The Downtown Festival: The Code by Eugene Kotlyarenko + Q&A

When Celine begins filming a documentary about her failing relationship, her boyfriend, Jay,
becomes suspicious that she may have an ulterior motive: to cancel him. In a paranoid attempt
to seize authorship over the film, Jay sets up hidden cameras and tries to entrap Celine into
problematic behavior he can record as insurance. As their secret surveillance escalates, they
find themselves creating a movie full of absurd, erotic and highly performative scenes, with a
wild cast of characters. But when another couple’s whirlwind marriage puts Jay and Celine’s
dysfunctional dynamic into perspective, the two of them must use all the cinematic moments
they’ve shared to try and save their love, in this high-concept relationship comedy that asks,
“Who’s in control of the narrative?”

NY Premiere.

Q&A with Eugene Kotlyarenko following screening.

THE DOWNTOWN FESTIVAL is a celebration of emerging and established independent artists across film, music, art, and culture in New York City. These artists and their work contribute to the fabric of “downtown” and the festival reflects that special convergence of various disciplines. The Festival showcases up-and-coming talent alongside established icons through dynamic and exciting film screenings, music performances, panel discussions, and special events. Attendees are invited to experience a diverse array of voices and unique perspectives on the forefront of artistic expression. In the spirit of the energy of lower Manhattan, the Festival acts as a melting pot of ideas, inspiration, and collaboration. Roxy Cinema is the host of the Festival’s film screenings (World and New York premieres).

www.thedowntownfestival.com
Festival Director: Rebekah Sherman-Myntti
Deputy Director: Sophie Kaufman