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WINSTON-SALEM — In anticipation of National Autism Awareness Day on April 2, RiverRun International Film Festival will present “Drought,” a homegrown, North Carolina-based film originally selected to screen during RiverRun’s 2020 Film Festival.  The film will screen online for one day only on Friday, March 26, and tickets are available for pre-sale now through March 26 for $12 at riverrunfilm.com. The film we be available for viewing 72 hours for ticket holders. This screening will also offer a sneak peek at Elevent, the virtual screening system that will be part of RiverRun’s 2021 festival experience.

“Drought” takes place in 1993 in the South, in the midst of the worst drought in history. It tells the story of Carl, who is on the autism spectrum and who is fascinated by weather and is predicting a storm to hit west of his small town. In hopes of creating a better life for Carl, his sister Sam decides that they will chase the storm by stealing their mother’s ice cream truck. Unexpectedly, they are joined by their best friend Lewis and estranged older sister, Lillian, and they learn about family, forgiveness, and following your dreams.

Directed by Hannah Black and Megan Petersen, “Drought” was filmed in its entirety in Wilmington.

“We are thrilled to offer ‘Drought’ for one night only, and the timing just in advance of National Autism Awareness Day could not be more perfect,” said Rob Davis, RiverRun’s executive director. “Having the opportunity to show a North Carolina-born film is always a special treat, and we are so glad that the cancellation of the 2020 festival doesn’t mean that our audience won’t have the chance to see this wonderful piece of work.”

Sponsors

The sponsors of the 2021 RiverRun International Film Festival help sustain the organization’s mission to foster a greater appreciation of cinema and a deeper understanding of the many people, cultures, and perspectives of our world through regular interaction with great films and filmmakers. Festival sponsors include:

Title Sponsors – National Endowment for the Arts, UNCSA; Presenting Sponsors – Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, City of Winston-Salem, Millennium Fund, MullenLowe Mediahub, Shift Creative, Wake Forest University

Marquee Sponsors – Forsyth County, Nelson Mullins, North Carolina Arts Council, PNC, Reynolds America, Inc., Salem Smiles Orthodontics