Writer/Director James Lapine is best known for his Broadway musicals for which he’s won 3 Tonys and a Pulitizer Prize. Custody, his first dramatic film, is a riveting family courtroom drama featuring three strong women. Sara, portrayed by Academy Award nominated actress Catalina Sandino Moreno (Maria Full of Grace, The Affair) is a young, single mother with two kids. When her son’s teacher notices a cut above his eye, it sets in motion a child custody battle in NYC Family Court. The presiding judge (Viola Davis) is grappling with her own issues and a crumbling marriage. Sara’s court-appointed attorney is a recent law school graduate (Hayden Panettiere) from a privileged background. It’s bad timing for Sara’s case as a young girl has recently died after being neglected by the system. Children’s Services and the court are under a lot of pressure and public scrutiny. This is a story that will stay with you long over the film ends. (Running time: 104 minutes) Conversation to follow screening with special guest, Oscar nominated actress, Catalina Sandino Moreno, and producer, Lauren Versel.
