Durant’s Never Closes

The much-anticipated red carpet film premiere of Durant’s Never Closes, set for Jan. 21, 2016, will be hosted at the Renaissance Downtown Phoenix just steps from the original Durant’s. Several hundred tickets were made available to the public in mid-December and sold out within several days of release .

“We are overwhelmed by the support and excitement from the local community on the premiere of this film,” said filmmaker Travis Mills. “It’s a true testament to legendary status of Jack Durant and the storied history of Durant’s,” he said.

Starring Hollywood actors Tom Sizemore and Peter Bogdanovich, this film tells the story of legendary Jack Durant, a restaurateur, ladies’ man and mysterious gentleman who maintained many connections to the mafia. From the backwoods of Tennessee to the world of Vegas at the time of Bugsy, and finally as the owner of the famous steakhouse, Durant is a legend and dynamic character, at once charming, powerful and dangerous. This film, based on the play by Terry Earp and the book by Mabel Leo, tells his story during one day at his restaurant.

In the film, Sizemore delivers a return-to-form performance as Jack Durant, which echoes his career highlights, including Saving Private Ryan and Heat. Renowned director and producer Peter Bogdanovich (Last Picture Show, Paper Moon) plays a supporting role in the film. In addition, Michelle Stafford (The Young and the Restless, General Hospital) gives a heartbreaking performance as Jack’s ex-wife.

Durant’s Never Closes was filmed entirely in Arizona by local independent filmmakers. The actual restaurant was only used for exterior shots, whereas all interiors were filmed on a sound stage in Glendale where Durant’s bar, booths and décor were re-created.

Director and producer Travis Mills began Running Wild Films in 2010 with the vision to build a sustainable film movement in Phoenix and to focus on making films about the city and state’s history. He and his team are currently in pre-production on a new narrative film about the Don Bolles murder and conspiracy titled Valley of Shadows.

The filmmakers have teamed up with Edison Midtown, along with Representative Ken Clark and Get Your Phx, with support from Local First Arizona, to bring Durant’s Never Closes to downtown Phoenix for its world premiere. The film will then begin a theatrical run at Harkins Shea 14 on Jan. 22, before playing in select cities around the U.S.

Presented by Deco Communities and Edison Midtown, the red carpet premiere will screen the film for the first time ever to lucky ticket holders and Valley VIPs.

Durant’s Never Closes
Premiere on Jan. 21, 2016, at the Renaissance Downtown Phoenix
On view Jan. 22 – 28, 2016, at Harkins Shea 14