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2010-07-12T13:40:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES FILM FEST 2010 NEWS

Los Angeles Film Festival 2010 News
Recommended Viewing: “The People vs George Lucas” - Thursday, June 24, 2010 - folayo
FREE PARKING - Thursday, June 17, 2010 - Rob Benavides Jr
FILM INDEPENDENT ANNOUNCES JURORS FOR 2010 LOS ANGELES FILM FESTIVAL, PRESENTED BY THE LOS ANGELES TIMES - Thursday, June 17, 2010 - Rob Benavides Jr
LAFF PARKING AT LA. LIVE FOR GAME 7 of NBA FINALS - Thursday, June 17, 2010 - Rob Benavides Jr
FILM INDEPENDENT ANNOUNCES ALFRED P. SLOAN GRANT RECIPIENTS - Thursday, June 17, 2010 - Rob Benavides Jr

THE HURT LOCKER

2010-06-06T14:36:00.000-07:00

Interview with Kathryn Bigelow and Mark Boal,

plus Jeremy Renner

AFI Dallas 2009

To see more interviews, photos and reviews

go to http://www.indieexpress.com/

2009-12-22T22:12:00.000-08:00

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

FROM INDIE EXPRESS

AND

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

FIRST GLANCE FILM FESTIVAL part 2

2008-04-25T17:12:00.000-07:00

First Glance Film Festival
Reviews By Linda Overly

Dakota Skye (87 min, CA)
Directed By John Humber

Before I begin this review let me warn you that Dakota Skye is a film about a girl in high school. Now you must erase every beloved high school movie of recent decades such as Fast Times at Ridgemont High, The Breakfast Club, American Pie, etc. from your mind. Now, if you can, imagine a high school film that is so honest and engaging that you wish it wouldn't end.

Dakota Skye is a teenager with problems similar to most girls her age, except she is cursed with a super power she hates. She knows whenever someone is lying to her. The opening scene of the film is Dakota's graduation day. But her story begins with a flashback of the year before.
In her junior year Dakota is disillusioned by her boyfriend's narcissism, and bored with her friends' obsession with SATs and the future. She is like a walking time bomb ready to explode from the all the deceit. Although she resents each of them, she holds on to them because they are all she's got.

Nearly at end of her rope, a miraculous incident occurs; Dakota meets Jonah, the first person she's ever met that does not lie about anything. Immediately the two are attracted to each other but there are a couple problems. Jonah is her boyfriend's best friend and despite the fact the she tries to deny it, Dakota is falling for him. Jonah feels the same way and tells her. Now Dakota must decide if she should stay in her completely uncomfortable comfort zone or take the risk and trust Jonah with her heart.

This film was my favorite of the festival. It was worth every minute of my time and I believe that many people will feel the same way. It is no wonder that this film won the festival's award for Best Ensemble Cast in a Feature Film.

Partially True Tales of High Adventure (12 minutes, CA)
Directed By Murphy Gilson

Fresh and pithy, Partially True Tales of High Adventure just 12 minutes long but nearly everything about it is clever and memorable. Charlie is a mid-Western Irish, self –admitted drunk, and writer with his last chance to get his first break in Tinsel town. After pitching his script he is told that his work is merely a rip-off of the classic sitcom Cheers.

Charlie's sanctuary is a true blue dive bar complete with red velvet wallpaper, a smart and sassy waitress, and obnoxious regulars. It is here that he takes in brews, burgers and banter with his ever supportive buddies.

Just when he is nearly convinced that he should buy his bus ticket back to Indiana, a chance meeting with the industry's "It girl" and a slick bar room showdown, Charlie realizes that he may have finally captured the formula to make it big in Hollywood.

The only flaw I found in the film is that Shannon Elizabeth plays herself and is the "It girl." While Elizabeth looks great, in reality she has never achieved this coveted title, unless you count the brief attention she received from a naughty three minute scene in the popular teenage flick, American Pie released nearly a decade ago.

Oh, but wait-she is currently a competitor on "Dancing with the Stars." To me the show is simply a cheesy vehicle for has-been celebrities trying to make a comeback. One never knows however, Elizabeth may be just one step away from sweeping all of us off our feet and end up with many more minutes in the spotlight.

Beanie Baby Soldier (10 min PA)
Directed By Larry Mendte

It has been said that if you want to change the world then start with yourself. This proverb or a similar belief may have inspired Corporal Stephen McGowan to begin a crusade that would change the lives of hundreds of thousands of children.

In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, many people were left with the devastating loss of loved ones and the entire country felt utter pain, confusion, and despair. There were scores of brave individuals who did not give a second thought to rise to the challenge of protecting, serving, and saving lives, as well as trying to keep hope alive for fellow Americans.
Among these countless heroes was McGowan. The 26 year-old enlisted in the army and when it was time for soldiers to go to Iraq, he volunteered. Selflessly, he felt obligated to go before men who had children.

After arriving in Iraq, the fear and innocence he saw on the faces of the country's children transformed him. He wanted to bring them joy and to show them that Americans are good people. So instead of Christmas gifts for himself, he asked his mother to send toys he could give to the children and the easiest gifts to take on missions were Beanie Babies. McGowan began passing out the small, lovable stuffed animals to the kids and before long he became known as The Beanie Baby Soldier.

I found this short film to be extremely moving, the kind everyone should see. To me, the message is that people should take actions, large or small, in the spirit of McGowan's that come straight from the heart and are purely in the name of kindness.

FIRST GLANCE HOLLYWOOD

2008-04-17T17:09:00.000-07:00

First Glance Film Festival
Written By Ian Cappelletti

Driving through Hollywood on Melrose Ave is usually fun and evokes some ooo’s and ahhhh’s at the sights in boutique windows – except the experience becomes positively hellish when you’re already late for the only screening you’re supposed to attend that day and the traffic makes you want to claw your eyes out. After finally getting to Raleigh Studios for part of the Saturday sessions for the First Glance Hollywood festival, I had to call the big boss and ask where the hell the entrance was to this thing; Raleigh didn’t exactly hang a banner for anyone.

Once inside the gates, I eventually found the Chaplin theater but of course ran into some trouble with getting a pass to the viewing session. Shane to the rescue once more.

Fortunately, I somehow only managed to miss two of the five shorts presented at that screening.

Messages
Directed By Gabor Tarnokl

The first one, “Messages”, was a foreign film about a young Hungarian girl’s persistent imagination. It was short and sweet, but nothing too exceptional – I felt direction detracted from the message (hurr) of the story.

Get On The Bus For Mother’s Day
Directed By Jennifer Farmer

The next entry “Get on The Bus for Mother’s Day” was a short documentary about a state-sponsored program to promote visitation between children and their incarcerated mothers. Frankly I found it boring and in need of some heavy editing. That and Carol Potter introduced and closed the documentary – man, 90210 was that long ago?

The Colony
Written and Directed by Steven List

“The Colony”, however, was an excellent short thriller that, of all things, has its basis in reality. The script is tight, employs flashbacks in a refreshing fashion, and focuses on the characters’ emotional hardships rather than the conspiratorial nature of a Chilean quasi-Nazi colony – I was impressed. The dialog needed some work and Sarah Clarke (the only billable name in the piece) phoned in her performance, but overall an indication that Mr. List definitely has some talent.

BRILLIANT LIGHT FILM FESTIVAL

2008-04-16T14:05:00.000-07:00

Brilliant Light Film Festival
By Rowan Harrison

Being relatively new to the independent film festival market, it has been rather exciting covering festivals at various venues throughout the So. California area. Such is the case with the 2nd annual Brilliant Light Film Festival, which takes us to the hub of the film making industry, Hollywood. Located on Melrose and N. Van Ness Ave across the street from the Paramount lot and the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, sitting on an 11 acre lot is the Raleigh Film Studios.

The 12 sound stage studio, one of the largest independent film studios in the nation and a leader in promoting and assisting visionary artists in film, television and commercial production, is the host to this years event. Having a rich history in the film industry the studio first established itself in 1915, with renovations in 1979 it has since become a studio preserving the best of its Hollywood traditions.

Screening a wide range of features and shorts, most of the action during the weekend, I was able to catch the Friday night, North American Premiere of Yai Wanonabalewa – The Enemy God. After a brief sign in at the security gate, a little stroll through the studios lot, and a pleasant greeting from festival hosts, I casually made my way to one of two screening rooms. Now, these are the lavish, modern screening rooms that Hollywood execs, producers, film makers and big name press affiliates congregate to view the most current productions, before being released to the mass market, accommodating to say the least.

Yai Wanonabalewa – The Enemy God
Written and Directed: Christopher Bassett

On with our review, living in almost complete seclusion in the Amazon rainforest located in parts of Brazil and Venezuela, are the Yanomamo people. The pre Columbian forest footmen commune in small bands or tribes, having little contact with the outside world, their numbers continue to thrive as well as their cultural and religious practices, which is the primary subject matter in the new film, The Enemy God.

With a very limited film crew and support from surrounding tribes people other then the Yanomamo, writer and director Christopher Bassett tells the true story of Bautista a Yanomamo shaman. Well, it’s not actually Christopher’s story, its more Bautista’s story, and in a much broader sense, an account of his people, and a fascinating story it is.

The film wonderfully photographed by John Petrella is deeply rooted in religion and shamanism, which for many indigenous culture, there everyday lives are based and dictated by such practices, which for many of us we often forget or overlook this one aspect of humanity. Superstition, theism can be the basic foundation is determining the daily living and the fate of its believers.

“The trails of my memory are stained with blood” a revenge killing on the red blood village, “we will attack at dawn” these are the opening sequences narrated by Bautista himself. We find a small group of men from Thriving village, carefully and meticulously trudging through the thick green moist dense Amazon jungle. Like a clandestine covert operation the men armed with spears, slowly trek their way to the unsuspecting village, guided by forces beyond the cosmos. No one is spared and the village is burned down, like prized trophies they capture a few women and bring them back to their village.

The film with its narrator moves back and forth between the past and the present, it is the 1990’s and the people still have large memories and stories being told. Since he was small, the spirits have had a profound impact on Bautista’s life, calling out to him and guiding him into becoming a shaman leader. It is these same good and malevolent spirits that guide him and his people on a daily basis. The spirits as beautiful as they are can be just as evil causing calamity, illness and death to its yielding followers.

Beyond all the shamanism and tribal warfare Bautista’s story thickens like the jungle, as a young woman from a neighboring village named Yellow Petal, begins a relationship with one of his villagers. Divided over traditions and customs, tensions boil over as Yellow Petal wants to stay in Thriving Village and leave her abusive husband.

In the confrontation between the two villages which is in the present, different parties emerge out of the green thicket, one being the government. The other an American family that has taken residency with the Yanomamo people, dedicating their time and their lives in helping the Yanomamo carry their way of life in the Amazon jungle.

By no means is The Enemy God a national geographic, anthropological study or approach on a large native tribe in South America. Instead what we have is a well developed plot involving character change and confrontation as it explores the Yanomamo’s domestic relationships, tribal customs, and beliefs.

On the surface The Enemy God, runs on similar ground as the 2001 release of The Fast Runner a story regarding the Inuit people in the Canadien Artic. Yet, unlike The Fast Runner, which their story is developed and centered around an Inuit legend, The Enemy God is rooted on the actual true life story and events that shaped and characterized a shaman’s life and his people.

Coming from southwestern Native American cultures (Navajo and Pueblo of Isleta) it was easy to gravitate and relate to all the different aspects of the Yanamomo’s religion, some based in animalism. These are aspects that are explored in the daily routines of the indigenous people, and this element was well manifested through out the film.

Even as the last frames, brings the film to a conclusion, there is definitely a palpable feeling that this story doesn’t end, and it doesn’t it. There are many parties and characters that surround and support Bautista’s experiences, take for example the English family, the Dawsons, their fifty year residency with the Yanamomo, is a story worth exploring all on its own. Thanks, to film maker Christopher Bassett and most of all Bautista, for bringing his story out of the jungles of the Amazon and into the conscious platform of the American movie going audience.

Rowan

17th PHILADELPHIA FILM FESTIVAL Part 3

2008-04-16T13:48:00.000-07:00

Philadelphia Film Festival
Written By Camryn Hansen

Darling
Directed By Johan Kling

A quietly heartbreaking film by Swedish director Johan Kling, Darling tells the story of two very different characters who, simultaneously forced by circumstances off of their chosen life paths, each struggle to find meaning, and comfort, in compromise. Eva (Michelle Meadows), a gorgeous but icy young clerk at a Gucci boutique, is a rising star of the Stockholm social scene until a one-night stand (perhaps the most nonchalant in the history of cinema) puts an unwitting end to her relationship with her popular boyfriend at the same time that her unsolicitous attitude at work gets her fired. Bernard (Michael Segerström), an impossibly sweet sixty one year old who has been struggling financially ever since his wife left him for a younger man, is having a terrible time finding an employer who will agree to take him on. When both of these characters, lost, lonely and desperate for money, ultimately decide to work at McDonald’s, their lives connect, and gradually, the two form a delicate friendship that allows them to find unexpected joy in an otherwise bleak situation.

It is difficult to give enough praise to Darling, a film which has garnered much deserved recognition in Sweden, winning, among others, the Swedish Film Institute’s awards for Best Actor (Michael Segerström) as well as Best Cinematography (Geir Hartly Andreassen). In its combination of pitch-perfect writing, inspired acting, lush cinematography and visionary directing, Darling at once revels in artistry and brims with humanity. In his infinite dignity as a neglected but loving, even doting, father, the character of Bernard evokes a sympathy irresistible to even the hardest of hearts. His fledgling friendship with the seemingly hard-hearted Eva is thus alternately inspiring and devastating to watch. The backdrop of the story, a modern Stockholm where McDonald’s is the only place a hard working, over-qualified, older man like Bernard can find work while more or less unskilled beauties like Eva float in and out of the work force on looks alone, also provides a valuable commentary on the nature of employment (and unemployment) in contemporary European society. Johan Kling is most definitely a director to keep watching, and Darling, for anyone interested in experiencing dramatic cinema at its finest, is an absolute must-see.

Bad Habits (Malos Habitos)
Directed By Simon Bross

The worst rainstorm in Mexico since The Flood sets the somber, surrealist mood for Bad Habits, director Simon Bross’s sumptuous debut feature which peers at the elaborate rituals and devastating effects of eating disorders among three interconnected female characters. A film with very little talking—out of the 104 pages of script, only 21 contain dialogue—but lots of eating, and not eating, and eating, and not eating, Bad Habits crafts together bite-sized episodes of obsessive behavior that, when taken together, make for a picture of contemporary women’s relationships to food that is as stomach-churning—literally—as it is tragic. Through an emphasis on religious imagery and symbolism, it also says a cryptic thing or two about the influence that faith and devotion (and/or the lack thereof) might have on social attitudes towards eating in the modern world.

We first meet the character of Matilde as a child, when she believes to have saved her father from choking on a fish bone by reciting the Lord’s Prayer. As an adult, Matilde goes on to earn her medical degree, but immediately after graduation, decides to join a convent. Convinced that the violent rainstorm is God’s punishment for humanity’s sin of gluttony, Matilde covertly takes it upon herself first to consume inedible food, and then to quit eating altogether, as penance for the wrongdoings of those around her. In a somewhat parallel scenario, one of her young communicants, a pudgy girl named Linda, struggles with a ballooning food obsession that her control-freak mother, Elena, is powerless to reverse. Self-starving in her daughter’s place, the already svelte Elena adopts an anorexic’s regimen of water, cigarettes, and exercise that slims her down to meticulously manicured skin and bones—and sends her fed-up husband, Gustavo, clandestinely into the ample arms of a young Peruvian gourmande who shares his appetites for indulgent food and sex.

With its fantastical food montages, its moody, watery settings and its sensual focus on bodies of all kinds, Bad Habits makes for a luscious visual experience. In its artistic interpretation of eating disorders, it also introduces into serious film a subject more typically relegated to cloying teen magazines and after school specials. On a psychological level, however, I don’t believe that it succeeds at going much further beyond this introduction, to explore what actually makes his characters tick. The film spends so much time watching people interact with food that we are led to believe that their inner lives consist of nothing else; that the scope of their every desire and disappointment begins and ends with the way they eat. There is little humanity left to empathize with; little reason to care why these otherwise anonymous women are hurting themselves. While Simon Bross has created a beautiful film about eating disorders, it does not quite succeed at being a film about people with eating disorders.

Camryn Hansen

MALIBU FILM FESTIVAL

2008-04-12T17:00:00.000-07:00

Ninth Annual Malibu Film Festival 2008
Friday April 4, 2008
Written By: Linda Overly

The Run
(87m, United Kingdom) Dir. Tania Meneguzzi

Young, beautiful, and in love, Amanda and Rowly have big dreams. She is an aspiring musician and he is a student/ bartender content as a working class stiff. On the opposite of the spectrum, Amanda is frustrated with the roadblocks in attaining fame and fortune. In an attempt to get there more quickly, she convinces Rowly to traffic cocaine from Costa Rica into the United Kingdom.

After a few smooth runs and deals, the couple rapidly becomes addicted to their new found flow as well as snorting up their profits. Soon their reality becomes so sick and twisted that it leaves them hanging on by the skin of their teeth instead of the having the world at their fingertips.

Mentally beaten and physically worn and left with no choice, the two are forced by their distributors to do another run. Finally, both Amanda and Rowly realize the rock bottom lives they have created for themselves.

The feature film draws audiences into the dark, horrid underworld of drugs and dollars signs. Many may find it shocking while others may find it right on the money. In either case, after all the couple has been through, even the most cynical of viewers will find themselves hoping that Amanda and Rowly will come out clean from their downward spiral.

Some say hope burns eternal and everyone deserves a second chance, while others believe that poor judgment deserves punishment to the full extent. The Run simply asks the hard question: How much humanity are Amanda and Rowly worthy of?

