A young writer discovers the forgotten poetry of aging post office worker Ed Saxberger (Willem Dafoe), welcoming him into a literary salon of young New York artists. Intoxicated by their adulation and charmed by a charismatic actress (Greta Lee), Ed steps out of quiet obscurity and into the dizzying world of modern bohemian vanity.

Filmmaker and critic Kent Jones delivers a biting yet humorously perceptive character study with Late Fame, brilliantly anchored by Dafoe’s disarming sensitivity. It playfully skews the romanticization of the struggling artist while quietly examining our universal desire to be seen.

Virtual Q&A:

Join us on Friday 17 July's session for a post-show virtual Q&A with director Kent Jones.

Spoken Word Performance:

Join us on Sunday 26 July's session for a post-show Spoken Word Performances by Spoke & Bird.

In English

Rated NC16 for Some Drug References. 

Presented in collaboration with SGIFF for SGIFF Replay:

Missed last year's edition of SGIFF? SGIFF REPLAY is here! 
From 17 July to 8 Aug, SGIFF REPLAY takes over Filmhouse, screening five standout films from the 2025 season that deserve a second run. Snag a spot to our online Q&As with filmmakers Shio Miyake (Two Seasons, Two Strangers), Kent Jones (Late Fame), and Polen Ly (Becoming Human), and hang out with local filmmakers, animators, activists, and poets during our fireside chats and live poetry readings.