While films are still streaming through Sunday night, the Ojai Film Festival presents one more special in-person screening. Directed by Santa Barbara’s Paul Dektor “American Dreamer” plays at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18 at Matilija Auditorium, 703 El Paseo Road.

There will be a Q&A with Dektor following the film.

Actors Shirley MacLaine and Peter Dinklage talk to each other in a scene from the dark comedy 'American Dreamer.' She has short, curly red hair and is wearing a camel-colored coat. He has on a black jacket and black watchmans cap.
Actors Shirley MacLaine and Peter Dinklage star in dark comedy ‘American Dreamer.’ Credit: Courtesy photo
Actors Shirley MacLaine and Peter Dinklage talk to each other in a scene from the dark comedy 'American Dreamer.' She has short, curly red hair and is wearing a camel-colored coat. He has on a black jacket and black watchmans cap.
Actors Shirley MacLaine and Peter Dinklage star in dark comedy ‘American Dreamer.’ Credit: Courtesy photo
Actors Shirley MacLaine and Peter Dinklage talk to each other in a scene from the dark comedy 'American Dreamer.' She has short, curly red hair and is wearing a camel-colored coat. He has on a black jacket and black watchmans cap.
Actors Shirley MacLaine and Peter Dinklage star in dark comedy ‘American Dreamer.’ Credit: Courtesy photo

Dinklage plays Philip Loder, the damaged lowly professor, struggling to find happiness. The Hollywood Reporter said of his performance, “The effortlessly charismatic Dinklage makes you root for his character despite his many flaws and hangdog demeanor …”

Phil becomes aware of the deal of his dreams: a palatial waterfront mansion selling for “$5 million as is, or $240,000 with live-in.”

Astrid, an ancient childless widow, played by Shirley MacLaine, owns the property. She will sell for the discount under the condition she stays in the house until she dies.

Assuming he won’t have long to wait, Philip liquidates everything he owns and moves into the servants’ quarters.

His hopes take a turn when he finds the widow unexpectedly healthy and full of life. And she has several unexpected children, including Maggie (Kimberly Quinn), who’s an attorney with no intention of allowing Philip to take possession of his dream house.

The film, based in part on a true-life episode of NPR’s “This American Life,” has a black-comedy aura. The relationship between Astrid and Philip starts out crusty but becomes quite a bit more as Phil repeatedly saves her life, even though letting her die would fulfill his dreams.

Tickets, available at OjaiFilmFestival.com, go for $15, and $10 for seniors, students, and active military.