HD/DV FILM FESTIVAL -LA

2008-04-11T12:52:00.000-07:00

HDDV FILM FESTIVAL-LA
Written By Kim Jindra

GARRISON
Written and directed by Kerry Valderrama

Garrison follows two soldiers as they search for their AWOL superior. Valderrama, who served with the 82nd Airborne in Afghanistan, got the germ for his movie after his father sent him clips of happenings at Fort Bragg, NC. Valderrama said he had seen a lot of war movies but none had ever gotten it just right especially when dealing with Post Traumatic Stress. He admitted he made the movie for his fellow soldiers. He said he hopes the movie is well received at the G.I. Festival in July.

Garrison takes place over three days with a few occasional flash backs within flashbacks for relationship purposes. The use of black and white is effective. I admit I am not a military person, so the chain of command stuff was a bit confusing but maybe for a military audience it makes the film more realistic. Another quibble is giving too much plot information too soon. The audience knows what happens before the military. It would have been more suspenseful if the audience and soldiers, McManus and Cain, discovered the clues together. There is only one twist at the end.

The movie wasn’t sentimental or gung ho. Plot wise the movie covered old ground, i.e. spousal abuse, recruit hazing, soldiers looking after their own etc...

The locations seemed authentic even though Valderrama admitted finding old hospitals, classrooms etc... to shoot in San Antonio was a bit of a challenge. He had no access to actually military sites. The film was shot on a Canon XL2 and scored by Douglas Edward. I didn't care for the songs over the credits but the score accentuated the movie.

This was not an easy film for me to watch since I have two family members who have either been to Afghanistan and/or Iraq and another nephew who leaves in June. But I'm sure Valderrama knows his audience.

DEPLOYMENT STRATEGY
Written/directed by Mark Cheng

For me this film was a cross between Plan 9 From Outer Space and a poor imitation of the television series La Femme Nikita. It is set in 2055 but the look was cheesy sometimes and downright 2008 at others. It was especially the latter in the big end scene. The plot is the age old man versus machine and for me the most interesting character was the Sex-bot. There were too many characters and the conflict between the humans was overwritten, trite and at times overacted. But, I felt the Major was winking at the audience during his scenes.

AFTERBIRTH
Directed by Scott Belyea

On the surface, Afterbirth appears to be a lab mistake gone even more wrong when the stuttering, and belittled janitor is left to dispose of a beaker of mysterious blue liquid and a fetus from a back room abortion. The end result is murder and mayhem in the standard horror mold.
In a running time of nine minutes, AFTERBIRTH, takes a stab at abortion and stem cell research or does it? See it and decide.

THE HOUSE
Written/directed by Douglas Elford-Argent

The House, revolves around a brother/sister burglary team and a dead body. The pair is interrogated separately but the police has a hard time convincing each of them to give the other up. Not much new here, not even the twist. It felt like the eight minutes it lasted. The script wasn't exciting but the actors gave it their best. The camera work was good though!

17th PHILADELPHIA FILM FESTIVAL Part 2

2008-04-07T14:32:00.000-07:00

17th Philadelphia Film Festival Reviews
Written By Camryn Hansen

American Teen
Directed By Nanette Burstein

Set in the small, one high school town of Warsaw, Indiana, Nanette Burstein’s documentary American Teen explores the lives of four very different Midwestern teenagers as they each make their way through the last ten months of high school, negotiating the harrowing social struggles of day-to-day suburban life while making the important decisions about what to do after graduation that will either solidify or sever their hometown ties. In quick succession, we meet Hannah, the spunky, stylish social outcast with artistic aspirations; Megan, the all-American Homecoming Queen with a hidden inner rage; Colin, the eager-to-please basketball star whose only hopes for college rest on a sports scholarship; and Jake, the video game-obsessed geek who, despite his most fervent efforts, can’t seem to keep a girlfriend for ten minutes together.

Herein lies what seems to me to be the primary allure of American Teen: in its up close and personal look at the dreams, disappointments, romances, triumphs and embarrassments of each of these teenagers’ lives, it allows us access to the inner workings of social circles that to the average American, aren’t particularly exotic or unfamiliar. For many of us, becoming a fly on the wall of the Homecoming Queen and the star of the basketball team fulfills a real-life fantasy that at one time, back in those better-forgotten pimply-braces-glasses years, we actually had ourselves. As far as juicy tidbits go, American Teen doesn’t fail to disappoint. When Hannah’s boyfriend of two years dumps her unexpectedly, she falls into a depression so debilitating it may get her kicked out of school. Colin appears to be buckling under his Elvis impersonator father’s pressure to get recruited by college coaches, and may fail to get a basketball scholarship altogether. Though Megan’s entire family has gone to the University of Notre Dame, she’s not sure she has what it takes to get in. Jake, who in his own estimation, “sucks at life,” might do a lot better with women if he just stops hating himself. It’s difficult not to get wrapped up in these stories, to the point where we’re biting our nails at Colin’s sectionals game; tearing up as a bright-eyed Hannah imagines her future at film school; clenching our fists when Megan’s Notre Dame letter arrives in the mail; and cringing when Jake says to the girl who’s breaking up with him across the table, “This table’s covered with grease…because I had my face on it.”

This being said, it is worth asking whether despite its narrative intrigue, this film is really bringing anything distinctly new to the table. As though to suggest that technology has somehow overhauled the high school experience in recent years, it not only liberally quotes text messages and emails on screen, but occasionally plays out characters’ fears and fantasies in animated sequences reminiscent of contemporary comic books and video games. Overall, however, it is not my impression that anyone who actually went to public high school in America in the last thirty years would feel like he or she learned anything new about the current generation from American Teen: for the most part, it felt pretty much the same as I remember it.

Stuck
Directed By Stuart Gordon

In Stuck, an agonizing black comedy by writer/director Stuart Gordon, one character’s bad luck unexpectedly collides one night with another’s bad decision-making to produce the most unrelentingly gruesome story to hit the screen in a long time. It’s a typical Friday in Providence, Rhode Island, and Brandi (Mena Suvari), a young, hard-working nursing home attendant, has just been offered an important promotion—with the one condition that she prove her dedication to the job by coming in early on Saturday morning. Both to celebrate and to unwind, she makes plans for a night out with her co-worker/friend Tanya (Rukiya Bernard) and drug-dealer boyfriend Rashid (Russell Hornsby). Over the course of the same day, the recently laid off Tom (Stephen Rea) not only gets kicked out of his apartment, but loses a crucial job interview and is forced to spend the night on a park bench. Ordered out of the park in the middle of the night by the police, Tom, complete with newly acquired shopping cart, makes his way on foot across town to the homeless shelter. At a dark, quiet intersection, the now thoroughly soused Brandi, driving home alone, hits what she believes to be a homeless man with her car. Tom’s head crashes through her windshield and blood drips liberally onto the seats. Brandi screams, and panics. And then she drives home…with Tom still on top of the car.

In the farsical aftermath of the accident, Brandi attempts to cover up her irresponsible behavior and still earn her promotion by hiding her car, and with it, the brutally mutilated Tom, in her garage…eventually planning to kill him with the street-wise Rashid’s help. When Tom, far from dead, realizes he’s a prisoner and tries to escape, a battle of wills ensues. As it progresses, it becomes one of the bloodiest, grossest, and ultimately most ludicrous battles of will imaginable, as Brandi develops progressively sicker and more elaborate ways of taking revenge for the accident on her victim, Tom, who simply refuses to die. While the sheer audacity of these two characters sometimes affords a laugh, the film seems much more hell-bent on making the audience sick to their stomachs in a way that does not, contrary to various claims, teach us about the nature of humanity vs. inhumanity. I was not particularly thrilled to be stuck in the theatre for 94 minutes.

17th PHILADELPHIA FILM FESTIVAL Part 1

2008-04-07T14:14:00.000-07:00

Opening Night Film Philadelphia Film Festival
By Camryn Hansen

I Feel Nice. Like Sugar and Rice.

Young@Heart
Directed By Stephen Walker

At first, it was hard to know what to make of the ninety two year old woman in a tuxedo shirt and jeans whose deadpan rendition of The Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go” made up the opening scene of Stephen Walker’s courageous new documentary, Young at Heart. I had heard of the film only as a charming, feel-good piece about a chorus of quirky seniors who performed rock and roll songs with the implicit message that growing old doesn’t have to keep a person from pursuing her dreams. For me, however, the reality of experiencing a ninety two year old woman singing “Should I Stay or Should I Go” was instantly more complicated than that. It was a little bit morbid. It was a touch uncomfortable. It imbued me with a sense of impending doom. And then I laughed. And laughed again.

Indeed, Walker’s debut film, which documents the lives and co-operative efforts of Young at Heart, a chorus of twenty four seniors aged sixty nine to ninety two, to prepare for their upcoming “Alive and Well” concert with the help and encouragement of chorus director Bob Cilman, does not hesitate to embrace the darkly humorous side of this group’s unusual and oftentimes insurmountable-seeming enterprise. At moments it also appreciates as well as dignifies the daily struggle of many of the chorus members to simply show up to rehearsal three times a week, let alone master the diverse and challenging pieces that the charismatic, rigidly un-patronizing Cilman prescribes. (For “Alive and Well,” these include James Brown’s “I Feel Good,” Sonic Youth’s “Schizophrenia,” and Allen Toussaint’s “Yes We Can Can,” a song containing a daunting 71 iterations of the word “can.”) When shortly before their concert, two key chorus members die unexpectedly of health complications, the film strikes a remarkable balance between mourning the group’s losses, and finding honest inspiration in the resolve of the remaining members to carry on with the show in spite of them…or, as we discover, perhaps because of them. For this reason, it is difficult to unequivocally condemn the occasional off-notes of what seemed to me to be ill-placed humor, chiefly in the film’s collection of MTV-style videos featuring clownish, caricatured performances by the chorus of such hits as “I Wanna Be Sedated,” “Staying Alive,” and “We’re on a Road to Nowhere.” All told, this is a film which explores a way of growing older that most of us didn’t realize was possible. Like most things worth doing, it doesn’t always feel good. It does, however, feel real.

DC INDEPENDENT FILM FEST PART 4

2008-03-20T11:37:00.000-07:00

Pop Foul
Director: Moon Molson
USA 2007 Run time: 20 min.

When a young boy heading home from Little League game sees his father take a "beat down" from a local thug, the pair enters into a secretive pact designed to hide the disturbing incident from the boy's mother.

DIRECTOR: Moon Molson
WRITER: Moon Molson
CAST: Danielle K. Thomas, Keith Bullard, Sekou Laidlow, Steven Clark
PRODUCER: Moon Molson
cinematographer: David R. Jones

“You dropped the ball…deal with it.” It is fascinating to see the relationship reveal itself between Lavonte and his father, and then the added dynamic between Lavonte and his mother.

Pop Foul opens with Lavonte venting his rage from a baseball field error onto a fence. His father, who was there to support him, cuts to the chase, and has very direct and logical advice for his son.

Issues quickly arise, however, when we see that Bobby, Lavonte’s father, literally cannot walk his talk.

How much issue burying can one boy take? We wonder just how much this young man has had to deal with before the film even opens that he reacts to simply missing a pop foul by needing to release his frustration with such physicality.

One cannot bury secrets in the backyard…they only fester, and erupt with a vengeance. One cannot hide the truth, without it eventually needing to free itself, and one cannot continue to absorb violence without it needing to find a release and expel itself onto a new target.

The direction that Pop Foul heads is not unexpected…but that should make it all the more shocking. Pay attention.

The Sculpture
Director: Rodgers Dameron
USA 2007 Run time: 2 min.
http://www.scad.edu/

The Sculpture is a stop motion animation that depicts the surreal transformation when man alters stone to fit his image.

DIRECTOR: Rodgers Dameron
WRITER: Rodgers Dameron
PRODUCER: Rodgers Dameron
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Rodgers Dameron

“When a stone is made into a sculpture, it ruins the stone forever….”

Point taken. Dameron makes a valid one. Who are we, as mere transient occupants of the planet, to take something that nature (or God, depending upon one’s belief system) has taken millions (or thousands) of years to lovingly create and destroy just because we call it our art? Just because we make it into our image?

The execution of the waxy stop-motion animation, however, was so crudely put together it reminded me of nothing so much as the California Raisins commercials from the 1980s and made the film’s theme a challenge to take seriously.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A398VraSBwY

The Good Mother of Abangoh
Director: Nadine Licostie
USA 2007 Run time: 22 min.
http://www.abangoh.org/

The Good Mother of Abangoh is the story of Sister Jane Mankaa, a woman who defies her family to join a contemplative religious order then leaves that community to care for the orphaned children in her village. The inspiration, dedication and willpower of this amazing woman sustains her family of 43 children. Shot on location in Abangoh, Cameroon, this film captures just how Sister Jane helps her children recover from their suffering and flourish in their newfound lives.

DIRECTOR: Nadine Licostie
PRODUCER: Nadine Licostie
cinematographer: Daniele Marracino
composer: Salvadore Poe

It is often said that the camera picks up thought. Filmmaker Nadine Licostie has done a stunning job of carefully designing an environment where her cameras can pick up the thoughts of some extraordinary individuals.

Before Licostie arrived in Cameroon to tell the story of this miraculous orphanage in Abangoh, there was Sister Jane Mankaa. This exceptional woman began a home for the neediest of needy children in Cameroon out of a specific kind of emotional empathy. She says that “Love is such a powerful instrument to make people feel at home.” Having experienced cruelty in her own home in early life, blended with her willful personality and unconditional love upon entering a religious order, Sister Jane somehow developed the genius-level skills necessary to save these children.

It is so lovely to see her share the children’s joy. That joy is the success of her project that we see on the children’s faces. In turn, it is heartbreaking to see her agony: that she is limited to only 40 children in her “family” at one time.

How can one not be completely absorbed in the personal accounts of the children of Good Shepherd: Gilbert, Mirabelle, Kelvin, Juliet, Kevin, Petee, Divine, and Doreen? These are children who literally did not consider themselves to be people before they arrived to live with Sister Jane. Through the lens Licostie has provided us, we are able to share their stories of the new home they are a part of as they can at last let their pasts begin to fade.
Carolan

DC INDEPENDENT FILM FEST PART 3

2008-03-19T16:57:00.000-07:00

Volcanic Sprint

USA 2007 Run time: 53 min. Director: Steven Dorst & Dan Evans

The sleepy town in Buea in the Southwest Province of Cameroon hosts Africa's most grueling footrace: the Mt. Cameroon Race of Hope, a marathon-length sprint 10,000 feet up a live volcano and back down again.To conquer the mountain, racers must overcome some of the cruelest conditions in sport: temperatures fluctuate 50 degrees, altitude sickness claims the weak, and loose volcanic stones can cause serious injury and even death as runners fly back down the mountain.For a select few, the rewards are lucrative: the top runners earn more in five hours than the average Cameroonian earns in four years. But nearly half of all runners will quit the race conquered by Mt. Cameroon.

DIRECTOR: Steven Dorst & Dan Evans
WRITERS: Dan Evans, Steve Dorst
PRODUCER: Steve Dorst
cinematographer: Ryan Hill
composer: Steve Steckler

http://www.volcanicsprint.com/

Volcanic Sprint is a compelling film that shows us how much is possible when means are truly limited. How else would a farmer from Southwest Cameroon become a revered extreme racing icon?

The fact that this film was a low-budget endeavor even speaks to that. The filmmakers suffered altitude sickness right along with the athletes while in production.

We live in a global society where affluent world citizens regularly pay in the neighborhood of $100,000 to challenge Mt. Everest (not to mention the added gratuity of their lives should she so require it.) They climb for the challenge and love of climbing.

On Mt. Cameroon, the majority of the people who annually run the Race of Hope are driven by a completely different force. Most of them are citizens of Cameroon who race for the prize money. They see it as a type of job opportunity, as the financial reward for a first place finish can equal five years’ salary toward family survival. There is a very specific sense of greater purpose to the race participants, a conscious superobjective.

There is no thought to high tech footwear for the locals, and rehabilitating an injured knee for a regional athlete is unheard of. They race with only what little they have, as we watch shoes fall off on the mountain trail, and knees give out while runners somehow continue….Magic happens on screen before us.

While reflecting upon Volcanic Sprint, I have started fantasizing about a dream Celebrity Deathmatch: Five-time Female Division Champion Sarah Etonge (did I mention she accomplished most of these as a grandmother?) vs. Mt. Everest:Beyond the Limit athlete Tim Medvetz. http://dsc.discovery.com/convergence/everestbeyond/climbers/tim-update.html

Sarah Etonge would kick his ass, I have no doubt.

Dorst and Evans do a beautiful job of weaving into their film that this community is anything but a sterile “sporting” environment. This race doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Singing, dancing, and libation ceremonies are interwoven into the fabric of preparation for this race along with a rigorous training schedule. We see how the people of Mt. Cameroon lead whole, integrated lives whether they are rich with material possessions or not.

Testing Hope: Grade 12 in the New South Africa
USA 2007 Run time: 40 min. Director: Molly Blank

Testing Hope: Grade 12 in the New South Africa's chronicles the lives of four young people in Nyanga township, South Africa, as they work towards their crucial Matric exams, which one student calls, "the decider". These students began school in 1994, the same year apartheid ended and Nelson Mandela became president. While this is the new South Africa, many vestiges of apartheid persist. "Testing Hope" follows the students as they prepare for the exams which they believe will determine their future. It explores what hangs in the balance if students pass Matric and what awaits those who do not. How do they achieve their dreams in a country where so many obstacles remain?

DIRECTOR: Molly Blank
PRODUCER: Molly Blank
cinematographer: Kristin Pichaske
composer: John Keltonic

http://www.testinghope.com/

Filmmaker Molly Blank introduces us to South Africa’s Matric exams through the lives of four remarkable students: Babalwa, Noluyanda, Mongamo and Sipho. These students take nothing for granted and treat every day and each sliver of opportunity as a blessing. This documentary is remarkably personal as we see just how high the stakes are for each of these students. We know that they represent an entire generation fighting for opportunity and denied a fighting chance.

Striking details include footage of students preparing for school doing things like shining their shoes. Do American students even know how to do this? Have we, as a culture that has become accustomed to such a high level of ease and comfort sacrificed a high level of drive as well?

