Viggo Mortensen returns to the Panida with Falling

By Reader Staff

A-list actor, part-time area resident and patron of the arts Viggo Mortensen will make a special local appearance Friday, Aug. 29 for a 7 p.m. screening of his 2020 drama Falling at the Panida Theater (300 N. First Ave., in downtown Sandpoint). 

Doors open at 6 p.m. for the two-and-a-half-hour event, which will include a question-and-answer session following the R-rated film.

Falling tackles the difficult topic of Alzheimer’s disease, centering on the impact that one man’s struggle has on his family. When an aging body and mind make farming impossible, 80-year-old Willis (Lance Henriksen, of Terminator) moves in with his son, John (Mortensen), and his husband Eric (Terry Chen, of Jessica Jones). The forced proximity quickly reopens old wounds, such as Willis’ inability to accept John’s sexuality, forcing the family to face the realities of grief and regret.

Throughout the film, the narrative blurs the lines between past and present, giving audiences a glimpse into Willis’ mental state and exploring these family dynamics from the very beginning.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Panida and KRFY 88.5 FM Panhandle Community Radio. 

Tickets are $32.75 (not including tax) at panida.org and will likely sell out well before Aug. 29.