A film about local haunt and famous classic steakhouse, Durant’s, is set for release on January 21 at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel, just steps away from the original Durant’s.
The red carpet premiere of Durant’s Never Closes will be hosted in partnership with Scottsdale-based real estate developer Deco Communities and Edison Midtown, a new Phoenix icon now under construction, in association with Phoenix monthly event Get Your PHX and Local First Arizona.
“The Midtown neighborhood where Durant’s has stood for decades has a tremendous amount of history and character,” said Rob Lyles, partner with Deco Communities, the developer of Edison Midtown. “We wanted to get involved in the film project because we loved the idea of preserving the history and stories behind neighborhood icons like Durant’s.”
The filmmakers have teamed up with Edison Midtown, along with Representative Ken Clark and Get Your Phx, with support from Local First Arizona, to bring Durant’s Never Closes to Downtown Phoenix for its world premiere. The film will then begin a theatrical run at Harkins Shea 14 on January 22nd before playing in select cities around the U.S.
The development, Edison Midtown has signed on to sponsor Audio/Visual for the premiere, which will present a theatrical screening in the Renaissance ballroom.
The $40M condominium development is located within the Midtown Museum District at Central and Monterey in Phoenix, and has become invested in supporting the arts and cultural ambitions of the area.
“Our neighborhood is brimming with local arts and cultural phenomena, and we are committed to supporting local and independent artists like Travis Mills and the local and independent filmmakers behind Durant’s Never Closes,” Lyles said.
The film stars Hollywood actors Tom Sizemore and Peter Bogdanovich, telling the story of legendary Jack Durant, a restaurateur, ladies’ man, and mysterious gentleman who maintained many connections to the mafia.
From the backwoods of Tennessee, to the world of Vegas at the time of Bugsy, and finally as the owner of his famous steakhouse, Durant is a legend and dynamic character, at once charming, powerful, and dangerous.
This film, based on the play by Terry Earp and the book by Mabel Leo, tells his story during one day at his restaurant.
In the film, Sizemore delivers a return to form performance as Jack Durant, which echoes his career highlights, including Saving Private Ryan and Heat. Renowned director and producer Peter Bogdanovich (Last Picture Show, Paper Moon) plays a supporting role in the film. In addition, Michelle Stafford (The Young and the Restless, General Hospital) gives a heartbreaking performance as Jack’s ex-wife.
Durant’s Never Closes was entirely filmed in Arizona by local independent filmmakers. The actual restaurant was only used for exterior shots, whereas all interiors were filmed on a sound stage in Glendale where Durant’s bar, booths, and decor were re-created.
Director and producer Travis Mills began Running Wild Films in 2010 with the vision to build a sustainable film movement in Phoenix and to focus on making films about the city and state’s history. He and his team are currently in pre-production on a new narrative film about the Don Bolles murder and conspiracy, titled Valley of Shadows.
For more information about Edison Midtown visit www.liveatedison.com.