One constantly wonders during this film what the next step will be for those who pass the MATRIC. What will South African society offer them next?

See Testing Hope, and then try to look at education in our country the same way you did before your experience.

Carolan

DC INDEPENDENT FILM FEST PART 2

2008-03-13T16:15:00.000-07:00

NAKED BRANCHES
Director: Will Kim
USA 2007 Run time: 5 min.

http://www.willkim.net/animation.html

And the plot synopsis:

While a male peacock and a female peacock (peahen) exchange a spiritual, love talk, a snake makes his own journey to connect the two lovers and to take away the peacock's desire till the last moment of the peacock's life. Emptiness is what the snake leaves behind after he accomplishes his wants in this film, 'Naked Branches.' The filmmaker Will Kim uses watercolor to explore his one hope that's vanished into air.

DIRECTOR: Will Kim
WRITER: Will Kim
PRODUCER: Will Kim
composer: Kirin Kapin

Naked branches are, of course, without leaves. They are a foundation without that which they support. In our contemporary Western culture, we often strive to impose a linear plot upon any film we experience, whether there are spoken words or not. Will Kim has given us a reprieve from that with the lyrical Naked Branches, which is an experience much closer to that of dance.

The warm realm of recognizable characters, an almost Eden-like world of peacock and peahen flows through a life-altering encounter with a snake that is violently depicted through negative space…all seamlessly and liquidly woven together with Kirin Kapin’s music so that what Kim shares with us isn’t just a visual experience. Instead, it is able to seep in through our ears and pores, bypassing our intellects, and affecting us on a very emotional level.

RUBY BLUE
Director: Jan Dunn
United Kingdom 2007 Run time: 112 min.

And the plot is:

At 65, Jack (Bob Hoskins) is consumed by past guilt and regret. His strained relationship with his son is severed on the death of his wife. Jack is lost and alone in his self loathing, and spirals into decline. Hope arrives in the unlikely form of eight-year-old, Florrie, a soft-natured girl who moves in next door and delights in his long neglected racing pigeon Ruby. When his glamorous French neighbor, Stephanie (Josiane Balasko) takes pity on him, Jack cannot help but fall for her charms. Encouraged by Stephanie, Jack helps a local hooligan by giving him his prized Ruby. When an innocent friendship with Florrie is thrown into question and Stephanie reveals a well kept secret, Jack’s life is thrown into turmoil once again. Jack finally cracks, consumed with sadness and humiliation, until tragedy forces him to confront his prejudices, face his fears and challenge those around him in a bid to win back Stephanie’s love.

DIRECTOR: Jan Dunn
WRITER: Jan Dunn
CAST: Bob Hoskins, Josiane Balasko
PRODUCER: Elaine Wickham
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Ole Bratt Birkeland

http://www.rubybluethefilm.com/

Most of us love to play detective. Just look at the popularity of shows like Law and Order. All versions of Law and Order. We love to put together the clues in the comfort of our loungewear and accuse strangers daily and feel good about how we solved the crimes brilliantly. It is a powerful feeling. I’m as guilty as anyone. With Ruby Blue, Jan Dunn taps into that very human tendency. This tendency can lie where it is in our loungewear, progress out of us to a bit of gossip with another, or steamroll into to a full on slander fest in the true spirit of The Children’s Hour where law enforcement is involved and peoples’ lives are literally at stake. Ruby Blue has us on the edges of our seats, and seeing ourselves everywhere we turn.

There are four pivotal characters: Grumpy Jack (Bob Hoskins, who has never been better), the glamorous Stephanie (Josiane Balasko), Ian the hood (Jody Latham), and eight-year-old Florrie (Jessica Stewart). Three are fronting…the world knows them only by façades. In reality, the three fronters have so much more on the inside than their façades let others get away with thinking they are.

The fourth, Florrie, is the key to unlocking all of them. Florrie is beautiful on the outside, beautiful on the inside. With Florrie, what you see is what you get. She keeps it real. She doesn’t ever see the façades to begin with because she doesn’t have one of her own. She sees that Jack is a sweet, if lonely man in need of straight talk….She tells him that he smells because he smells. She tells him that if he were nicer, people wouldn’t call him “Grumpy Jack.” Her attitude is infectious. The characters start to open their eyes to one another.

Likewise, Jack gives Ian some plain talk, probably the first he’s had. Ian springs to life almost magically, at the opportunity to take some responsibility with the prized Ruby Blue. It might, in fact, be hard to believe his 180º turnaround had we not heard earlier from his little sister that he’s actually nice...he just fronts. Most of all, it is Ian that eventually gives Jack the key perspective on what is important with Stephanie, who starts out good and just gets better the deeper you dig. One just has to accept her issues. See Ruby Blue just for Josiane Balasko’s performance, if for no other reason, by the way. She is a powerhouse.

What is so fascinating in this film are the clues that Dunn sprinkles for us as viewers along the way. We start piecing together Jack’s past…what has he done that is so horrible that his own son kicks him to the curb the very day of his wife’s funeral…that he won’t let him see his own grandchildren…ah…he resists the temptation to go into the pub…and again he leaves a bottle of whisky untouched with great effort…and is quick to lose his temper….

We also play detective with Stephanie…did her daughter just say she was talking to her mother? The daughter just mentioned a secret that her mother tells people and they always leave afterwards. Jack comments to Stephanie about how strong her hands are….

We are not alone…most of the neighborhood has been playing dime store detective just like we have. They have been whispering in their loungewear, piecing together their own clues about Jack, and they have decided that they sum up to him being a dirty old pedophile, instead of being happy at being given a second chance by fate and his own goodwill at becoming a decent human being.

How ironic that due to the neighborhood whispering, Florrie’s mother leaves her with her friend’s neglectful mother, who in turn runs off to the pub leaving the two unsupervised to wander off and get into trouble.

Dunn does a beautiful job of utilizing juxtaposition in a scene where Ian’s mother is judgmentally griping about her erroneously drawn conclusions about Jack’s supposedly inappropriate behavior. She rants on and on while swearing in front of her 8-year old daughter and halfheartedly forbidding her to watch violent cartoons.

There is more than one prize in this film, more than one Ruby Blue. One just has to have Florrie’s perspective to see who it is.

Carolan

DC INDEPENDENT FILM FEST PART 1

2008-03-13T16:11:00.000-07:00

DAY ON WHEELS
Director: Ari Selinger
USA 2007 Run time: 13 min

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4608279972861780145

Plot synopsis, because everyone loves them…..Based on Cheryl A. Davis's short memoir about her life as a paraplegic, 'Day on Wheels' follows Chet Davies, a 30 something paraplegic who hates dealing with incompetent jerks who rudely confront him about his disability. During the course of two days, the audience sees how poorly Chet is treated and his struggle to cope with such situations. When a fellow paraplegic named Nick shows Chet that all he has to do is to tell people to 'piss off', Chet begins to use this new strategy. After several tests, the new and improved Chet becomes even more assertive and aggressive to the point where he gets himself in trouble by accidentally telling off a blind woman.

DIRECTOR: Ari Selinger
WRITER: Ari Selinger
CAST: David Harris, David Ressel, Harrison Davies, John Haggerty, Kate Kuen, Kyle Argenbrite, Marlise Garde
PRODUCER: Ari Selinger
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Rogier van Beeck Calkoen

I thought of Day on Wheels as The Day Chet Became a Bitch on Wheels. Don’t we all have days like that?? At least -- don’t we all have days where we really, really want to just let it fly like he does? We get so tired of being judged by others based on a singular external quality. People take one look at us, make a quick decision, sum us up, and don’t bother to go any further. There is so much to feel in this film.

Chet calls the film we see his “true life sitcom.”

What bothers Chet most is how the average person analyzes him with a single glance that says “thank God I’m not him”.

“Thank God I’m not him….” There’s a man in a wheelchair living in my building and I don’t think I’ve ever had that thought about him. It’s because of the attitude he projects. I guarantee he’s a happier person than 70% of the people in our building. Many people know him. A lot of folks talk to him, I would imagine far more than talk to me. I see him hanging out in the cigar bar across the street, and down in our internet café. He puts it out there.

Ironically, what Chet does at the end of this film is exactly the same as what everyone else does to him, and nearly misses a vital connection as a result…a connection with someone who can truly understand him and empathize with him.

Isn’t a lot of what Selinger’s message is that you have to find your own healthy balance between taking everyone’s judgmental shit and absurdly, over sensitively telling everyone to fuck off and driving the good ones away? This is useful no matter who you are or where you live….

I’m more inclined to think “Thank God I’m not him” about litigation attorneys, actually….

Carolan

INTERNATIONAL FAMILY FILM FESTIVAL

2008-03-03T22:05:00.000-08:00

I have been looking forward to this festival for a few months, and lo and behold..... The flu season has struck most of my LA based writers. LOL! Lara Berman was able to pull herself away from family and a graduate school exam to attend part of the festival for us. Thanks Lara!

2008 International Family Film Festival
Short Film Reviews by Lara Berman
03.03.08

Many of the short films at this year’s International Film Festival, although filled with heart, were regrettably forgettable.

Just Breathe
Directed By: Julie Rappaport & Joy Langer

Just Breathe, a series of short films that focused on a failing marriage, attempted to show that just because a marriage comes apart does not mean the family must cease to exist. This message was eloquently conveyed to the audience after the screening by Julie Rappaport, the film’s producer, co-writer and star who was in attendance. But, the message grew muddied in the execution. Unbelievable acting, a creepy ending and corny interjections of self-help made the film off-putting and kept the viewer at a distance.

Masterpeer Theatre
Directed By: Anny Slater

Over before it began was Masterpeer Theater, a 2-minute film answering the question of what would a dog’s version of “Masterpiece Theater” be like. Amusing graphic work made our master-mutt-of-ceremonies entertaining, but the quick delivery, thick English accent and unsynchronized lips left many jokes incoherent. Nevertheless, second and third viewings of this whimsical romp would undoubtedly reveal clever quips and nuances imperceptible to first-time watchers. Any dog lover will appreciate this pup-ular version of an American classic.

Generation XXL
Directed By: Teresa MacInnes

The stand-out piece of my evening at the festival was a Canadian documentary about overweight teenagers called, Generation XXL, directed and written by Teresa MacInnes. Unlike many films about obesity, there is no underlying agenda or implicit disapproval conveyed. Instead the viewer meets young men and women who are smart, sensitive, self-aware but challenged by food. They choose to attend a “fat-camp,” but when they arrive there are no drill-sergeant exercise instructors or food police monitoring the dining halls. Instead, the teens are taught “mindful eating;” they face hurtful comments people said to them in the past and are taught that they can choose whether to agree or disagree with those statements.

The cast of adolescents is exceptionally wise, articulate and honest. That vulnerability allowed intimate access to the characters and, matched with the film’s superb editing choices and poignant selections of scenes and sound bites, involved the viewer immediately. It’s no wonder that this film won the documentary category at this year’s film festival. Instead of basing all success on pounds lost, viewers cared about the participants and felt invested in their journey to address the true root of their food problems.

Dietitians and studies spout reasons why young people today face obesity issues, but audiences will gain compassion and understanding by listening to this thoughtful piece featuring the exceptional members of generation XXL.

Thank You Lara Berman. It is always a pleasure to have you on board!
Shane

TRUE/FALSE FILM FESTIVAL PART 2

2008-03-03T21:49:00.000-08:00

HOLD ME TIGHT, LET ME GO
Directed By Kim Longinotto

As apt a title as you'll ever find, "Hold Me Tight, Let Me Go" is a fully absorbing, often traumatizing insight into Mulberry Bush, a (boarding) school in England for troubled kids. Attending the school with 108 teachers are 40 boys and girls between the ages 9 – 12, each of whom has experienced severe emotional trauma and has been unsuccessful in "typical" school settings.

During the film, we witness the teachers practicing more patience and enduring more suffering than most of us would likely be able to manage. The teachers are often kicked, hit, cursed at and spit upon as they try to reach the students in a way that no one else has been successful. It was quite obvious that these children had never previously been shown how to react to everyday difficulties and to make appropriate decisions.

This film, directed by Kim Longinotto, was incredibly compelling, though certainly not a feel-good movie. I found myself feeling frustrated with the students' parents for not having given their children the loving home environments that may have allowed the behavioral issues to be avoided altogether.

The teachers in Mulberry Bush are trained to gently restrain the students when they are becoming violent toward themselves and others. While it is difficult to watch the children being held down by the teachers, it was a profound symbol of the love these children have most likely never experienced. I wondered, "Have these children ever been held out of love and concern before?"

In one scene we see Alex, one of the children with terrible anger issues, saying goodbye to his mother and sister. Throughout an entire year, Alex only gets to see them five times. Alex is clearly distraught at having to let them go, and his 2 year-old sister runs back to him to give him one last hug. His sister's concern and affection so far outshone his mother's that I can only wonder what will become of his sister in the future.

"Hold Me Tight, Let Me Go" is a film that clearly portrays what happens to children who witness horrific events and experience abuse and neglect. At times it was funny and poignant, at other times heart-wrenching. Sadly, at the end of the film, I wasn't left with a sense of hope for the children in the school, the society in which we live, or in humanity as a whole.

Stranded: I've Come From a Plane That Crashed in the Mountains
Directed By Gonzalo Arijon

In "Stranded: I've Come From a Plane That Crashed in the Mountains", directed by Gonzalo Arizon, the audience is transported to a different time and horrific place following the plane crash of the Uruguayan rugby team in 1972. On their way to a weekend trip in Chile, the passengers and crew of Flight 571 found themselves crashed in the frigid Andes Mountains. The weekend was to be a fun-filled vacation for a group of young men, a coming of age of sorts, but turned into a nightmare that lasted over two months.

The days that followed were a hell beyond anything most humans could comprehend. The survivors of the crash had to witness the dead bodies of friends and family and of those who were dying. Over the radio they heard the news that the search and rescue had been called off due to terribly inclement weather.

Upon receiving this news, the men were forced to attempt to save their own lives, not knowing if they would ever be found. They struggled to survive in the massive and freezing Andes mountains, and were forced to do things that many would consider inhuman, such as eating the flesh of the dead. They considered the spirituality behind this cannibalism, referring to Christ as having given his body and blood to save the rest of humanity.

The cinematography of this movie was spectacular, and the story couldn't have been told more clearly. I had had a preconceived notion that the cannibalism aspect of the film would be too disturbing and too chilling to watch. However, all I could think was how absolutely necessary the cannibalism was in order for the rest of the men to survive. The subject was handled so gracefully that I perceived this act as a truly beautiful one in which the dead were able to give the gift of life to the survivors. What struck me most about the film was the amazing strength of the human spirit.

Meredith Julian

TRUE/FALSE FILM FEST PART 1

2008-03-03T17:42:00.000-08:00

True/False Film Festival
By Meredith Julian

We would like to welcome Ms. Meredith Julian to our list of festival bloggers. Ms. Julian is a highly accomplished actress and we are excited to have her as a part of the team!
Shane

MAN ON WIRE
Directed By: James Marsh

There's no doubt that "Man on Wire" was the most compelling of the documentaries I had the pleasure of seeing at the True/False Film Festival. The story behind Phillipe Petit's tightrope walk between the twin towers of the World Trade Center was at times frightening and fantastical and at others inspiring and even quite funny.
Petit's lifelong motivators have been entertaining, living on the edge, defying the rules. He did all three when he succeeded at his 45-minute walk between the two tours without a safety net. He walked back and forth between the buildings eight times, and even lay down and kneeled in the middle of the rope for a more dramatic effect.

The execution of this stunt required a team of accomplices. One wonders from where these characters came but their account of this event, and of Petit as a human being, added a great deal to the storytelling in "Man on Wire". I was saddened to discover at the end of the movie that Petit and his "team" are no longer in contact with one another. In a question and answer session following the film the director, James Marsh, explained that after this huge feat and with his first taste of real fame, Petit cut off relations with his friends and cohorts.

Though fame seems to have played a part in harming the relationships and friendships behind the act, Petit himself proclaimed it wasn't an option not to attempt this feat. He knew he was teetering between life and death, as a mere puff of wind could have led him to his inevitable death. Petit explains that he would rather die in the middle of the pursuit of his passion than to not pursue it at all. One can see the slightly crazed joy that this man finds in his passion, and it is truly inspirational, if a bit uncomfortable, to watch.

PORTLAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL PART 1

2008-02-11T23:07:00.000-08:00

Portland International Film Festival

Portland is a bohemian town that loves its art, music and festival's! It always seems that there is one going on all the time, but the Film Festival, now that is something that people actually take their vacations to be a part of.I have had a fantastic time seeing the excitement of all the movie goers, it's like we are all part of the same family! We buzz from coffee and chat with each other while we wait in line. People dart their heads back and forth, hoping to see an actor or director. And can I tell you... opinions??!! Oh my God it's like the sun rises and sets around this Festival.My only wish? I could see every film...

The White Silk Dress
Director: Luu Huyna

This beautiful film hails from Vietnam. The stunning features, grace and poise of its people fill the screen a melancholy longing that left me speechless. This film actually broke my heart.

The subject shows the painful path of a mother who desperately wants to provide for her daughter, actually, all her children... no matter what the cost. Something as simple as a "White Silk Dress" becomes paramount, something she would sell her soul for and in a sense... did.

Then, a marriage and all will be well right? That opens another can of worms... I'll stop here, as not to give the ending away. This is a must see and believe me, you will be moved!

The Portland Int. Film Festival website has this to say…

Winner of the Audience Award at the Pusan International Film Festival and this year's Vietnamese submission for the Best Foreign Film Oscar, The White Silk Dress is a sweeping drama that portrays how one poor and oppressed family manages to maintain its pride and dignity and overcome adversities. The setting is the picturesque town of Ha Dong in central Vietnam, immediately prior to the collapse of French colonial rule in the 1950s. Dau and Gu, who have slaved for a landlord all their lives, are finally able start a family. However, the unrelenting cycle of war and poverty results in numerous tragedies. Even after losing everything, they still maintain their faith in the Ao Dai, a symbol of the lofty and pure willpower of Vietnamese women.

