The Guatemalan Handshake

After a massive power outage in a small town, Donald the demolition derby driver (Will Oldham) vanishes, leaving his friends and family in a quandary. The Guatemalan Handshake captures a childhood summer full of carnivals, lightning bugs and fireworks, with just a splash of David Lynch’s view of Americana thrown in. The landscape is strewn with lost objects and lost people: Donald’s pregnant girlfriend, his helpless and car-less father, a pack of wild boy scouts, a lactose intolerant roller rink employee, an elderly woman in search of her lost dog, and a ten-year-old girl named Turkeylegs. Filmed in Harrisburg, many of the crew on this project have a Pittsburgh Filmmakers connection, including the cinematographer, Richie Sherman (a former Pittsburgh Filmmakers film and video teacher). Awarded a Special Jury Prize at the 2006 Slamdance Film Festival. (Todd Rohal; USA; 2005; 96 min)

The director and cinematographer are scheduled to appear.