Quest

If there's one film you should see at Slamdance or Sundance check out Quest. The film is based on a true story and stars Dash Mihok as Berkeley teacher Tim Moellering who steps up to help an abused 12-year-old graffiti addict play brilliantly by new comer @gregkasyan The film has a nice balance of humorous and sad scenes. @santi_rizzo does an amazing job in his directorial debut and made the film to honor the middle-school teacher who refused to give up on him. Highly recommend it to anyone but especially teachers and youth mentors. Check out this gem at Slamdance

Quest was a film that I saw on a whim at the Gasparilla International Film Festival. It fit into my schedule, and had Lakeith Stanfield in a supporting role, so I decided to give it a shot. I'm so glad that I did.

This film is about so much more than the synopsis would make you think. It's a story that needs to be heard because of how impactful it can be to youth who need guidance. The film is based on true events. It's the semi-autobiographical story of the director/co-writer. The character development in the film is amazing. All of the main cast is given extreme depth and humanity that makes the characters come to life.

I was really surprised to learn in the post-film Q&A that Rizzo was a first-time filmmaker because it is so well-filmed. The cinematography is really beautiful. The framing is excellent and the movements are fluid. The editing is also very good. I also loved the film's production design with all of the graffiti that had to be created for the film. It is designed perfectly to either create an emotional response or deliver the film's messaging. The cast is wonderful, too. The child actor, Gregory Kasyan, who plays the protagonist has a lot of talent. He is able to give the role the humanity it demands. Dash Mihok and Lakeith Stanfield are great in the two mentor roles. Each of them brings their unique qualities to the role, and it works. Lou Diamond Phillips is also wonderful in his role.

Overall, I really loved Quest. It's a great story that needs to be heard. It's a shame that it hasn't picked up distribution yet because it is a wonderful story that needs to be heard by as many people as possible. If you get the chance to see it, I highly recommend it.

This film comes from amazing compassion for how everyone has suffered and deserves a special mentor that heals by seeing the best. It is based on the true story of the first-time producer and director, who was called to share how a teacher/coach who stood up for him changed his life. The young main actor is so real as an abused child with really no choice but to get into mischief. It is heart-wrenching to see his inherent goodness shine through with his younger brother and unlikely friends but only really recognized by his mentor. Appropriately pretty or gritty scenery around Berkeley and witty, touching conversation make the timeless story even more enticing. Recommended for everyone, especially anyone dealing with children or childhood issues.

Quest quite literally changed my life forever. It can be used as a guide, a guru and as "medicine" to keep returning to again and again. It's a moral compass for humanity and it brought out the truth in me that was yearning to be unveiled. It's a movie about healing and coming together with love and empathy.

I've watched the world premiere of this wonderful movie during the "International Filmfest Oldenburg 2017". Director Santiago Rizzo and actor Lou Diamond Phillips were special guests and presented the movie to the audience. A touching story and brilliant actors - especially Gregory Kasyan and Lou Diamond Phillips - turned this evening into a reminding event.

"Quest" is one of the best movies I've ever seen. Go and watch it!