Kings
Director: Tom Collins

This film comes from Ireland. It's lush green countryside adds a stunning contrast to the poor life these boys lead.

They leave Ireland to seek their fortunes in London, convinced they will return home men of the world! They will be rich and successful and the old neighborhood will love them!

Many years later, the story does not change, only the town... and the worst part for all, their "leader" doesn’t make it back alive. As they all sit in their hometown Pub during the wake and reminisce of their lives, it is a sad account. But at the same time, they remain hopeful in the company of friends.

The Portland Int. Film Festival website has this to say…
A universal tale of disenfranchisement and the search for identity, Kings tells the story of six ambitious young Irishmen who leave the west of Ireland in the early 1970s to seek their fortune. Thirty years later only one, Jacki Flavin, makes it home—but does so in a coffin. Jackie's five friends reunite at his wake, where they are forced to face up to the reality of their alienation as long-term emigrants who no longer have any real place to call home. This year's Irish submission for the Best Foreign Film Oscar and the first Irish-language film ever entered.

Di Agee

SMOGDANCE

2008-02-11T22:59:00.000-08:00

SmogDance
by Rowan Harrison

Not being a big connoisseur of the short film format, I liken short films to a drawing that an artist uses in laying the foundation to a much greater composition. In some cases a drawing can be a complete rendered piece of art that achieves the spiritual creative journey and the artistic elements of its creator. A drawing for the most part is an artistic expression, of movement, gesture, composition, technique and lighting, all of these elements plus the humanistic desire to tell a story on film, were all represented, in the short film format at this years, SmogDance Film Festival at the Harvey Mudd College in Clairmont, CA.

While Park City, Utah has its star studded winter fest, SunDance, Clairmont has its………SmogDance? A few miles north of interstate 10, sitting below the snow covered San Gabriel Mountains, sits the charming community of Clairmont. Tree lined streets and quaint historic buildings make up for the college town feel that it represents. With seven colleges of higher learning, the city plays host to the 10th anniversary of Smog Dance. This three day festival held at the Harvey Mudd College, showcases the best in short films from local and international filmmakers. Thanks to all the wonderful staff and special thanks to festival director, Charlotte Cousins, for making this a splendid evening to up and coming filmmakers.

Simulacra – writer/animator: Tatchapon Lertwirojkul

Lertwirjkul takes us on a 4 minute escapade into a 3 dimensional conceptual futuristic world, where all elements of the natural world are obsolete and non existent except one. A robot surveying the architectural landscape is interrupted by a floating flower petal; all readings indicate that it’s an organic flower, that are extinct. Curiosity and a mechanical bird, takes our friendly animated computerized robot to the known origin of a flower. Within the secured premises the natural flower grows, enchanted by its radiant beauty our happy robot friend preserves it, not fully aware if it’s ironic implications. Tatchapon allows the laws and concepts of perspective and animation to flourish, in his imaginary futuristic world.

Deleted Scenes – writer/director: Ryan Gielen

In a short where art imitates life and life imitates art, a writer/director and the leading male actor indulge themselves in rivalry as they lay down the voiceovers to the directors commentaries, to their film South Bronx. Josh Davis and Brian Adler, begin their work in a cordial fashion, egos compete, viewpoints clash and when an attractive female assistant caters to them, tension and animosity boils over. Amusing and intelligent, South Bronx gives us a twisted behind the scenes, insight into the making of those directors commentaries that accompany feature films on DVD.

The Room – writer/director: Aves Meza Valdes

A young woman sits, fetal position, shivering with fear and fright in the corner of a dark blood stained chamber. Like a chapter out of an Edgar Allen Poe story but very reminiscent of the blood splattering gore of Saw. The Room takes us on a macabre tale of terror as a young woman is held captive, with her dead boyfriend lying at her side. Periodically, the captors young sister brings her pills and food through a small sliding window, an oddly enough wants her homework check, using a crayon. Wonderfully photographed, with a sensitive touch to lighting and composition the tale gets even spookier when a gothic wolf man enters the picture.

The Late Mister Cubicle – writer/animator: Franz Keller

This animated 3 minute bit, takes us into the very familiar world of the office environment, the Mister Cubicle spends long hours in front of his PC. Overcome with fatigue, he slips into a dream state where the fast paced chase ensues. Accompanied with groovy electronic music, the Mister Cubicle embarks on one of the all too familiar dreams of mortal danger as he is being pursued by a knife wielding maniac. Fast paced animation, similar to the Power Puff Girls, but with a stronger color palette, The Late Mister Cubicle takes us into the pit traps of burning the midnight oil.

My Day At the Beach – writer/director: Andy Messersmith

Perhaps one of the least technical and artistic films in the bunch, yet its calm and subtle story line makes is one of the more potent shorts within the evenings program. A young couple is out on a days outing in a warm soothing tropical south pacific island. Messersmith carefully sets us up for the coup de grace by allowing us to follow the young couple in love, on there day at the beach. A disturbing quiet tone permeates as the couples settles on the sandy beach, engage in small talk while the waves flap on the shore and beachgoers mill about. Yet when a confession of unfaithfulness is made the quiet calm foundation is abruptly interrupted in a single act of rage. The contrast is elevated when everyone goes home after a pleasant day in the sun.

Pizza Guy – writer/director: Annie Symmons, Cindy Merrill

What happens when two bimbo’s order pizza and the pizza man ends up getting killed? Touching on the shenanigans of a Lucy and Ethel routine, two college roommates order out for pizza, as they get ready for an evening of movies, pizza and BJ’s. While they settle in Lizzy’s roommate begins to eat her pizza, when she notices blood on her slice. It turns out Lizzy killed the pizza guy with her car, “where’s the body?” “In front of the car.” In comedic fashion they drag and plop the body on the couch, “wow, he’s cute” which prompts them to change into more reveling nightclub attire. The zaniness is supported by a closet homosexual and two cops who knock at the door in response to a gun shot in the area. The female partner gets annoyed as her male counterpart openly flirts with the girls. Pizza Guy seems to rely heavily on sit-com situations and the use of props, that in many ways works well, is amusing and adds to the notion of……….pizza and girls just don’t mix.

Diary of a User – writer/director: Mcdaniel

Relying heavily on spoken word, poetry, photography and a brilliant Miles Davis track, Diary of a User, “is a story of many things but what it aint’t is joy” this 4 minute solemn confession of one persons battle with drugs is a fittingly portrait of the struggle within urban life. Wonderfully photographed, with definitive exercises in perspective, the film comes across as a truthful and honest testament to the always common denominator that drug users share, hope.

Lost Utopia – writer/animator: Mizue

A visually pleasing motif of amoebas, cells, jellyfishes and millipedes, Lost Utopia creates a kaleidoscope of animated motion and fluidity. Its design elements flow in a sea of turquoise, blues and reds while moving around to another instrumental jazz number. While the message of the film, this reviewer didn’t get, if there was one, was partially lost because the visuals were so stimulating, it was easy to get lost in this organic 5 minute animated universe.

Vanished Acres – writer/director Adam Bolt

2nd to the longest short of the evening is the half hour story of a farmer living his meager existence on an isolated farm. Our story begins with a series of family photos, common household items, still lifes bathed in a dark light, that represent the pivotal characters and their dark family secrets. For Jerod Gerot, his solitary life is disturbingly interrupted when he stumbles upon letters written by his now, deceased wife. A flood of emotions, rain down on Gerot, as he learns that his wife had an extra marital affair, he turns to his only companion a scarecrow for answers. Unveiling that Gerot spent many years neglecting his wife and was unable to give the love that she needed, she turned her emotions and longing onto his scarecrow. Vanished Acres, having one of the more developed characters, within the set of shorts, takes us through shades of melancholy, sadness, and heartache as an elderly man has to deal with his indifferent past.

Strangely Inappropriate Guy – writer/director Paul Bartholomew

Now in the shortest, short of the evening clocking in at a humorously 2 minutes is, the goof ball shenanigans of a Strangely Inappropriate Guy. This is a fun take on coworkers, emotional response to some very bizarre yet entertaining behavior from a fellow office worker. A quirky dance at the copying machine, genitals on the desk, and an absurd robotic sexual number are just some of the off beat and seemingly spontaneous office humor of a Strangely Inappropriate Guy. Now if we could only have more characters like this in our daily office world that would make things rather interesting.

Radio – writer/director Jeffrey L. Gangwisch

Before the advent of the modern television, in a bygone era, the radio was the main source of media to connect us to the events that shaped our society, outside the living rooms of millions of Americans before the 1930’s. In a seemingly improvised setting, we are taken into the studio of a live radio program and all of its players on the microphone. Shot appropriately in black and white, Radio adds to the nostalgia of radio programming, as we see the unfolding and escalating drama, in a story of love and betrayal. In between segments of commercially endorsed products are added to the mix, taking and reminding us of an era where, the elements of society came between two dials.

20Q – writer/director Benjamin Keith

In an age where documentary films are progressively entering the mainstream and the mockumentary are increasingly poking fun at such serious film endeavors. 20Q tinkers with the all popular game of twenty questions, by creating a fictitious tournament in a small middle of American town. In this imaginary amusing world, our host of the game show takes us on the logistics of organizing the contest, which is heralded as a star studded event. Of course no contest is complete without its contestants, and a small yet zany group they are. First we begin with Lolita Dorchuck whose family origins can be traced all the way to Rasputin, an African American hair stylist with the fake weaves, and then there is the prodigal bratty child star, all are given their share of what the contest means to them, in candid interviews. 20Q is an amusing frolic, with a wide range of goofy characters; it in many ways reminds me of segments of The Office coupled with a little Borat, all in all a good time.

Rowan Harrison

THE NEW YORK JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

2008-02-11T22:54:00.000-08:00

New York Jewish Film Festival
By: Marleah Martin

New York Jewish Film Festival Opening Night

Looking back on the film festivals I’ve attended, I’ve realized they’ve really run the gamut. On one end of the spectrum, there’s been the big, glossy ones (which do not always translate to being organized, and quite often can be impersonal). And on the other, there’s the smaller, more intimate festivals where there’s perhaps less glamour and hype but quality programming nonetheless (which to me, is what it’s really all about), not to mention the opportunity to speak one-on-one with people associated with the festival- a perk I’ve learned is invaluable.
And so, as I was on my to the Walter Reade Theater to attend the opening night of the New York Jewish Film Festival, I was curious as to how it would compare.

I was aware that the NYJFF, presented by the Film Society of Lincoln Center and the Jewish Museum, was well-known and highly respected. But beyond this, I knew little about it and could only project what the atmosphere might be like. I doubted that despite it being a larger event that it would be a flashy to-do (I was heading to a theater in Lincoln Center- a cultural institution that without question has a considerably dignified air); I imagined a more subdued feel. However, given the NYJFF’s established reputation, it was going to draw a sizable audience and with all the hustle and bustle that could go hand-in-hand with that, I questioned whether I’d actually be able to pin anybody down as one usually can in the mellow environment often found at smaller festivals.

What I did sense soon after my arrival was that although there was high attendance, this was a well-oiled machine, and I had no problem checking in or touching base with my press contact. Additionally, it was managed by an incredibly helpful group of people; everyone I spoke to was very accommodating in directing me to whomever I needed to speak to. This continued at the post-screening reception, where the audience enjoyed complimentary hors d'œuvres and wine, and I had the occasion to speak to a few of the big players- among them Rachel Chanoff, an Independent Curator on the selection committee and Aviva Weintraub, Festival Director. Their time, enthusiasm, and well-thought out answers to my questions were appreciated, as it was clear they had a good deal of responsibility that night.

Press contacts Anne Scher and Alex Wittenberg were quite impressive in their swift delivery of screeners of films I was interested in reviewing but would not be able to see at the theater.
As far as the festival ambience- yes, it was perhaps more high-brow and low-key than others I’ve attended. Still, this doesn’t equate with stuffiness and elitism; there was no attitude, no snobbery. What was present at this festival was a sort of refinement and a sense of pride, certainly in some measure due to it attracting a more mature audience who were there for a celebration of the Jewish experience as reflected in the cinema- not a glitzy, MTV-style affair- and who knew they could count on the NYJFF, now in its 17th year, to deliver. Given that, it goes without saying that the festival would have been a bit out-of-step in its tone were it to enlist the “hey how’s everyone doing tonight? I can’t HEAR yooooouuuu!!!” routine (followed by schwag being flung haphazardly into the crowd), and was more suited towards modest introductions and its classy after-party.

The feature film screened was A Hebrew Lesson, by David Ofek, Elinor Kowarsky and Ron Rotem. Following the screening was a brief Q&A with Elinor Kowarsky, a sweet, soft-spoken woman who was commended for her work on the film.

A Hebrew Lesson- David Ofek:

Following newly arrived immigrants to Israel in an intensive language class, A Hebrew Lesson is a touching film about a multicultural group of students learning to adapt to a new culture. Beyond learning Hebrew, they learn about the Jewish state as well- and these lessons, coupled with those they learn from daily life, facilitate the process of them shaping their opinions on how they feel about and approach living in Israel.

The opening scenes immediately promise, at the very least, a charming central character. We’re introduced to Yoela, a dynamo of an instructor with a big heart. Her early interactions with the students are high-spirited and often amusing, as she gains their confidence through lively banter and a genuine interest in their lives. However, it isn’t long before the focus widens to include a select few of the students in the class. Their stories are compelling, as they slowly come into their own and open up about their back stories, their reasons for coming to Israel and their personal takes on being immigrants in a land poles apart from their own.

All are confronted with some sort of difficulty- Sasha is there in an attempt to gain custody of his daughter. Dong Dong is affected by the poor conditions for Chinese workers she documents for her film. Annabel moved there for love and feels uncomfortably dependent on her fiancée. Marisol is unexpectedly pregnant by an unsupportive boyfriend. Even Chin, who possesses a calm, cheerful exterior, and seemingly has hit the jackpot in the game of life by marrying a wealthy former employer who adores her, struggles with the sorrow of not having her daughter with her in Israel.

Though 123 minutes long, for the most part the film avoids lags by keeping scenes brief, quickly cutting back and forth from the students’ life experiences to the focal point- the classroom- and the two worlds become interwoven, each continuously impacting the other. Sometimes it’s uplifting- Chin’s repartee with her husband who doesn’t seem to fully understand the language himself is one of the more comical scenes, and the compassion classmates express towards other allows one to love these captivating people even more. Other moments are straight up tear-jerkers; sometimes the baggage proves to be too much to check at the door, spilling over into the classroom and making the learning process of a language that’s already challenging to master all the more frustrating.

To be sure, A Hebrew Lesson is a classic cinematic example of the cliche “when bad things happen to good people”. By capitalizing on this detail (there was a hand in bringing that many engrossing stories into one room - the class was carefully assembled based on interviews with prospective students and teachers), the film brings on the tragic, tugging on the heartstrings and gaining personal investment in its subjects. But what the filmmakers could probably not have predicted (and where they probably got lucky) is the amount of resilience this group exhibits when faced with overwhelming adversity. And that perseverance to overcome obstacles is by far the strongest quality of A Hebrew Lesson’s strongest point- its characters.

Praying With Lior- Ilana Trachtman

“Somehow he turned the learning into a dance instead of a struggle”. That’s what one interviewee in Ilana Trachtman’s touching feature film had to say about its subject, Lior Liebling. Lior is a remarkable boy with resilient devotion to his faith, and who is often looked to by others in his community as a source of inspiration. He also has Down syndrome. Yet despite his limitations, more often than not he embraces the challenges he meets with resolve and enthusiasm.

In the weeks preceding Lior’s Bar Mitzvah, we become acquainted with this affable, animated kid as he goes through the process of preparing for one of the most important moments of his life. His relationships with his family, classmates and community are explored- especially his bond with the spirit of his mother, which is ever-present since her passing several years prior. In getting to know Lior’s family, we see a wide range of mixed emotions- there is pride, there is embarrassment. There is confidence in Lior, there is worry. Through these varying points of view, the film deftly shifts between lighthearted laugh-out-loud moments and snippets of daily life, to scenes that are decidedly more somber in tone. The rollercoaster ride illustrates the family’s highs and lows, and that there’s no oversimplifying Lior and the complex circumstances surrounding him.

But though the direction is on point, at the heart of it all is Lior himself- who holds our interest throughout with a modus operandi all his own. What’s especially intriguing is how he demonstrates certain attributes many of us often lack. One can’t help but take note of his self-confidence (with conviction he sincerely proclaims he is not nervous at all about his Bar Mitzvah), intense focus when davening (praying), expressiveness (his father Mordechai states “Lior has fewer veils between him and God”), and abundance of compassion. Lior even surprises us at times by his insight when in casual conversation he shows a palpable understanding of his relationship with the intangible- his mother, and God.

It’s no wonder that members of his community are often profoundly affected by Lior. Here is a boy who innately possesses a spiritual devotion and emotional freedom they continually strive for (the idea for the film itself came after Trachtman’s initial encounter with Lior when she witnessed his extraordinary commitment to prayer). Mordecai, though proud of his son, even expresses concern that some people may project too much on him. No doubt this is magnified by the fact that these qualities, recognized early on, have had a great deal attention drawn to them- so much perhaps that it causes people to have skewed perceptions of Lior and have overly high expectations.

And yet, here is a film that clearly highlights those very attributes that serve to boost Lior into that role model status- that may be above and beyond what those close to him deem appropriate. Even his flaws are presented in such a way that they make him seem that much more endearing, human and relatable. There’s no argument that putting Lior’s abilities front and center is what makes the film shine; he is rightfully portrayed as an inspiration. And yet it’s worth noting that given the film’s effective blend of humor and emotional weight, coupled with a main character you can’t help but love- if there’s any apprehension of Lior being subjected to borderline hero worship, the film might be too good at what it does. It’s a bit of a catch-22. Nonetheless, the film is a powerful and necessary reminder that the common assumption of the mentally challenged being incapable of making meaningful contributions to society is a wholly inaccurate one. Hopefully, the general public will recognize that while they may understandably aspire to his level of spiritual fulfillment, at the same time it’s important to keep a balanced perspective. As Mordecai puts it, Lior should not be viewed as a “conscious spiritual teacher”, but rather, “a lovable child” with beautiful qualities we can perhaps all learn from.

