Roundtable: Film Connoisseurs of Central Ohio

Smoke is a warm, poetic exploration of life, love, and unexpected connections in a Brooklyn neighborhood. At the heart of the story is Auggie Wren, a tobacco shop owner who captures life’s small moments through a unique lens: he takes a daily photograph of his street corner, capturing the changing faces and lives around him. When he crosses paths with a lonely writer and a cast of other locals with their own struggles and stories, these seemingly simple interactions reveal how even brief encounters can leave lasting imprints on our lives. Through its richly drawn characters and genuine, down-to-earth storytelling, Smoke invites viewers to find beauty in the ordinary and cherish the connections we form, even with strangers.

Reviews:

• “A quiet masterpiece that celebrates the magic in the mundane and the unbreakable ties we have with others, even if they seem invisible.” – Roger Ebert

• “A tender and refreshingly unpretentious film that manages to be as charming as it is profound.”
– The New York Times

• “The film’s strength lies in its intimate storytelling, humor, and the warmth of its characters, who feel like people you know but want to know more deeply.”
– Rolling Stone

• “A poetic meditation on community, connection, and the power of routine.”
– Variety

• “Beautifully crafted and endlessly thought-provoking, Smoke lingers in the mind like a wisp of its namesake, leaving an unforgettable impact.”
– Los Angeles Times