Old Joy follows two old friends—played by Daniel London and iconic singer-songwriter Will Oldham (aka Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy)—who have drifted apart over the years, as they embark on a camping trip. Along the way, they drink beer, shoot at tin cans, and share long, meaningful silences. While little happens on the surface, a beautiful and poetic portrait of a strained friendship, broken dreams, and long-faded pasts unfolds between the lines. With this bittersweet sketch, Reichardt placed herself at the forefront of American independent cinema, creating a film that resonates long after the final frame and continues to provoke reflection. Through renowned films such as Meek’s Cutoff and First Cow—always produced on limited budgets, filmed on location, and devoid of blockbuster stars—Reichardt has emerged as one of the most prominent American directors of the past two decades.
For one night only, the original soundtrack of Old Joy by indie darlings Yo La Tengo will be tucked away, replaced by the intimate sounds of Mary Lattimore. Since her 2013 debut The Redrawing Room, she has become a mainstay of the American experimental folk scene. Her music shifts seamlessly from delicate and dreamy to complex and overwhelming. A virtuous musician, Lattimore masterfully juggles countless effect pedals live, yet can just as easily make her harp—stripped of all electronics—sing like no other.