In an evening filled with nostalgia and the lively spirit of New York City, the Eccles Theatre buzzed with excitement as it hosted the world premiere of 'The Only Living Pickpocket in New York' on Tuesday night. This event marked a significant moment for the Sundance Film Festival, being the last world premiere of a fiction film to grace the esteemed venue. The film, directed by Noah Segan and featuring an all-star cast, is a poignant exploration of an era where old-school thievery meets the fast-paced, technology-driven world of today. At the heart of the film is Harry, portrayed by acclaimed actor John Turturro, a pickpocket with an unmatched skill set that allows him to lift wallets without anyone noticing—at least not until it’s too late. Turturro's character embodies the essence of a bygone era, where petty theft was almost a gentlemanly art form. However, as the film illustrates, even the most talented thief struggles in modern times. With advancements such as encrypted smartphones and digital wallets, the art of pickpocketing has become increasingly challenging. "Phones are encrypted and a hassle to boost, watches are rarely genuine, and few bother to even carry cash in the first place," Turturro explained during the post-screening Q&A session. Despite these hurdles, Harry finds a way to make ends meet, relying on his cunning and charm. He navigates through a world where he pays off various people—like a homeless man for directions or a nurse caring for his comatose wife—to keep his life running smoothly. However, the plot takes a sharp turn when Harry steals a wallet from a young man, only to discover that the contents include a seemingly innocuous USB drive. When the young man realizes his wallet is missing, he retaliates by taking Harry's wife hostage, forcing Harry into a race against time to reclaim what he has stolen and save her. Director Noah Segan expressed that the inspiration for the film stemmed from his fascination with New York and the world of magicians. "I’ve always loved things that are tactile. I wanted to tell a story that sort of fit all of these things that I love into a place that I love, and the only way to do that would be to tell a story about someone doing it," Segan said, gesturing toward Turturro, who embodied the character he had envisioned. The film’s premiere not only showcased a gripping narrative but also featured a remarkable ensemble cast that includes Steve Buscemi and Giancarlo Esposito, who bring their own rich histories with New York storytelling to the film. Buscemi plays a pawn shop owner, while Esposito takes on the role of a detective. Both actors, along with Turturro, shared their experiences and connections to the city during a post-screening discussion, emphasizing the significance of relationships in filmmaking. During the Q&A, Turturro described his character as someone who adheres to a personal code. "It’s about someone who actually has a skill. And yes, you’re violated, you’re robbed, but it’s nonviolent crime. It’s like a gentlemanly crime," he remarked, eliciting laughter from the audience. The film's ability to balance humor with its serious undertones was a recurring theme throughout the discussion. Segan elaborated on the film’s tone, likening it to a gumbo where the best ideas emerge. He emphasized the importance of consultants who helped paint the picture of the pickpocketing culture throughout history, as well as the relationships between cops, thieves, and pawn shops that created a delicate balance in the urban landscape. A notable scene illustrates this history: when Esposito’s detective boards Harry’s train, Harry instinctively sits on his hands, a subtle gesture that communicates to the detective that he is not engaging in criminal activity at that moment. The premiere held special significance for Esposito, who reflected on his own journey and experiences with the Sundance Film Festival. "This festival has changed my life. It gave me a voice to find myself back in the ’90s. To have a film come here for the first time, I was ecstatic because it gave a voice to those who didn’t have a voice," he shared, drawing applause from the audience. Buscemi echoed this sentiment, acknowledging how Sundance has transformed the filmmaking landscape. As the evening concluded, Turturro, Buscemi, and Esposito left the audience with a sense of connection—not just to their film but to the rich tapestry of New York storytelling that has shaped their careers. The film 'The Only Living Pickpocket in New York' serves as a tribute to the city’s history, a reminder of the timeless art of storytelling, and a heartfelt nod to the characters that inhabit its streets. For those interested in catching future screenings of 'The Only Living Pickpocket in New York,' several opportunities remain, including showings at The Yarrow Theatre and the Rose Wagner Center in Salt Lake City. As the lights dimmed in the Eccles Theatre, it was clear that the film's exploration of old-world charm and modern challenges resonated deeply with the audience, leaving a lingering sense of nostalgia and a celebration of the craft of filmmaking.