RescueFest 2025 Opens with Indie Classic “Trees Lounge”
Tomorrow, December 5, 2025, the much-anticipated RescueFest will kick off at Laemmle Monica Film Center in Santa Monica, CA, celebrating the art of independent cinema with the restoration of eight significant films. Featuring the world premiere of Steve Buscemi’s iconic film Trees Lounge, this year’s festival aims to highlight the importance of preserving and sharing influential indie films that have shaped cinematic history.
Highlighting “Trees Lounge”
The opening night of RescueFest will showcase Trees Lounge, a film praised as “the most accurate portrait of the daily saloon drinker” by film critic Roger Ebert. Jointly written, directed, and starred in by Steve Buscemi, the film delves into the life of a man confronting his personal demons amidst the backdrop of bar culture. Buscemi will grace the event in person, sharing insights about the film with VIP guests.
Event Details and Special Tributes
This year’s RescueFest runs from December 5 to 8, bringing together cinephiles and filmmakers to celebrate the invaluable contributions of indie filmmakers. Alongside the premiere of Trees Lounge, a tribute to Buscemi is scheduled for December 6 at 2:30 PM, followed by a special screening of his earlier work, In The Soup, at 4:00 PM, directed by Alexandre Rockwell and featuring an all-star cast including Jennifer Beals and Seymour Cassel.
Restoration Lineup and Q&A Sessions
In addition to Trees Lounge, other significant restorations will be showcased, including:
- The Devil Never Sleeps directed by Lourdes Portillo
- Restoration World Premiere of Rate It X by Paula de Koenigsberg & Lucy Winer
- Restoration World Premiere of Tattoo City by Emiko Omori
- West Coast Restoration Premiere of Bitter Cane by Ben Dupuy & Kim Ives
- Restoration World Premiere of The Smuggler’s Wife by Glen Pitre
Each screening will include engaging Q&A sessions, allowing audiences to interact with filmmakers and industry experts. The festival highlights the importance of dialogue in the preservation and appreciation of indie cinema.
Significance of RescueFest
RescueFest is not just a film festival; it is a celebration of the spirit and resilience of indie filmmakers. Founded by IndieCollect to save and restore indie films made between 1950 and 2000, the festival reflects a multi-faceted America and addresses issues of identity, culture, and societal challenges through the lens of cinema.
Gregory Nava, an IndieCollect Board Member and Film Independent co-founder, shares, “In the 1970s and 80s, indie filmmakers of diverse backgrounds found ourselves shut out of the industry. All we had was our guts, yet we made movies that changed the face of American cinema.” He emphasizes that RescueFest aims to educate younger generations about the indie film movement’s history and its significance in America’s cinematic landscape.
Tickets and How to Attend
Tickets for the opening night showcasing Trees Lounge and subsequent screenings are available through IndieCollect, with proceeds benefiting their rescue and restoration campaigns. The benefit package includes the premier screening, the tribute to Buscemi, and an all-access pass to the entire festival lineup. Individual tickets for each film can be found on Laemmle’s website.
Conclusion: Embracing the Legacy of Independent Cinema
As we look forward to the impactful films and conversations that RescueFest will bring, it stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of independent cinema. Films like Trees Lounge remind us of the power of storytelling, encouraging both reflection and dialogue. Join the celebration of indie film history and support the efforts to preserve this invaluable form of artistic expression.
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