Following the screening was a Q&A with Ilana Trachtman, Mordechai Liebling and Lior’s stepmother Lynne Iser. It started as a fairly typical session with standard questions regarding distribution (it’s been picked up by First Run Features and opens at Cinema Village on 2/1), Trachtman’s inspiration for the film, and what her future plans are. One issue worthy of note was Trachtman’s struggle to get the film picked up- she was told on more than one occasion that no one would want to see a film about a child with a disability, which in my opinion couldn’t be further from the truth, particularly a film as affecting and inspirational as this one.
Going forward, things got heated in the room before long; when one well-meaning audience member intended to pay a compliment to the parents, but used the word “mongoloid”- a term considered outdated and offensive- to refer to those with Down syndrome, it caused a real stir. In fact, the terminology proved too much for one incensed woman to bear, who a moment later expressed her deep aversion in a fiery tirade. At this point, the room was basically a pressure cooker. Fortunately, Iser managed to smooth things over and calm the room down by in effect saying we all can learn something from this experience.

I had hoped to speak to Iser a little more afterwards- and did have the chance to inquire as to how Lior has responded to this film. She was friendly enough, and her response was that he loves to watch it, but there didn’t seem to be time to get into more detail. Yet I suppose if I had been the one to have just diffused a discordant situation, I might want to hightail it out of there too. Even so, having Lior’s parents present for the Q&A to speak more about their family and the film was much appreciated.

Jerusalem is Proud to Present- Nitzan Gilady

The story of formidable efforts to host a World Pride parade and celebration in Jerusalem, the film documents the battle between the LGBT community attempting to host the event and the staunch religious groups who express strong resistance.

If Gilady’s intent was to present an impartial documentary that voiced the opinions of both sides here, it seems he’s taken on a nearly impossible task. On one side, you’ve got Open House for Pride and Tolerance, the LGBT organization based in Jerusalem that coordinates World Pride. They aim for a low-key affair; flagrant displays of flesh by thong-clad vogueing go-go boys or lesbians parading topless through the Holy City are firmly eschewed in favor of a more modest approach. The intent is to simply have one day to demonstrate gay pride by peacefully marching through the streets of the nation’s capital.

On the other side are those opposed to the march- the focus of the film mainly being on the Jewish Orthodox community. Deep religious convictions cause outrage at the notion of a pride march, and Open House is the target of- to put it mildly- great hostility. But what’s shocking is to see the lengths that the opposition- a faith-based group- will go to. Ethics are often abandoned, the tactics going beyond mere civic attempts to block World Pride and moving into the just plain hateful. Intimidation, humiliation, mockery and outrageous claims abound. Worse, it’s sickening to see the actual enjoyment many take in the abuse of those attempting to push World Pride through. Sadly, this even occurs in settings that are unquestionably inappropriate, such as City Council. Violent threats and a loosely-organized procession called the Beast Parade- too distasteful to elaborate on here- further bear out who’s really acting like beasts here. By virtue of the Orthodox community’s combative behavior and arguments bordering on the absurd (“of course [homosexuality] can be fixed with medication and with psychological help” is one of many brazenly stated, astoundingly out-of-touch assertions), it is out of the question for anyone with a shred of logical reasoning and human compassion to not sympathize with the LGBT community’s endeavors.

To be sure, some brilliant editing assists in effectively pointing out the holes in the logic of those representing the Orthodox community. Yet regardless, though one outrageous claim after another is paraded across the screen, it’s coming straight from their own mouths- Gilady’s just catching it on camera. One bit coming from a woman at an anti-World Pride pow-wow is so ludicrous, the audience erupted in fits of laughter- “HIV virus is going to climb by 30%....they have 500 partners every couple of years…they just grab people. They’ll grab youth”. Yep. Dead serious (even her peers seemed a little uncertain as to how to address this off-the-wall theory). You have to laugh, or you’d cry; the film really couldn’t invent material that wacky if it tried.
With all the stumbling blocks (the war in Lebanon throws a monkey wrench into the plans as well), it would be enough for anyone to throw in the towel. The members of Open House do in fact have their doubts, fears, and moments when they’re ready to call it quits. It’s heartbreaking to see these people- a truly likable, eclectic bunch- endure cruel treatment again and again. However, when all is said and done they’re a group of incredibly strong people who, united, manage to somehow pull through.

Is it tough to watch them get there? Yes. Is there a perfect ending? Unfortunately, no. But this is a doc, not fiction- in a film capturing a slice of life, one can rarely expect a fairy-tale ending. Still there’s marked feelings of triumphs and hope that we share with those living it. And so though it may not be the most comfortable 82 minutes to sit through, it’s nonetheless worthwhile; the subject matter is of high importance, the characters engaging and admirable, the editing tight and well-paced. Watch it in the spirit of the heroes- one of optimism- to get past the discomfort and frustration from how they are treated in order to fully appreciate the positive aspects of their experience- and the fine film that captures it all.

Marleah Martin

NEW YORK UNITED FILM FEST DAY 2

2007-12-31T17:49:00.000-08:00

NY United Festival- Day Two

Shorts:

Bitch
Lilah Vandenburgh

Bitch (Keira Leverton), an antisocial record store clerk falls for a rebel (Juan Garcia) and puts herself through the paces to impress him. Along the way, we come to appreciate Bitch’s loathing towards shallow youth culture- exemplified by an MTV-style beach show, angsty hipsters and how anything nostalgic is all the rage now among young people.
Surrounded by by-products of a society that attempts to corral young people into a homogenous way of thinking, Bitch is rather irritated by the world around her, to say the least. Her deadpan expression- holding just the slightest shade of contempt- is priceless, as she lashes out towards the pop culture clichés she encounters. A hilarious opening sequence involving Bitch and a hotshot roller boy straight out of an American Apparel ad alone makes the film a gem. She’s something of an anti-heroine, a champion of individualism, which makes it all the more heart-breaking when she herself one day finds herself deeply desiring acceptance, and changes who she is to gain it.
Leverton and Garcia play off each other well as the unlikely couple, and it’s intriguing to learn just what sort of circumstances must unfold to bring two such abrasive personalities together.

Puppet
Patrick Smith

Puppet, a hand-drawn animated short tells the bizarre tale of a young man whose sock puppet morphs into an instrument of his own fear and masochism.
“The masochist will create a separate entity to accomplish a repulsive level of self-abuse” – Freud. The quote opens up the film, aptly summing up its central theme. Beginning innocently enough with a smiling man admiring his cute little bit of handiwork, the film quickly descends into a nightmarish chain of events in which the puppet turns on the young man, who is unable to escape his creation’s ill-treatment. A dark and lighthearted feel coexist- the sweet-faced look of the main character, and the fact that his enemy is merely cartoonishly menacing in appearance make the graphic and seemingly unending violence all the more unsettling. Complemented by a superb musical score, Puppet comes off as something of a character study, incorporating issues of identity, the creative process and self-loathing as it progresses through one increasingly hard-hitting image after another in rapid succession.

OM
Fredric Reshew

Set during a New York heat wave, OM cuts between a group of yoga students and a bike messenger, two radically different settings in which a serene and focused state vs. an anxious and distracted one are juxtaposed.
It would be expected that the former state of mind would more likely be found among the students. But though outwardly they appear to be at peace, as we are allowed to observe their personal thoughts- all of which are rather oppressive and put on display in intense, concentrated scenes- this proves not necessarily to be the case. On the flip side, though the messenger is understandably showing signs of great stress, nevertheless there is a certain sense of calm to his swift trek through the streets of Manhattan as he deftly dodges one obstruction after another.
As the film ties the two stories together, the reality of the human condition- of which various aspects are touched on throughout- comes at us full force in the end.

Press Play
Michael Stanmore

Press Play is set in the near future in a Big Brother-esque society in which art and music have been banned by the government. Alan Osborne (Michael Gerard) has become involved with an underground group that gathers at night to secretly enjoy what recordings are left, and after a raid, wrestles with his dilemma as to whether to make a stand.
With minimal dialogue, the film often communicates more through action (an opening scene of a violin being smashed to bits is gut-wrenching) than it does through words. A facial expression or a gesture can say it all, and though the entire cast clearly has a hold on this approach (without a doubt largely in part to excellent direction) Michael Gerard is particularly adept at utilizing these means to convey Osborne’s inner life and struggles. Moreover, Press Play’s transition from a reserved tone to that of navigating through the extreme emotional highs and lows experienced by the characters is guaranteed to hold the viewer’s attention right to what is a decidedly inspiring end.

PPL B TXT’N 2MUCH
Nick Puga

In their hip-hop music video debut, “The Sock Puppets” speak the truth on the epidemic of text messaging that has grabbed a hold of society.
Hysterical and spot-on, PPL calls us all to the carpet for our newly acquired bad habit- even acknowledging that they themselves are guilty of it. In a variety of ridiculous scenarios (some of the funniest being completely irrelevant to the matter at hand and obviously only included for their own amusement) the high-energy duo poke fun of the laziness and insecurity often behind the urge to fall back on non-verbal communication, as well as give their own two cents on when it’s ok to resort to it. What’s more, they’re actually pretty damn good rappers to boot.
PPL gets us to laugh at ourselves and admit that we all go overboard with the T9 sometimes. And though it can’t possibly be eliminated, nonetheless it may actually be a good way to at least get people to keep the tendency a little bit more in check in the future. That being said, I myself am so all about this video, I’m sending a mass email about it to everyone I know ASAP.

Hollow
Paul Bickel

The short thriller weaves through the mental impressions of a young boy (Joshua Israel), centered on his fear of an ominous red door. Starting with a scene out of an ideal childhood, the film abruptly plunges into darker territory, revealing one truly messed up family and packing a punch in a mere 9 minutes.
The plot here is not plainly laid out and relies heavily on the terrifying portraits it paints based on reflections of the boy to suggest what exactly has happened to him. Close attention has been paid to composition here- ghostly lighting (the disparity between the high- and low-key illumination of the door and all that surrounds it is downright spine-chilling) and some sharp camera work contribute to its sinister quality. This, compounded with believable performances, especially that of Joshua Israel, effectively do the job in leaving the viewer thoroughly rattled.

Feature:

Strictly Background
Jason Connell

What makes a good documentary? There appears to be universal agreement on four points: 1) subject matter the general public normally does not have access to 2) interesting people to expound on the topic with first-hand knowledge 3) a degree of tension and 4) most importantly, storyline, storyline, storyline. Strictly Background, which takes a closer look at background actors, hits the mark on all four necessary components.
The people that make up the crowd in a movie, appear behind the lead actors as they bond over lattes in restaurant scenes- these are the background actors, or “extras”. They’re crucial in providing a greater sense of authenticity, and yet due to their high numbers (estimated to be around 40,000) and the nature of the work (for the most part, their job is to blend in, not stand out), they are unknown in the world of film. The ten actors who appear In Strictly Background- all seasoned professionals- are finally given a chance to speak about life on set from their standpoint.
From the get-go, it’s clear that Connell has assembled a lively and varied bunch, all of whom enthusiastically offer their angle on the profession. It would be easy to exploit these personalities, but the film shows nothing but tremendous respect for its subjects. After being taken through the obligatory introductions and ins and outs of the business (casting agent Jeff Olan’s straightforward, man-behind-the-curtain outside perspective about the realities of background acting is a nice touch), we quickly become acquainted with the group through their anecdotes and inside scoops on career highs and lows. Each individual is distinctive from the next and all are extremely likable- naturally we become invested in them and are touched by their achievements and disappointments.
On account of these engaging personalities and the dashes of humor, the film gets off to a light-hearted start. But as it progresses and we are drawn deeper into the world of the extras, one truth becomes evident- the very fact that they’ve all been at it for years serves as a reminder that they haven’t quite gotten that break that allows for the opportunity to really shine as an actor. Therein lies the conflict; the tension manifests in the actors’ discouragement- be it by the fact that they are barely scraping by, not treated well on set, or not feeling creatively fulfilled. Of course, the more we see what wonderful people they are, the more we want them to succeed, and we hope for a sign that their conflict will be resolved.
And so the question becomes: is continuing to do background work really the best way to move up? Is the work helping them or hindering them? There’s no argument that starting with extra work is a good way to get on a set in order to better understand the process of making a film. But it only takes a few jobs to get a handle on that, and this group has been on countless sets. Yet there is very little mention of acting classes, taking on more prominent roles in independent films, or other such means actors use to develop their craft, get more performance time, and ultimately, get noticed. I was baffled on this point: it’s one thing if an actor is content with the excitement of just being on a big set (though one would think it would lose its novelty after awhile) and sees it as a lifestyle and way to make a little cash on the side. In some instances, this looks to be the case. But it’s quite another if they long to boost their income in their chosen field or to further demonstrate their ability. And if part of the job is generally to not be conspicuous, how likely is it that their unique qualities and abilities will be showcased- a must in order for them to move up to the next level?
Seeing these incredible people we’ve come to care about and believe in make little headway with no visible light at the end of the tunnel becomes discouraging- and positively heartbreaking when we see the extreme toll it takes on a few. Even if they are content where they are at, after witnessing the grind and recognizing their potential, we still want more for them. They are in no doubt some of the hardest working people in show business- but one can work hard on a treadmill too, never moving ahead. There’s that longing for them to sprint out onto the open road and consider other lines of attack to achieve their goals. However, when no evidence of this happening any time soon is offered, the film starts to sag somewhat.
Fortunately, this low point doesn’t last for too long; passion and optimism carry the group through. With heads held high they are willing to take on the next challenge, and we are left feeling confident that no matter what road they take, they will go on to live rich and fulfilling lives. And the fact of the matter is, these actors all shook up their career game plan by participating in the project. So as far as that big break? It could very well be this film.

Marleah Martin

AUSTIN ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL

2007-12-31T17:46:00.000-08:00

2007 Asian Film Festival

The Asian Film Festival (www.cinemaasiaaustin.org) screened at several locations in Austin: UT, Coldtowne Theatre, Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC), and the Carver Museum, among others. I attended several screenings at the MACC, which is located in downtown Austin, by Lady Bird Lake (Town Lake). The MACC is a beautiful cultural facility for Latino artists, with a spacious multi-purpose space inside and a distinct landscape outside. It was perfect for the outdoor film screening. The atmosphere was ideal for the festival: intimate, spacious, and full of culture.

The Impetuous Angel (Chinese) (Narrative Feature) (2007)
Director: Guo Hua

A new college graduate (Xia) moves to a remote town in hopes of acquiring a teaching position at an elementary school. While finding her place in these new surroundings, Xia meets and befriends an orphan (Lin Lin) with AIDS. While the town members have shunned Lin Lin from the community, Xia boldly tutors the young boy and takes him under her wing. In the process, she too gets the cold shoulder from the town, which tests her values, beliefs, and integrity.

The story’s compelling, endearing, and unfortunately still relevant in today’s times. AIDS is a social issue that individuals fear, challenge, and judge. Envisioning a child living with AIDS, the film challenges the audience’s own beliefs and values, pushing people out of their comfort zone. It’s a film worth viewing.

Generational Threads Short Films:

Tailor Made (Documentary Short) (2007)
Director: Len Lee & Marsha Newberry

Two aging brothers, tailors their entire lives in Vancouver, struggle to decide what to do with their family tailoring business. Over the years, custom tailors have become insignificant and unneeded in today’s world of factory suit-making and clothing lines. The last year of their business is shown in this touching documentary.

Mosuo Song Journey (Documentary Short) (2007)
Director: Diedie Weng

Traditional Chinese Mosuo folk songs have been disappearing from the cultural landscape, with the continuing modernization and commercialism of rural townships and isolated villages. Part of this commercialism resulted from demand of tourists, however, villages benefit from the revenue by supporting their families and businesses. Originally, Mosuo folk songs were sung in the mountains as individuals worked the land and traveled by foot across the mountainside. Mothers would sing to their daughters about love and family, while husbands would sing to their wives about partnership and company. As traditions fade, unfortunately, so do culture and history.

Chestnut Tree (Animated Short) (2007)
Director: Hyun-min Lee

Showing a lifelong relationship between a daughter and mother, this animated short is beautiful, emotional, and flawless. The story accounts the memories and moments the mother and daughter shared by the magnificent chestnut tree as the daughter matured through childhood.

by Krista Anderson

NY UNITED FILM FEST DAY 1

2007-12-28T14:26:00.001-08:00

The New York United Film Festival kicked off at the Anthology Film Archives in New York City on December 15, 2007. NYUFF, an offshoot of the Tulsa United Film Festival, incorporated an eclectic group of shorts and features that ran the gamut from animation to horror to dark comedy. Although there was perhaps no readily apparent common ground between the films, festival director Jason Connell stressed his belief that what united the diverse selections was their potential to strike a nerve and resonate with the public- thereby warranting them the additional exposure and attention the festival could offer.

John F. O’Donnell and Matt Zaller hosted. The two had a great rapport and got things rolling with an off-the-cuff opening that mixed funny anecdotes, details on the fest and schwag giveaways. A small but keyed up audience was ready to check out what was looking to be a great program.

SHORT FILMS

The Seed
Directed By Joe Hahn

Half action film, half psychological drama, the Seed depicts the agonizing plight of a homeless veteran who is followed by unseen forces. Staggering by the banks of the L.A. River, Sung (Will Yun Lee) grapples with the mystery of what are seemingly his own inner demons.
Unexpected, disturbing images cut in to provide plenty of jumps and accentuate the torment Sung endures. The reasons behind Sung’s predicament are not entirely understandable- a shadowy character appears here and there with cryptic clues but for the most part, there is little to lay out exactly what’s going on here. If you can settle for getting the general gist of the plot (hint: it’s a bit Matrix-y), and take in the film for its strong points (visual effects, Lee’s convincing portrayal of the tortured main character and an especially striking climatic scene) The Seed is enjoyable. And undoubtedly, it makes the viewer reexamine the idea of the parameters of reality being necessarily determined by whether the majority of people can see it.

