It is so difficult in this day and age to find independent films that transcend the 'indie' label and aspire to the level of great art, so when you find a film that deserves the full attention of the film-going audience, a modest, beautiful heart-breaking film, there is a responsibility to spread the word. For me, one of the best films I have seen in 2006 is Kelly Reichardt's Old Joy, which opens today in NYC at the Film Forum. It is an extraordinary film, transcendent, and a must-see.

Will Oldham and Daniel London in Kelly Reichardt's Old Joy

I saw the movie at Sundance and was very fortunate and proud to be able to bring the film, Kelly and writer Jonathan Raymond to Sarasota for the Sarasota Film Festival, where it won our Best Narrative Feature Jury Prize. The film is a heartbreaking tale that marks the changes in our lives in the wonderful way that only cinema can; Small moments, perfectly observed, accumulate to paint a clear picture of lives drifting apart. I think the movie is one of the strongest films by an American filmmaker that I have seen in a long, long time, and I strongly encourage everyone to give it a chance and get to the theater this week to see it. A big opening weekend will really help launch this film into the wider world, and we can all do our part by taking a trip to the theater. I know I'll be there. Congratulations to Kelly and Jonathan on this great achievement, and I look forward to seeing how the film finds an audience.