with his daughter Callie-Rose and redefine his place in a blended family. This quiet story of love and resilience unfolds gracefully under Walker-Silverman’s assured direction. O’Conner delivers another nuanced performance, every gesture and expression carefully calibrated. A stellar supporting cast—including Meghann Fahy, Amy Madigan, Lilly LaTour, and Kali Reis—delivers powerful, textured performances. With stunning cinematography of rural landscapes, a visual reminder that openness leads to new beginnings, this moving film is one of inspiration and possibility. —Jessie Fairbanks
Opening Night Film + Party
Join us for our Opening Night Film + Party as we kick off the 68th SFFILM Festival with Rebuilding. Tickets to the 7 pm PT screening at the Premier Theater include admission to both the film and 9 pm party. Tickets to the 8 pm PT screening at the Marina Theatre, which do not include admission to the Opening Night Party, are also available. Click here to get tickets for the 8 pm screening.
Biographies
A native of Telluride, CO, Max Walker-Silverman studied theater at Stanford and earned his MFA at NYU. Before turning to filmmaking he worked as a cowhand, a community organizer, and a literary editor. His short films include Get Away (2017); Lefty/Righty (2019), winner of a National Board of Review, USA student grant; and Chuj Boys of Summer (2020), winner of a Special Jury Award at SXSW. He made his feature debut with A Love Song (2022), which was nominated for the Film Independent Spirit Awards’ John Cassavetes Award.