I Met the Walrus
Directed By Josh Raskin

In 1969, 14-year-old Jerry Lavitan managed to sneak into John Lennon’s hotel room for a chat, reel-to-reel in tow. Using the original interview recording as a soundtrack, Josh Raskin has crafted an enchanting animated film that is a must-see (and not just for the die-hard Lennon fans).
Though at first I attempted to jot down impressions, it wasn’t long before it became evident there was no way to fully take this piece in without being glued to the screen the entire time. One is left spellbound by the spectacle that is this continuous, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it flow of florid illustration which narrates Lennon’s responses to Lavitan’s questions (impressive inquiries at that, especially for a young man barely into his teens). At times laughter-inducing, and at times rather sobering, the film’s captivating imagery underscores Lennon’s viewpoints on social change that are still relevant in this day and age.

Validation
Directed By Kurt Kuenne

Even the most self-assured individuals look for outside approval to measure their worth at one time or another, and Validation explores this aspect of the human psyche in a fable about a parking lot attendant who validates customers- both literally and figuratively- with free parking and free compliments.
T.J. Thyne is delightful as Hugh New man, a man who is changing lives through his kindness. We can’t help but chuckle at his wide-eyed optimism and how it translates into positive reinforcement towards everyone he meets- especially since nearly every individual, no matter how world-weary, proves in the end to be a sucker for a compliment (comically represented by long lines of motley groups anxious to receive Hugh’s validation, who even burst into a musical number lauding Hugh!). His ability to dish out a sincere and eloquent compliment for anyone gains him notoriety, shown in amusing mock old-timey news reels (one bit has Hugh cut into a clip where he appears to be receiving a congratulatory handshake from George W. Bush). But just when it seems nothing can go wrong, he faces the hurdle of his magic having no effect on a woman he is strongly drawn to (at which point the film brilliantly sets the action at the DMV as a metaphor for utter joylessness). The upbeat feel takes a nosedive as the protagonist persistently, but unsuccessfully, strives to win over the object of his affection. Yet this is a fable, and so all is well in the end, with a somewhat schmaltzy but sweet plot twist that tugs at the heartstrings while tying up the loose ends. It’s what you might call a “feel good” film- perhaps not altogether realistic, but fun and uplifting. The smiling, happy world Hugh creates in which the defense mechanism of detachment is dropped, appreciation is shown and the good in others acknowledged seems like a nice place to be- and if there was a moral to this story, certainly the old adage of being able to capture more flies with honey than vinegar would tie in. Validated possesses the kind of message that’s needed to balance out the ever-increasing cynicism and self-absorption in our society- the message being of the mutual gain of simply showing appreciation and seeing the good in others. And of course, that it doesn’t hurt to smile now and then.

Grand Luncheonette
Directed By Peter Sillen

Telling the story of the last days of a 42nd Street hot dog lunch counter, Grand Luncheonette is testimony to the complete gentrification of the Times Square area.
The film illustrates one of these cases that is directly affected by the changing landscape of Manhattan, and follows what’s become something of a format when exposing the ills of “urban renewal”. You have your local mom-and-pop establishment that, through the years, has retained its individuality and distinct style. You’ve got your colorful cast of characters that keep things up and running, and we see them in action. Invariably, there’s always one eccentric standout that provides the requisite dose of comedy. We’re given the history of said small business- no doubt a business being steeped in tradition does something for its credibility- and there’s a little pathos thrown in there to gain our empathy for the doomed small business-owner.
Films like Grand Luncheonette need to be out there to remind the public of the effects of gentrification. It’s not that we don’t know it’s out there. We can’t help but notice the increasing McWalbucksization of metropolitan areas. But too often, in succumbing to its benefits (the major one being convenience), the public looks the other way and becomes desensitized to the very real consequences of the gentrification process- one being skyrocketing rental costs, which result in small businesses that give a neighborhood diversity and a local flavor (as well as being, in a sense, historical landmarks) being pushed out.
However, in following that standard recipe for gentrification awareness, Grand Luncheonette does not appear to contribute anything new to the subject matter. “Hey- gentrification- it’s happening! And here’s another example” will not suffice. To really hit home, we need a little more.
I longed for something to jump out, something new, something different to grab me by the collar and powerfully convey the consequences of this trend- a character that’s completely absorbing, an exceptional story, a twist on the editing- something . Instead, it seemed to blend in with so many others on the issue; and the concern is that if these types of films start blurring together as a well-intended but mushy portrait of rooting for the underdog, the public reaction could eventually end up being that same attitude of “we’ve gotten used to it” as the widespread problem they’re trying to address. Grand Luncheonette is utterly realistic and dignified in its understated tone- there’s no especially compelling personality, no overt emphasis on the tragic elements- maybe that’s how it really is. The owner merely accepts the reality of the situation and moves on. Unfortunately, this style may not be as effective in getting the point across. The film would perhaps work better if included in a feature made up of a series of vignettes focusing on the topic, rather than standing on its own. Nonetheless, the fact still is that it’s covering an important topic, which in itself makes the film one not to be dismissed and worth watching.

Mola Ser Malo (It’s Cool to Be Bad)
Directed By Alam Raja Verges

Mola Ser Malo is the narration of a young man (Fernando Ramallo) as he struggles with his vices and overcomes the obstacles that stand in the way of him attaining his dream girl and finding real fulfillment.
It almost sounds like your standard coming-of-age film of rebellious youth. And yet, it doesn’t make the obvious choices. For one, there’s an offbeat central theme of chicken, and the fact that at one point, the protagonist too easily gives up on the chase, reverting to his old ways and leaving us stumped as to how this will all pan out. The young man’s path has plenty of twists and turns; and this, with the narrator’s clever wit, vibrant cast (a mix of eccentric oddballs and extraordinarily attractive young people) and lightning fast pace amount to a highly entertaining watch.

Blow: A Public Service Announcement
Directed By Dick Thompson

Ever seen that show on Comedy Central, Robot Chicken? Like Robot Chicken? Then you’ll like Blow. Featuring a Barbie doll hooked on the yayo, Blow exposes the dangers of cocaine addiction to the tune of White Lines (of course) in a mock public service announcement (that- did I mention this?- looks a lot like Robot Chicken). Barbie gets progressively worse as her little dog (of course) looks on, making more and more of an embarrassment of herself right up to the cringe-worthy gross-out ending. It’s silly. It’s predictable. It’s juvenile. But it just goes to show that there will possibly always be something innately funny about taking a symbol of smug wholesomeness and altogether corrupting it. Barbie- she’s just like us!

Rest Stop for the Rare Individual
Directed By Roberto Bentivegna

Paul (A.J. Handegard) is having a hell of a time in acting class. George (Barnet Senegal) on the other hand, is doing wonderfully. The two get together after class, at which point George makes the suggestion of Paul temporarily taking his place for his side job. Paul is hesitant, but agrees- and finds himself on his way to the Chelsea Hotel to meet an older man. It goes without saying that he gets more life experience than he bargained for.
A tribute to the hotel? A jab at method acting? Unfortunately, the film’s objective is not altogether clear. However, the acting is solid (particularly Bill Weeden as the creepy older man who has George completely dumbfounded from the start), as is its unique art direction.

FEATURE FILM

Chasing Ghosts
Directed By Lincoln Ruchti

Retro culture- for whatever reason, we’re fascinated by that which helps to define a particular era and what it was to live in it - whether we were actually there to see it or not- though the draw is probably that much stronger when one can remember being there and what it was like. Now imagine how much more you might gravitate to specific aspects of that era if they represented not only some of the greatest moments in your life, but also overwhelming, first-time success. Then for some, if the rest of life never quite lived up those glorious moments- you can presume that the tendency to “go back” is significantly magnified, almost akin to a gravitational pull. This is the psychological experience Chasing Ghosts delves into. That’s not to say that it isn’t a fascinating account of the rise and fall of the 1980s arcade craze as well- the focus being on a select group of young men who were the stars of this subculture.

The film takes us back to 1982, to the small town of Ottumwa, Iowa- dubbed the “Video Game Capital of the World”. It was here that the arcade fad took off (due in no small part to the inception of official scorekeeping led by Ottumwa video-game aficionado Walter Day), elevating the young people who were the best of the best at games like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong and Berzerk to celebrity status. And just rapidly as the fad blew up, it was over. The former whiz kids who dominated the arcades (most of whom appeared in a group photo on a now iconic Life magazine cover), are tracked down and interviewed on their perceptions and recollections of that time. Memories, grudges (to this day!), humorous accounts, and even confessions surface and- as already stated- though we learn a lot of fun facts about the history of retrogaming, what’s more interesting is the effects the whole phenomenon had- and still has- on these ex-superstars.
The one thing all these men have in common is their respect for and love of the games they played in their brief careers as professional gamers. It’s something of a brotherhood that they’ve formed. Those years were a strong influence on them and shaped who they are today. As far as to what degree they were affected by being built up, then having the rug yanked out from underneath them when they were- well- on top of their game- it varies depending on the courses of their lives. On one end of the spectrum, there are those who have a fulfilling existence, and time to time look back fondly on their 15 minutes. Somewhere in the middle there are the ones whose main focus shifted to the priorities acquired in adulthood, but who still have something of a fanatical passion for video games factoring prominently into their lives. Then there are those who never seemed to move on and find replacement aspirations as strong as the ones they had 25 years ago. But in most cases the title Chasing Ghosts is pertinent on some level- wanting something in 1982, not getting it, and always having that wistful side enticed by the pursuit of the elusive dream of fame and fortune.Chasing Ghosts is a walk down memory lane for those who grew up on the classic games, a history lesson for those who did not. But it’s the characters that make the film. At times the goofy oddball stereotype is played up, but as we get to know them for the engaging, even charismatic personalities they are, it’s impossible not to become completely absorbed in the story of their glory days.

Following the first night was the afterparty at Barcade, a Brooklyn bar where the walls are lined with nearly every popular 80's arcade game you can think of. A couple of the guys from Chasing Ghosts were there, intently honed in on whichever game was their area of expertise. Me, I have an appreciation for- but alas, do not share- those gaming skills. And so, with a few friends in tow, I took advantage of the two-for-one instead, as well as the opportunity to chat with Mr. Connell a little more and a few of the filmmakers. Great party at a great venue- always a festival bonus.

Marleah Martin

OUTFEST FUSION 1

2007-12-02T15:18:00.000-08:00

I love the Egyptian Theatre. It is such an amazing venue and LA is blessed to have such a historical theatre still operating in the city. Thank you American Cinematheque!! This is the theatre that first premiered the amazing A Star Is Born (The Judy Garland version) and so many other classic films.

I also love Outfest. They truly know how to throw an amzing party. And the films they program are almost always top rate. They are the oldest contigous festival in Los Angeles and this is Fusions 5th anniversary. It is also the only festival of it's kind in the world. From the opening announcement it is clear that this is a strong festival. "We're here, we're queer... and we intend to be recognized!

Before the opening night films were shown, Outfest gave a tribute award to a significant LGBT filmmaker. Cheryl Dunye, has had her work screened all over the world. She writes, directs, produces and stars in her work. She created a name for her style of work, "dunyementaries" because she is the subject in her early work. Her first feature "Watermelon Woman" was like most of her work as much social commentary as love story, comedy, drama! She is an amazing artist and I was pleased that Outfest recognized such an important director.
Now onto the films!!

The opening night shorts collection is a fantastic group of extremely well made films.

THE MATCHMAKER
Directed By Cinzia Puspita Rini

What am adorable film. A beautiful young lady seems to be admiring the cute male owner of a bookstore. He seems to be falling for her and she seems to be falling for him.... BUT wait for it.....She just wants to hook him up with her best gay pal. Highlarious!! A funny, cute, quirky, well acted film.

MAKE A WISH
Directed By Cherien Dabis

A young girl wants to buy a birthday cake. She does everything she can to get the money and by the end your heart is broken. A sweet inspirational film from war torn Palenstine about love loss and rememberance.

EL PRIMO
Directed By Nick Oceano

A bookish teenager goes to visit family and falls for his older and more mature cousin. A wonderfully acted and directed film. This is a story that most everyone has lived (maybe not with a cousin but hey..). Nick Oceano truly captures what it means to feel out of place. This was a world premiere and I truly loved it. Great performances from everyone in this short.

KALI MA
Directed By Soman Chainani

What can you say about a film you just love to watch, except bravo! This campy classy funny film is just a perfect piece of celluloid. A star making turn from the mother (Kamini Khanna) makes this film a joy from start to finish. Brendan Bradley is delicously evil as the foil that awakes protective Kali in the mother. I LOVE THIS FILM!

PARIAH
Directed By Dee Rees

This is a film that will launch the career of the filmmaker. It is amazing. The story, character and style of this film sets it as one of the best films of the year. this is the third tiome I have seen this movie. It won awards at LA Film Festival and Outfest this year. I really hope to see it on the nomination list for an Oscar. The performances by Adepero Oduye and Pernell Walker are extrordinary. Dee Rees is my pick for filmmaker to watch!! An extremely well crafted and mature film that makes you feel every ounce of pain and confusion.

The after party was hosted by Absolut as always at an Outfest party. It was jam packed with DJ's spinning and people spawled all throughout the Egyptian inside and out. In attendance were alot of GLBT stars.

Kristoffer

LA LATINO FILM FESTIVAL

2007-11-03T22:31:00.000-07:00

Mexican Shorts

This year’s Mexican Shorts screening series was especially good. The Mexican Shorts series consisted of 5 short films by up and coming Mexican filmmakers. All of the films were thematically tied around childrens’ tales, but each story had its own unique aesthetic film style.

Calaverita (A little Skull) by Rafael y Raúl Cúrdenas is an animation about a cross-cultural experience. A little skull, Calaverita, rejects and rebels against the tradition of celebrating the Day of the Dead (a Mexican holiday) and wanders off into the streets of the city in search of a new way to celebrate the holiday. She crashes a Halloween party and attempts to become part of the crowd. When the children at the party remove their Halloween masks, Calaverita removes her skull and discovers that she is an outsider because she is a skeleton. The other children in the party are horrified to learn that she is a real skeleton & reject her in fear. Calaverita is deeply saddened and surprised by their reaction.

Sopa de Pescado (Fish Soup) by Nuria Ibáñez. A dark, satirical comedy about an unusual family whose dinner is disrupted when a pigeon flies into their home and lands on the chandelier above their dinner table. The sister and the mother become obsessed with getting rid of the pigeon, bringing out their shotgun and destroying their home in the process. In the meantime, the father and brother eat, read poetry and are unaffected by their new visitor or the destruction of their home. The film mocks society’s tendency to overreact in solving simple problems.

Una Muerte Menor (A Minor Death) by Paulina Castellanos, is a fast-paced slick flick with a political twist, about a teenage boy who enjoys a sex fantasy seconds before his final breath.

He is shot by a police officer for stealing a woman’s purse. As he lays there bleeding to death, the cop kicks him twice, and other cop robs his wallet, while the other people pass detached by the incident. As he closes his eyes, he fantasizes about the good life. He sees himself cruising around in a red & white convertible low-rider, dressed in a pristinely starched white zoot-suit, cruising around the city with two blond women sitting next to him. He fantasizes about having an orgy with them, then his dream quickly evaporates and comes back to the cold, callous, reality of his world; then dies.

Niña que Espera (Little Girl Waiting) by Esteban Reyes, is a dark/fantasy comedy about a homeless little girl, Angelica, who devices a larger than life plan to get a male and female stranger at an airport to get together and adopt her. At first her plan works, but as they realize that they are a part of her game; they want nothing to do with her. In the process of trying to get rid of her, they fall in love with each other, and learn to love and adopt Angelica.

Ojos que no Ven (Eyes that Can’t See) by Marisol Jasso is a tender, poetic story about Emilio, a blind 8 year-old boy who is abandoned by his Mother, who drops him off at a at a carpentry shop. Emilio instantly adopts the shop owner as his grandfather, while the lonely old man resists getting attached to him. The two seemingly different people eventually bond and learn about life from one another.

Marisol Jasso was the only filmmaker present at the Q&A. She says that she was inspired to tell this story because it is common occurrence in Mexico, in which families with limited resources feel overwhelmed with caring for their disabled children. Marisol said she saw over 100 children before she decided on casting Heli de Jesus Casillas, who played Emilio.
All of the films were very well directed. The acting was believable and the story lines were well developed and well executed.

The last film that I saw at LALIFF (The Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival) was Hijos de la Guerra.

Hijos de la Guerra (Children of War) is a documentary about the children of the Salvadorean Civil War that took place in the 1980s, which was backed by the U.S., during the Reagan Administration. These children, who witnessed their parents violently massacred, fled their war-torn country and sought refuge in the U.S. Faced with discrimination, a need to create their own identity, and harassment by existing Mexican gangs, they eventually formed one of the largest and most violent street gangs in the U.S.: the Mara Salvatrucha, also know as “MS-13”.

The Production team, consisting of Alexandre Fuchs, Jonathan Bollier, and Jeremy Forteau, do an excellent of job telling a well-balanced story. During the Q&A, the filmmakers disclose that they developed personal relationships the casts; which allowed them intimate access into their subjects’ lives. This schilling tale about the “MS-13” says much about U.S. foreign policy, the governments’ (both the U.S. & El Salvador) oversimplified and inadequate ways of dealing with a complex issue.

Over all, the film festival continues to grow and develop, reaching out to a wider audience. This is my personal favorite film festival because it is a place to see some of the best films Latin America has to offer and because it offers a rare opportunity to see some fantastic gems that we might not otherwise ever see.

