Adam Salky’s debut feature spikes your typical high school movie set-up (two friends, the hunk, teenage anxiety and the week that changed their lives) with frank sexuality, sly wit and rare emotional complexity. In this Sundance hit, adapted from Salky's arresting, prize-winning short, uptight A-student Alexa (Emmy Rossum) and her best friend Ben (Ashley Springer) become intrigued by and befriend popular jock Johnny (Zach Gilford), after which their relationships take on surprising new dimensions. Featuring terrific supporting turns from Ana Gasteyer, Sandra Bernhard, Alan Cumming and Rooney Mara, DARE is that rare "teen movie" with a provocative, refreshingly mature twist.

Expected to be in attendance:  Director Adam Salky, Stars Emmy Rossum, Zach Gilford, Ashlet Springer, & Rooney Mara, Screenwriter David Brind

Born and raised in New York City, Adam Salky is making his feature film directorial debut with DARE. A Magna Cum Laude graduate from Emory University as a creative writing major, he recently completed his MFA with honors at Columbia University's Graduate Film Division. He has directed three award-winning shorts, which have screened in dozens of film festivals around the world.

Born and raised in New York City, Adam Salky is making his feature film directorial debut with DARE. A Magna Cum Laude graduate from Emory University as a creative writing major, he recently completed his MFA with honors at Columbia University's Graduate Film Division. He has directed three award-winning shorts, which have screened in dozens of film festivals around the world.