Award-winning short film ‘A Modest Defeat’ will see its Midwestern premiere at this year’s Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF).

Starring 11-year-old rising star Sophia Ally, the film centers around childhood sibling rivalry. Big brother Tommy never plays fair, but younger sister Tiny has an elaborate plan up her sleeve to put things right.

“Having my debut short film selected by Cleveland Film Festival is a great privilege,” said writer/director David Barr.  “Our film celebrates a uniquely creative approach to brains over brawn. You can’t help but a love an underdog and I hope it gives audiences an unexpected twist on a very relatable story.”

With minimal dialogue, the film draws upon strong performances and a moving original score. Sophia Ally has Julie Delpy’s upcoming drama ‘My Zoe’ out later this year. Both herself and co-star Tom Harrison were subsequently cast by director Sam Mendes for West End play ‘The Ferryman’.  The score was composed by Bradley Vander Lugt of La Dispute.

As part of the Family Shorts program, ‘A Modest Defeat’ will screen at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History at 1:50 pm April 5 and at Tower City Cinemas at 1:50 pm on April 6.

View the trailer: https://vimeo.com/315434398

Book festival tickets: www.clevelandfilm.org/films/2019/a-modest-defeat

For more information, please visit amodestdefeat.com

About A Modest Defeat
A Modest Defeat was independently financed and a huge passion project for all involved. It stars Sophia Ally (The Ferryman, The Current War) and Tom Harrison (The Ferryman).