Ben Givens (Tom Skerritt), a retired heart surgeon and recent widower who learns he has terminal cancer. Determined to navigate his final days on his own terms, he shares the news with no one--not even his daughter (Mira Sorvino)--instead traveling back to his boyhood home in Eastern Washington with only his dog in tow. But the journey does not go as planned; the familiar landscape triggers memories and a connection with a kind stranger (Annie Gonzalez) inspires new insight. Based on David Guterson's best-selling novel and unfolding against the scenic vistas of the Columbia Basin, this compelling character study offers a long-overdue showcase for one of cinema's greatest treasures.
SJ Chiro’s feature film LANE 1974, starring Sophia Mitri Scholss and Katherine Moennig, premiered at SXSW 2017 where it was picked up for distribution by The Orchard. The film was honored with the FIPRESCI award for New American Cinema (2017), The CIAL award for the Environment at the Giffoni Film Festival, Italy, as well as Best Actress in a Leading Role for young star Sophia Mitri Schloss at the Downtown LA Film Festival. Lane 1974 is currently streaming on Hulu. A graduate of Bennington College with a degree in Theater and French Lit. SJ spent many years acting, directing and serving as Artistic Director at Annex Theatre. Short films include: Little Red Riding Hood, 2006 Third Days Child, 2008 Howard From Ohio, 2011 The Perfect Human, 2011 The Epiphany, 2011 The Third Wheel, 2013. SJ is married to Farayi Chiro and has two children. She holds a black belt in hayashi ha shito ryu karate.
