Join Us for the DCIFF opening night screening and discussion with cast and crew of an exciting adaptation of Alyson Foster's 2014 novel which became a Oprah Winfrey Booklist pick.

The day of the accident, Jess is in the backyard with a chainsaw, clearing space to build the greenhouse she's always wanted. And, as always, she is thinking of Arthur. Arthur, her colleague in the botany department, who never believed she'd actually start the project. Arthur, who has cut off contact, escaping to the subarctic to study the pines. But now there has been a disaster, connected to Jess's husband's space tourism business: the explosion of a shuttle filled with commercial passengers, igniting a media frenzy on her family's doorstep.

“Intriguing material… the plot is smart and raises sharp questions about the dubious ethics of extreme tourism.” ~Publishers Weekly
"Foster expertly builds suspense... [Her] absorbing character study couched in a very contemporary cautionary tale is likely to find many fans." ~Booklist

GOD IS AN ASTRONAUT (USA/2025/120mins)

Director and Screenwriter Bailey Kobe is a dynamic Indigenous Asian Pacific Islander-American writer-director blending Asian and European styles from well known, literary material. Mentored by industry legends like Gareth Wigan (Star Wars, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) and the Russo Brothers (Avengers, Community). Kobe has adapted major literary works for the studios and achieved success with original screenplays, including accolades at AustinFF, CBS, and Sundance. His distinct style has garnered critical acclaim, landing his work in Sound and Picture magazine, Vimeo Staff Picks, and front-page critic picks on major platforms like Hulu and Paramount+. With a background in literature and improv, Kobe’s storytelling captures a rich, multicultural perspective. His collaborations include stars like Zendaya, Aubrey Plaza, Lupita Nyong’o, and many more.

Key Cast: Brandee Steger, Michael Steger, Stephanie Erb, Mico Saad, Khetphet Phagnasay

Ticket Option: to include the pre-reception and book signing with author Alyson Foster.