Maria Elena

LA LATINO FILM FESTIVAL

2007-10-31T10:02:00.000-07:00

Lost & Found in Mexico

Another documentary featured at this year’s LALIFF is Lost & Found in Mexico. I had mixed feelings about this mostly talking head documentary about expatriates, or U.S. immigrants, who retire in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato Mexico. On the one hand, I appreciate first-time filmmaker, Caren Cross’ film debut. The film is technically proficient – well edited, great music, beautiful cinematography, etc. I also appreciate the real subject of her film, which is about people who, after decades of chasing the American Dream, find themselves exhausted, and their life empty and meaningless, despite all their material wealth and success. This is certainly a subject worth discussing, and the film was insightful in this manner.

However, on the other hand, I was disappointed to learn that the U.S. immigrants living in Mexico keep to themselves and have no real relationships with their new paisanos, (countrymen/women) except one woman who married a Mexican man. In fact, though the film is completely shot in Mexico, Mexican people have no voice; yet their rich, vibrant culture, reflected in the colors, music, etc., serve only as background and b-roll in the film. There are no real scenes in this film.

Furthermore, with the immigration issue being such a heated debated in this country, one cannot help but to draw parallels between the immigrants coming from Mexico, and emigrants living in Mexico. One of the chief complaints in this tumultuous debate is that immigrants don’t assimilate into mainstream American society, and here it’s obvious that Americans in Mexico don’t assimilate either. This point was confirmed at the Q&A with the filmmaker.

That Americans are leaving the country and moving south of border in not new. It is a growing trend. Americans are not just moving to Mexico but to all parts of Latin America. Luckily for the U.S. Americans, Latin Americans are far more welcoming than their U.S. counterparts. This is a timely documentary and has screened at numerous festivals around the U.S.
Maria Elena

DC REEL AFFIRMATIONS

2007-10-24T15:44:00.000-07:00

LOCAL SHORTS PROGRAM

Brian the Gnome Slayer 4
Directors: Brian Tosko, Flip Vanevski

Just when you thought it was safe from the evil doers, Brian the Gnome Slayer returns to remind you that evil still lurks and until it doesn’t the Gnome Slayer will be around to protect you.

Ok, this was fun and very, very campy. I could see a heavy Wonder Woman influence. Lynda Carter is a local girl, so bonus for the tribute!

Truthfully, the plot was nearly impossible to follow, but shame on me for not seeing parts 1-3, I suppose. I really wanted to be in on the jokes! The local audience had a ball, and was full of fans, so I hope these two continue on their mission of saving the world from evil Gnomes.

Houseguest
Director: Michael Chiplock

An unexpected late night knock at the door leads to a revelation about a roommate.
Houseguest is a film that explores one roommate discovering a lifestyle choice about another in a bold way. It begins with a film style that has us in a world that looks a little like a Dove commercial. Once we emerge, we never go back, so it was lacking some consistency.
A lot of the acting was a bit overdone and indicated. I felt like I was being shown things, which is deadly on film. The message of tolerance is a terrific one, however, and I enjoyed the not-so-subtle wit toward the end.

The Preacher and the Poet
Director: Dean Hammer

A DC minister’s infamous anti-gay sermon is juxtaposed with the words of a passionate poet.

This film of social justice was a collage of images and anti-gay sound bytes of Reverend Willie Wilson entwined amongst those of contemporary poet Kenneth Morrison, who challenges homophobia in the African American community. Each is a strong opposing force; they are two whirlwinds doing battle. Wilson has a strong hold in the DC community, but his words are graphic and full of prejudice…propaganda to be sure. Morrison is the new strong voice of reason, equally powerful, percussively elocuting through his poetry the consequences of intolerance and the need for change.

GLLU

GLLU is a short format documentary that tells of how the Metro DC police department has been receiving training in skills they need to protect and serve the GLBT community, which shockingly has come to fear law enforcement more than those who commit crimes against them. Violent crimes simply weren’t being reported in the nation’s capital because it was perceived the police wouldn’t care.
In another film I viewed at the Reel Affirmations film festival, The Walker, when a gay character in Metro DC was attacked, instead of calling the police to report the assault, he did nothing. Art imitates life. Members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered communities in our city are attacked on the streets, face violence in their own homes, and experience the same types of crimes as straight citizens.GLLU stands for the Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit. It recently was awarded the prestigious Harvard Innovations in American Government Award. This $100,000 grant is to be used to replicate this type of unit. This film shows in a very concise manner why this unit is so remarkable, the difference it has been making, and why these skills are teachable ones indeed. The GLLU has been established firmly to arm officers with tools of communication, to protect, serve and defend humanely in the DC community. I feel like the nation’s capital is a better place with it in place.

The First Great Lesson I Learned
Director: Ian Cook

An older gay man remembers a key moment in his childhood; a moment that completely changed his life.

This is a performance piece that made the transition from stage to film very well, which is a very tricky thing to do. Ian Cook kept a tight shot on actor Ralph Dennler’s face throughout most of the film and just let him be…letting the camera capture thought, trusting this exceptional artist and marvelous piece of text.

Ian Cook is new to DC and has just relocated the Metro area from Ohio, bringing this script from stage to screen. As we all know, this doesn’t always make for a smooth transition. Too many times, a film audience craves more physical action and change of location onscreen than a stage audience does. In this case, Cook has proven that it is simply not necessary to physically move us one millimeter in order to pull us in and move us to the empathy to being singled out and humiliated by a teacher as a child --whether it was for the difference of being gay or one of a dozen other issues.

Offline
Director: Jon Gann

Frightened of the dating scene, Kurt is cajoled to meet men in a bar instead of behind the safety of his monitor. Will he survive the face-to-face meetings of so many he has seen only virtually?

Wasn’t it just five or so years ago that we were all petrified of dating online? In his adorable new short film, Offline, Jon Gann shows us where we’ve come through our protagonist, Kurt, who literally has to be coaxed into an actual bar to interact and reconnect with real live human beings! Through the convention of animated computer screens initially appearing over everyone’s faces, we see how people have just become sorted into one profile after another. There were a lot of strong performances in this warm piece exploring the rediscovery of humanity in the computer age.

Talk to Me
Director: Spencer C. Parker

What would you say to yourself if you had the chance?
I don’t mind pieces that contain a plot that is non-linear. I actually like them. I just couldn’t find a plot in this one at all, linear or not. I understood that Parker wanted to explore what he would say to himself were he talking to himself, but there has to be an objective in there somewhere. This just lacked forward momentum. As the director and editor Parker may have put so much attention on crafting the effects of this film, which he did very nicely, that other elements suffered.

Carolan

SHREIKFEST DAY 3

2007-10-10T19:17:00.000-07:00

I am afraid that today I was only able to cover 3 films. I did not see Criticized at this festival but I saw it at Valley Film festival and reviewed it there! This movie made me cringe alot and I hailed it as a find for the horror genre. I still think that Richard Gale is one of the brightest (or darkest) new directors in American horror Today. You should see it!

Now for the films I did see....

THE UN-GONE
Directed by Simon Bovey

Once again this felt like the Twilight Zone. It would have played perfectly on TV. This was an inspired Sci-Fi film that makes you think where will science go! Really enjoyed the film and the lead perfromance.

SUMMER JOB
Directed By James Pounce

What a fantastic film! Once again there can be horror found in the most unlikely of places. And the killer in this short is downright scary, because it is so beleivable in its normalness. The entire film is. Well acted and paced, tightly shot and wonderfully written. A truly scary short film!

POST CARDS FROM THE FUTURE
Directed By Alan Chan

This is an interesting idea. I think it is to long, but it is visually breathtaking. The special effects in this Sci-Fi were exceptional. They looked very very real and since it takes place in space, very hard to do. Beautifully shot, just to long. I loved the idea of space explorers and watching the successes and failures of the process.

SF DOCFEST 3

2007-10-10T18:54:00.000-07:00

Highway Amazon
Directed By Rodney Cramer

This film follows female bodybuilder Christine Fetzer( who has since changed her last name to Rocks since the release of this documentary in 2001) across America as she wrestles men in hotel rooms for money. Along the way we meet the men who pay to be dominated by Christine and watch as she maintains her physique with inventive roadside workout techniques.

Overdue Conversation
Directed By Charles Lum

This is a brief documentary between two gay men who hooked up at a local cruising spot years ago, but never told each other they were both HIV positive. And so begins a dialogue regarding HIV status amongst casual sexual encounters and where the line is drawn between ethics, privacy and buzzkill.

Luchando
Directed By Noelle Stout

An amazing documentary of same sex prostitution in Havana Cuba. This is a glimpse into the lives of four hustlers trying to make a living in the city's gay underground. Since the Cuban government forbids any filming not approved by state agencies, Stout's informal interviews and guerilla street footage shows a gay culture inundated by sex workers that take care of each other in order to survive. "Luchando" has historically meant the fight for the Cuban revolution, but the hustlers portrayed here have taken the word as their own, meaning survival by way of prostitution. Macho, young countryside men come to the city to have sex with men to purchase such western luxuries as sneakers or raise money for their children. Lesbians have sex with men to support their lovers. "Travestis "transform their bodies with hormones paid for by sex with foreign tourists. These stories depict an ever widening gap between the rich and poor in one of the few remaining countries still practicing socialist principles.

Krimpdaddy

SHREIKFEST DAY 2

2007-10-10T14:48:00.000-07:00

14 films to cover today, try to keep up!

MOVIE MONSTER INSURANCE
Directed By Paula Haifley

Just watch it! This is a delightful and fun three minutes of your life. A truly enjoyable film.

IRON BIRD
Directed By Chris Richards-Scully

This thriller reminded me of an Outer Limits or Tales From The Crypt episode. Very slick and well made, this is a WWII film complete with bombings and a haunting. One of the crew on board has brought his past with him and it takes the crew out one by one. Wonderfully acted and produced, this is as well made as they get. A visually stunning and creepy film. And as an X-Files fanatic back in the day, I love the name Scully!

GAY ZOMBIE
Directed By Michael Simon

OK, this was funny! A marvelous masterpiece of gay farce. RB saw and reviewed this at Outfest and he loved it too. A zombie gets a second chance by coming out of the closet, after his death and finding the gay zombie trapped inside. He meets the love of his life and hilarity ensues.

THE FROLIC
Directed By Jacob Cooney

This totally felt like a Hitchcock Presents or Twilight Zone, and I mean that in the best sense. I truly loved the idea for this film and it gave me shivers all the way through. You can see the ending coming a little to early, but the performance of Maury Sterling as the killer Jon Doe was outstanding. Truly a remarkable film, that should be made into a feature soon!

FINAL RUN
Directed By Kenneth Foley

This Sci-Fi thriller had an interesting plot and good performances. It's not a new idea, but Mr. Foley pulls it off well. Some of the special effects are a little rough but once again this could be a great launching pad for a new feature.

PERPETUUM MOBILE
Directed By Enrique Garcia

I think that this could easily become a classic piece of animation. What a truly remarkable film. This short has played all over and continues to make its way around the festival circuit. Based loosely around an artist named Leo (Davinci) of course who discovers an alchemist doing truly amazing things and how it forever changes his life....

http://www.perpetuummobile.es/ for more info!

ZOMBIE LOVE
Directed By Yfke van Berckalaer

OMG! What a fantastic film! I love Love LOVE Horror movies! But secretly, or not so secretly I LOVE MUSICALS! And this is a brilliant film. IT is the classic musical story. Boy meets girl and falls madly in love. Boy pursues girl, finds obstacles he must overcome and then their is a glorious musical finale! That is this film, just with zombies! The actors are fantastic and they are blessed with wonderful voices. The song 'Eat the Flesh' is truly inspired and OMG I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!!!! This is a Disney film on acid and Hollywood should look at this to see how a new musical is made. Congratulations!

THE DAY THE DEAD WEREN'T
Directed By Brandon & Jason Trost

This is a fake trailer. I overheard Jason (one of the directors) saying they were making it into a real feature now. Good! It was campy, gory and a perfect trailer for a real zombie movie. Hope it gets made!

PIG TALE
Directed By Adrien van Viersen

A very dark film about a rapist being confronted mentally with his crimes. You can imagine the toll that being a serial murderer and rapist has on the psyche and this guys is shot! I thought that the ghost of his first victim was all in his mind but the ending proved I was wrong. Really like it and had to look away once or twice.

WRETCHED
Directed By Leslie Delano & Heidi Martinuzzi

OK! Vomit really grosses me out. You can see the interview with these two amazing ladies in horror on our website under Multimedia. This is truly a disturbing film. Disturbing in the sense that so many women go through this horrific ideal and turn to bulemia...... and disturbing watching this one woman completely lose her mind as she is being constantly verbally and emotionally abused by her husband and then abused by her own psyche. This felt like a drama instead of a horror movie and then BAM! BLOOD EVERYWHERE! From what I saw this is probably the bloodiest film in the festival. How do you make a bulemic horror movie? Watch this! BTW! Joe Bob Briggs is in it! And Jaime Andrews is fantastic as the woman losing it!

DEATH'S REQUIEM
Directed By Marc Furmie

Totally thought I was watching the Outer Limits with this one. A beautiful tale of a man's art coming to life..... or him catching the dark realities in his art.... either way a very well made and well acted film.

DRIP
Directed By Jake York

Every camp fire story has a truth somewhere. The idea of this film (campers being massacred, Don't turn on the light's, etc.) They scare us because they are jsut a part of our collective psyche or Urban myths. It's always nice to see one of these well done, and this one was. As scary as an urban legend can be!

ATOM NINE ADVENTURES
Directed By Christopher Farley

Because I am a comic book geek, I am just wired correctly to love this movie. I went in wanting to really fall in love with it.......and I did! Sci-Fi is a hard genre to do low budget. Special effects can look bad, the story, the costumes......etc. Chris Farley knows how to get around these obstacles brilliantly. The moon getting close to crashing into the Earth could easily look horrible (In a Plan 9 type of way) But here it is masterfully done. Mr. Farley has created a wonderful film that deserves to be seen! I really would have loved to been able to speak to him. I will try to get in touch with him for an interview soon. Now the plot.....

A scientist discovers an entity from another world, a symbiotic organism. During an accident, where his 'girlfriend' is taken by the bad guys, the organism bonds with him and makes him Atom Nine! A new superhero who must defeat the villian, save his girlfriend and the Earth and learn how to use his newfound powers. The script is tight and fun. The effects are perfect and the character's make you fall in love with them.

I was afraid it was going to be a rip-off of DC Comics Adam Strange. It was not! Christopher Farley has created a new superhero who is as down to Earth as they come. Loved the robot sidekick, and I hope that this is just the begining for more adventures from Atom Nine!

Kristoffer

SHREIKFEST DAY 1

2007-10-10T13:43:00.000-07:00

In three days Shreikfest screened 44 films. With 7 World Premieres, 4 US Premieres and 15 LA Premieres, Shriekfest proves to be cutting edge film in the horror and sci-fi world. Most of the films are made completely independently. There were 35 short films and 9 Features, making Shriekfest a true leader in the Horror and sci-fi genre. Because there are so many films in only three days there were no Q&A's. I would have loved to hear the directors talk about creating some of these pieces. But there was no time. The films kept coming and so did the chills!

The films were screened at Hollywood's oldest continually operating movie studio, Raleigh Studios located across the street from the renowned Paramount Studios. Parking was easily found on the street, and/or provided in the studio lot for $5 a day. Nothing to complain about. The staff at Shreikfest, including the charming Denise Gossett were friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. My biggest regret is I did not buy one of the cool t-shirts and I had tomiss a few of the films. Alas the problems of going alone.

The films were shown in the wonderful Chaplin Theatre on the lot. The space was fantastic for a one theatre festival and had pleanty of room (and leg room) for all the festival goers. Definitely a place to be seen for all indie film makers and genre lovers! Now to the films.....

A LITTLE NIGHT FRIGHT
Directed By Mischa Livingstone

This is a beautiful film that I instantly fell in love with. The children were perfectly cast and the surprise at the end was perfect. A complete gem of a film in three minutes! It definitely answers the question "What do you do with an older brother that torments you?" Well in this film, you know what is lurking in the darkest of places!

THE KILLER
Directed By David Nelson

A fantastic black comedy that sends small shivers up your spine, The Killer is a well crafted film. As soon as I saw Michael Learned's name I was excited. You will also recognize Miguel Sandoval from Medium and tons of other stuff. An extremely well acted film, with a nice little twist at the end. A contract killer tracks his prey to a sweet innkeepers house who has secrets of her own.

NO SANCTUARY
Directed By Dan Lovallo

This is a film that has alot to say. I thought it was extremely relevant in today's world. War sometimes seems like it is conducted from behind computer screens and this film puts faces to the people on the street during the battle and the consequences. This Sci-Fi short was well made and acted. A government group conducts real assassinations with a group of young kids who believe they are playing video games. A great theory.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 2 YOU
Directed By David Alcalde

What a twisted film! And So real. This is a small horror masterpiece. One that I would love to be expanded into a feature. For every image burned onto the screen there were many questions that came out of it. I expect to see alot more from Mr. Alcalde in the horror genre. A school social worker fears that a student is the victim of abuse. She is seeing the face of her own son or brother, (a little unclear). When she tracks him down she brings him a birthday gift. But to her surprise she is also a gift. The last images are a big reveal as we see that she is just as twisted as they are.

LUMP
Directed By Faye Jackson

This is truly a sick little film. I am terrified of hospitals and Dr's anyway, but this film made me squirm all the way through. This film is so well acted it plays like a Drama. Every time she gets a lump removed form her breast she mysteriously finds another one and has to go back under the knife. Does the DR truly have her best interests at heart? Of course not! This film also got the hospital, lack of any information, down to a tee. Why can you never get a straight answer in a hospital? Watch this film. (Ominous laughter)

ELI
Directed By Josh Lee Kwai

WOW! What can you say about a film that you did not want to end? Make this a feature film! This was a superbly crafted sci-fi thriller that kept you on the edge of your seat! A man wakes up knowing almost nothing except some strange beach memory of a girl. He sees that the name ELI has been tattooed onto his hand and the ride is off...... This stars David Anders, from Alias and more recently on Heroes as Kensei! He is so great in this film. Run and see it as soon as you can.

http://www.elimovie.com/ for more info!

