The new feature-length documentary film, Midnight Return, will make its U.S. premiere at the 31st Santa Barbara International Film Festival on Friday, February 12, at 8:20 PM with an encore screening on Saturday, February 13, at 2:00PM. Follow Billy Hayes as he returns to Turkey 30 years after his daring escape from prison to face the country still haunted by the film, Midnight Express – a movie that turned him into an international celebrity and made him the enemy of Turkey. Both screenings will be followed by a Q&A with Writer/Director Sally Sussman and Billy Hayes.
From the moment it stunned the world at the Cannes Film Festival in 1978, Midnight Express cemented its place in film history as an artistic and financial success, winning two Academy Awards and the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture drama, before becoming an indelible part of pop culture. But its lasting impact has been on Turkish people worldwide who still condemn the film as racist and blame Billy Hayes for defaming them and their country.
In an effort to clear his conscience and re-visit the scenes of his youth, Billy Hayes attempts a rapprochement with the Turkish nation but is refused entry. It is only when he receives an invitation from a most ironic source that he returns to Turkey and faces a nation still haunted by the film and his own demons as well. Interviews include Oliver Stone, Peter Guber, Alan Parker, David Puttnam, Giorgio Moroder, Billy Hayes, Ahmet Ertegun, Peter Greenberg, Jeffrey Lyons, and many others.
Entirely self-financed, the film is written, directed and produced by the Emmy winning and WGA award-winning Sally Sussman. in addition, Producer Anthony Morina is a three-time Emmy winner, and a CableACE Award winner.
LINKS
• Media Contact: midnightreturnINFO@gmail.com OR 310-429-3979
• Official Website: http://MidnightReturnDocumentary.com/
• Instagram: @MIDNIGHTRETURNDOCUMENTARY
Visit for more information about the Santa Barbara screenings of Midnight Return and to purchase tickets visit the festival site: sbiff.org.
