Arlen Faber (Jeff Daniels) is the reclusive author of "Me and God," a book that has redefined spirituality for an entire generation and has been translated into over 100 languages in the romantic comedy “The Answer Man” showing at Harkins Sedona Six Theatres at 4 and 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 5.

Romantic comedy "The Answer Man" debuts in Sedona on May 5

Jeff Daniels and Lauren Graham star in latest Sedona Film Festival offering

SEDONA, AZ - The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Sedona debut of the new romantic comedy “The Answer Man” on Tuesday, May 5. There will be two screenings of the film at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. at Harkins Sedona Six Theatres. The film is the fourth in a six-week “Premiere Series” that will continue every Tuesday through mid-May.

“The Answer Man” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January and has been playing to rave audience and critical reviews at festivals since then. John Hindman directs the romantic comedy starring Jeff Daniels (The Squid and the Whale), Lauren Graham (“Gilmore Girls”) and Lou Taylor Pucci (Thumbsucker). “The Answer Man” will open in New York and Los Angeles in July.

“This is such a coup for us to get this film more than two months before its release in the major film cities,” said festival director Patrick Schweiss. “It is a delightful comedy that presents a humorous look at life’s little lessons as the different characters search for meaning in their own lives. It is a feel-good movie with a lot of heart and even more laughs.”

Arlen Faber (Daniels) is the reclusive author of "Me and God," a book that has redefined spirituality for an entire generation and has been translated into over 100 languages. On the eve of the 20th anniversary of his still wildly popular book, Arlen is still sought after as the man who has all the answers.

Arlen's life collides with Elizabeth (Graham), a single mom raising her seven year-old son, and Kris (Taylor Pucci), a young man fresh out of rehab who is searching for meaning. Both Elizabeth and Kris are hopeful that Arlen has the answers, but the truth is, he hasn't got a clue.

John Hindman directs the romantic comedy starring Jeff Daniels (The Squid and the Whale), Lauren Graham (“Gilmore Girls”). The film makes its Sedona debut on Tuesday, May 5, as part of the Sedona International Film Festival’s Premiere Series.

The film also stars Kat Dennings (Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist) and Olivia Thirlby (Juno).

“I set about writing a story that would be the kind of movie that I would like to see. For me that meant getting personal,” said writer/director Hindman. “ ‘The Answer Man’ is my attempt to address several themes in my life. Fathers and sons. Overprotective parents. Drinking. A seemingly elusive Higher Power. Romantic love. And, a deep reverence for sarcasm.”

Having spent years as a stand-up comic, Hindman knows a thing or two about timing and delivery when it comes to the humor in “The Answer Man.”

“In my years doing stand-up comedy I learned one thing: don’t tell a story with jokes. Use jokes to tell a story. I love stories of smart flawed people with a great sense of humor who are in a state of moral crisis. I want to laugh with them and at them. I want to be there when they’ve tried every trick in the book and the only thing left is the truth. And ultimately, I want a happy ending for all the characters, but, one that is earned.” Hindman added.

A stellar ensemble cast makes “The Answer Man” a must-see. Jeff Daniels found his first popular success with Terms of Endearment, playing the philandering husband of Debra Winger’s character. His performance in The Squid and the Whale earned him Independent Spirit Award and Golden Globe nominations, as well as Newsweek’s choice for Best Actor of 2005. Daniels can currently be seen on the big screen in “State of Play,” and the upcoming “Away We Go” and “Paper Man.”

Lauren Graham was recently seen in the critically acclaimed Flash of Genius opposite Greg Kinnear. She garnered critical acclaim for her performance as Lorelai Gilmore on “Gilmore Girls;” a series on which she also served as producer in its final season. For her work on the show Graham was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for “Best Actress in a Drama Series,” two Screen Actors Guild Awards for “Outstanding Female Actor in a Drama Series” and two Television Critics Association Awards for “Individual Achievement in Drama and Comedy.” Graham’s additional feature film credits include: Evan Almighty alongside Steve Carell, Because I Said So opposite Diane Keaton and Mandy Moore, Bad Santa with Billy Bob Thornton, The Pacifier, The Amateurs with Jeff Bridges, Nightwatch and One True Thing with Renee Zellweger and Meryl Streep.

The title sponsor for the event is Studio Live, featuring the Sedona Performers Guild. The series is also made possible by a grant from the Arizona Commission on the Arts and National Endowment for the Arts and the City of Sedona.

“The Answer Man” will be shown at Harkins Sedona Six Theatres on Tuesday, May 5 at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $10, or $8 for Film Sedona members, and will be available starting at 3:00 p.m. that day in the Harkins lobby. Cash or checks only. Seats are limited. Film Sedona members can purchase tickets in advance at the Sedona International Film Festival office, 1785 W. Hwy. 89A, Suite 2B, or by calling 282-1177.

For more information, visit: www.SedonaFilmFestival.com.