A.W.O.L.
Directed By Jack Swanstrom

I saw this at Hollyshorts and again at Cinema City. It is definitely making the rounds at all the festivals. Once again, let me say that I really like this film. It is a well made Sci-Fi thriller that knows how to deliver. It is quirky and a new take on an old theory. Well acted and written, you should make sure you see it if possible (And it should be since it seems to be playing everywhere!)

THE CHAIR
Directed By Brett Sullivan

This horror feature was directed by the man who brought us Ginger Snaps. I kinda liked that film and was not sure how I was going to feel about this one. Well, I loved it! I laughed in all the right places and I got all ooey in the right places too. Written by Michael Capellupo this script was a tight thriller that was well acted and well made.

A college age girl (Aren't they all) with some mental problems moves into an old Victorian house to start her life again. She is watched over by her kinda controlling sister and old boyfriend (sometimes). When she moves in strange things start happening around and to her inside the house. Once again (It's the horror movie thing) She stays in the house instead of leaving. Lets say it together shall we.... "When the house says get out, YOU GET OUT!" Instead she delves into the mystery and becomes possessed by the spirit of a man who like to kill children in his torture chair.

Believe it or not. The film is well paced and tightly shot and kept the chills coming. Though I never screamed aloud, I looked over my shoulder when I got in the car.

KRISTOFFER

REEL SISTER'S FILM FESTIVAL 1

2007-10-03T17:04:00.000-07:00

Saturday, September 28, 2007
10th Annual Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival
Brooklyn New York
By Tiffany Cooper

Where do I begin? First of all, we have to honor and recognize black women in film such as Diahann Carroll (Claudine), Tamara Dobson (Cleopatra Jones) and Pam Grier (Foxy Brown). These women paved the way for us to bring rich, vibrant characters to the big screen that transcend racial and ethnic stereotypes.

This was absolutely the best film festival I’ve attended even without the carpet treatment. I was completely blown away by all the talent, fierce intelligence and vulnerability. There were sixteen films shown. I loved all, but only 4 moved me to tears and laughter in less than 10 minutes. Now, that’s some good writing and acting!

STICKS AND STONES

The first film to disturb and penetrate my heart was Sticks and Stones by Rehema Imani Trimiew based on a true story. An engaging narrator guides the audience through a powerful 9 minute drama that takes place during a parent teacher conference late one afternoon. Darryl and Dolores confront their daughter’s maligned teacher, Mrs. Martin. Mrs. Marin refuses to accept that their daughter, Rhemea, is literate. Mrs. Martin’s misperceptions overshadow this obvious reality. Rhemea is challenged to either fight back or internalize the racial stereotypes.

This film spoke to me personally. I remembered being in second grade and having several teachers who were discouraging because of their own misperceptions. They were just like the teacher (Mrs. Martin). Unthinking teachers can sometimes do much more harm than good.

Produced for only $150, this film is brilliant and a must see!
This film will definitely spark intense dialogue.

Sticks and Stones is the winner of the Best International Student Short Film 2006, Audience Choice Best Short Film 2006, Best Student Film Mediamakers Film Festival 2006, and Best Social Commentary Poppy Jasper Film Festival 2006

Go to http://www.stickesandstonesthemovie.com/

LIFTED
Directed by Randall Dottin

This is the story of a struggling artist. A young mother dancer meets her spiritual guardian on a subway station platform after she abandons her child. This is the story that every artist can relate to on some level. A part of me could relate to the characters inner struggles.

AMERICAN RED & BLACK

The insightful documentary that I identified with the most was American Red and Black by Alicia Woods. The film follows six Afro-Natives from around the U.S. as they Reflect upon the personal and complex issues of African and Native heritage, ethnic identity and racism within communities. This film struck a cord with me because I’m part Cherokee Indian and its part of my heritage.

MONSIEUR ETIENNE
Directed By Yann Chayia

This film moved me to tears and outright laughter! It is set off the coast of France, with breath-taking views of the sunset. The romantic cinematography alone will draw you in. Monsieur Etienne is a story about an old man who spends his life arbitrating the arguments of his two best friends. On the way to their funerals, he finds himself incapable of choosing between the two processions. He undertakes a long and contemplative walk, during which he realizes that it might not be just about accompanying them, but about joining them. This film was moving on several levels … how many times in our own lives have we thought about joining the ones we love instead of living each day to its fullest. Very powerful!

I felt empowered as I left the theatre. I had been moved and was very grateful that I witnessed 16 intelligent, heart felt, witty and passionate films that sparked dialogue within me and my community. But most of all, I’m proud that these films show women of color empowering a generation of young girls with images of strong, smart, proud and confident women.

Tiffany Cooper

SF DOCFEST 2

2007-10-03T15:55:00.000-07:00

Tale of Two Bondage Models
Directed By Brian Lilla
A brief documentary about two women working in the BDSM pornographic industry. Lorelei Lee and Princess Donna have known each other since college and are each others' favorite actresses to work with, and it shows! The women speak candidly about pushing the boundaries of pain and pleasure and how cathartic it can be.

Flesh and Blood
Directed By Larry Silverman

Steve Haworth grew up in family that owned a medical equipment production company that devised surgical tools still used in operations today. Knowing this, it's not too shocking the trajectory his life has taken. Known as the pioneer of 3D Body Art, Steve started his career in body piercing. Growing up in a house of inventors, he eventually took the trade to the next level designing superior piercing tools and techniques, creating new styles of body jewelry, designing shaped dermal punches and jewelry, and perfecting surface to surface piercing. But that wasn't enough. Over the course of 15 years as an underground cult artist, he changed the world of body modification from belly button rings and tongue studs to 3D Implants, Transdermals and Electro Cauterary Branding. Director Larry Silverman follows Haworth for 5 years of his life in Phoenix AZ where he owns world renowned piercing salons and has partnered with several of his clientele to begin a flesh hook suspension group called Life Suspended. Flesh and Blood is a fascinating look into the world of body modification, the people who champion the movement, their motivations for participating and Steve Haworth's integral place in its evolution. Oh, and it IS NOT for the squeamish, faint of heart, or easily grossed out!

Krimpdaddy

Cowboys and Communists
Directed By Jessica Feast

Cowboys and Communists is a story about two conflicting societies trying to keep their ideals alive. The spotlight is on a noisy, debacherous, late-night restaurant in East Berlin, White Trash Fast Food, where film-maker Jess Feast is also a waitress. Wally Potts, the American owner of White Trash sets up shop in an established apartment building that has poor insulation and tenants who have lived there since Communism. Frustrated with the oppressive regime in the States, Potts fled to East Berlin to live his version of the American Dream in East Berlin. Horst Woitalla, a tenant and former journalist for East Germany, believed in the Communist way of life and in an instant, had everything he knew taken away. Woitalla is determined to restore silence to the apartment building by trying to get White Trash evicted. I couldn't help but side with the articulate, sincere and interesting Woitalla; crossing my fingers that he would successfully have White Trash thrown out on its pretentious wanna-be artsy ass. The trannies, bands and burger eating contest were really not that impressive or original. Ultimately, Potts screws himself by not doing his homework. White Trash is ordered to close down due to zoning laws and noise ordinances. But what I want to know is: Who opens a business in an old, East Berlin apartment building with aging tenants from the Communist Era and neglects to do any kind of research?

Mary Margaret

Cinema City International

2007-10-02T10:19:00.001-07:00

ROLLING
Directed By Billy Samoa Saleebey

This is the first year of the Cinema City International FIlm Festival. There were many Red Carpet events, stars in attendance and many people being seen at the Universal Citiwalk AMC Theatres. This is just an excellent space for a film festival. My only annoyance at coming to Citiwalk is having to pay to park and dealing with all the crowds on the thoroughfare. I wish CCIFF all the best and welcome to the Festival landscape.

Rolling was the only film I saw at the festival. Regretfully so, since there were quite a few films that captured my imagination. I have heard wonderful things about Finding Kraftland, and we have reviewed both A.W.O.L. and Available Men before. Now rolling right along onto.... well... Rolling...

Rollings tag line is "The Feel Good Movie Of The Year", I suppose this is because the drug Ecstasy is supposed to make you "Feel Good". This film definitely did not shy away from showing you what E can actually do to you, making this film not a "feel good" movie but a stark look at the landscape and realities of the drug culture of the young, pretty and hip.

The film follows the lives of a group of people that are only connected through the fact that they do drugs. They meet at parties and have a good time together. But, it seems that the real connection ends there. One of the characters even vocalizes the fact that most of their friends that matter to them are people they knew before their drug use. It is shot in a faux documentary form at times with intimate interviews with the characters recalling their drug use and this one night that happened. The interviews are interspersed with a narrative story taking place the day and night of the party.

This is where the film lost me a little. Is it a faux documentary or a narrative feature? It felt like it was unsure itself. Which makes the ending of the film a little less impactful. Now saying that, you may be surprised to learn that there were many things about this film I liked. The writer has a great ear for dialogue and characters. The performances were fantastic. And Mr. Saleeley has a fantastic eye. I just wanted to care a little bit more. I felt like I was missing something important about each of them.

The film makes some bold statements about E and drug use without ever being preachy. It does not give an opinion about either side. But to its credit it walks the line and lets you make the choice for yourself. It shows the fun and good times of being 'high' and then shows you the darkness that drug users go into, ie... depression, overdose, fear, money problems, emotional problems, etc.

This movie hits on alot of truths. There were many people who I spoke to afterwards who absolutely loved this film. It was a packed theatre and I know this film sold out 2 screening at Dances With Films.

This film, like all movies, will not be for everyone. But, it has something to say. And I expect that this is an Indie that will get it's chance. Rightfully so.

Check it out at http://www.rollingmovie.com/

Here is the trailer for the film.

Kristoffer

SF DOCFEST 1

2007-10-01T09:58:00.000-07:00

Off the Grid: Life on the Mesa
Directed By Jeremy Stulberg

On a 16 square mile patch of near uninhabitable New Mexico desert, 25 miles from the closest town, a group of veterans, teenage runaways, the mentally ill, and the socially disenchanted make up the last bastion of wild west anarchy and true democracy. With no electricity, running water, little food, less water, and no police, this group of radicals lives by only two rules: Don't steal from your neighbor and don't shoot your neighbor. One might think the latter rule goes without saying, but with the rampant drug and alcohol use, the amount of arms readily available on the compound and the Mesa-ites predilection for popping off a few rounds, it probably doesn't hurt to say this rule out loud, and often. Through breathtaking cinematography and harsh reality, Jeremy and Randy Stulberg have created a compelling and insightful documentary about this emerging counter culture and its model of sustainable living.

http://www.myspace.com/offthegridmovie

Manufacturing Dissent
Directed by Debbie Melnyk and Rick Caine

Many documentaries have been made criticizing Michael Moore for his divisive tactics as a documentarian. This one is unique in that it was not made by any right wing political affiliation. Two progressive liberal Canadian filmmakers, Debbie Melnyk and Rick Caine, first set out to make a biography of Moore after viewing Fahrenheit 9/11. Through the course of gathering material and hunting down Moore for interviews, their admiration for the man who brought the documentary genre to the forefront of American entertainment began to wane and their project took on a whole new theme. Melnyk and Caine depict Moore as a lying, manipulative, self-serving, egomaniacal, greedy, backstabbing lobbyist who has done more harm for the liberal left than good. A must-see examination of Michael Moore and his place in documentary history and American politics.

http://www.manufacturingdissentmovie.com/

The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil
Directed by Faith Morgan

This fascinating documentary depicts Cuba's movement in the last 20 years from an industrial society to a more agricultural one. When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1990, Cuba's economy went into a tailspin: imports of fuel were cut in half and food importation was cut by 80 percent. Out of this desperation, Cubans began to raise their own food without the aid of pesticides, farm machinery or fossil fuel. The film opens with a short history of Peak Oil, a term for the time when world oil production will reach its all time peak and begin to decline forever. Cuba, the only country that has faced this crisis, is an example of environmentally conscious sustainability and hope for the future.

http://www.communitysolution.org/cuba.html

FANTASTIC FEST

2007-09-30T10:05:00.000-07:00

2007 Fantastic Fest
9/22/07
by Krista Anderson

The crowds were large, and the theaters were full throughout the day. Film enthusiasts, filmmakers, and everyday Austinites were present to screen independent films at 2007’s Fantastic Fest. Alamo Drafthouse (South Lamar), located in Austin, Texas, hosted the film festival, which is the quintessential venue to experience and enjoy these types of films. Alamo Drafthouse offers a variety of beers, wines, appetizers, meals, and desserts that satisfy any palette. Sensitive to the diverse community of Austin, Alamo Drafthouse provides an assortment of options for vegetarians, and others with specific dietary needs. The staff is friendly and helpful, and always enhances the relaxed and pleasant atmosphere of the theater.

The Dark Hour aka La Hora Fria (Spanish)
Director: Elio Quiroga
www.lahorafria.com

In their present day, a group of individuals live together in a locked fortress, with diminishing living supplies, and no contact with the outside world. Implied causes to their circumstances include a devastating world war and chemical and viral weapons. Now, these survivors live with fears of being infected by the remaining diseased or mutilated by the cold insects roaming outside of their corridors.

The Cold Hour applies to a multitude of genres: horror, thriller, action, drama, post-apocalyptic, and science fiction. While I viewed the film more as a thriller with great suspense, there were frightening elements: (a) The Strangers, infected individuals hosting a chronic, zombie-like virus, and (b) The Invisibles, cold insect creatures searching for humans to feed on. Other themes the film incorporated include pro-female leadership, anti-government, anti-war, lost innocence, and no sense of trust. The strong and accepted female leadership of the group was a refreshing element of the film. Because of the abundance of messages in the film though, it was difficult to concentrate on the plot and action. However, the story moved very easily and the suspenseful moments were well timed. Overall, The Cold Hour was enjoyable, with insightful yet pessimistic messages. In the future, is there any hope?

Princess (French)
Director: Anders Morgenthaler
www.princessmovie.com

A controversial mixed-media feature, Princess presents both live-action video and animation to tell the story of a brother and his five-year-old niece, who are reintroduced after their sister/mother’s unexpected death. The sister was a porn star. The brother discovers that his niece was abused and neglected under the care of others, and does everything in his power to protect and amend the cruelty that his niece experienced.

Princess incorporates various genres, including action, drama, and animation. Violence and sex are the dominant elements of the animated feature, with family values interestingly as the major theme behind the story. The brother, on leave from his missionary work, battles his sister’s bosses in the porn industry and his niece’s father. While on his scavenger hunt, the brother is forced to reflect and accept his sister’s path to the porn industry. The live-action video elements capture the sexual nature and experimentation of his sister. In the end, the brother fails his mission and loses his niece forever. Princess has very compelling and striking messages: promoting the sanctity of family and the power of faith, while also dispelling the loss of innocence. While the film at times produces disturbing and titillating imagery, in the end, it suggests that faith connects you to family, and family values must be cherished to survive. Princess’s approach to such a message is fascinating, since most pro-family values films don’t normally incorporate three-way and anal sex, at least the ones I’ve seen anyways.

Shut-eye Hotel (Short animation)
www.plymptoons.com
Director: Bill Plympton

Shut-eye Hotel screened just before Princess. Directed by the infamous Bill Plympton (The Fan and the Flower, Guard Dog), is a gruesome animated tale where cops who are investigating murders at a mysterious hotel become the victims themselves. As always, Plympton shorts never let you down.

Miss Krista Anderson

VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL 2

2007-09-29T07:31:00.000-07:00

So back to the very cool Valley Film Festival.....

11 MINUTES AGO
Written/Directed by Bob Gebert

I have heard about this film at various festivals in the last couple of months. At Dances With Films, a director in her own Q&A took a minute to tell us all that the best film she has seen on the circuit is 11 Minutes Ago. I admit my curiousity was peaked. Especially since I loved her own film, "I am Through With White Girls". Unfortanutely, the time slot it showed in did not allow me to see it. So I was thruilled when I heard it was playing in the Valley Film Fest!

And let me tell you, this film is worth all the buzz it has been generating. This is a beautiful story about time travel, the power of love and the moments most people just pass over. This is a film that will hold up to the test of time itself. Beautifully crafted from begining to end, this semi-non-linear film was a joy to watch unfold, all the way to the end of the credits.

The performances in this film are top notch! Pack (Ian Michaels) and Cynthia (Christina Mauro) are the pair of unlikely lovers that meet and fall in love in non-linear 11 minute increments. Ian time travels 48 years into the past for a sample of air to save Earth in the future. He leaves his house and lands in the same house in the past. A wedding reception is happening and within the first eleven minutes he meets the woman that will change his life forever. The camera crew that is there to film the wedding and reception get sucked in to Pack's story and Jeffrey (Bob Gebert) the crews director begins to keep the cameras on Pack instead of the bride (Taryn Reneau) and groom (Jeremy Juuso). Every person at the party is important and the conversations, if you piece them together throughout tell you the ending of this wonderful love story!

So for people who freak out about time travel films. I know, once they try to explain the hows and whys (Flux capacitors, time continuum, etc...) they never really hold up. The joy of this film is it just accepts that this is the reality... Pack is from the future. It doesn't try to get all sci-fi and explain and/or show it. It is a love story that just happens to be about a time traveller. And because of the way the story lays itself out, you find this fact exactly that. Pack is from the future.

If you get a chance to see this film you should. In the Q&A afterwards, I was shocked to learn that this film was shot in one day. There were multiple cameras filming the film, because of the film crew actually seen in the movie. Mr. Gebert, knew how to shoot this and the end result is an incredible film! It is a beautiful indie that deserves a wide release. Run to see this film.

Look for my interview with Bob on the mutimedia pages soon.

MY WALLET
Directed By Richard Gonzales

In front of 11 Minutes Age, VFF played the short film My Wallet. This is a Laurel and Hardy/Three Stooges inspired film about a robbery going awry. It is an over the top chase of the victim going after the Robber. Like most slapstick you have to completely get out of reality for this film. People get shot in the head and are not hurt. People run as fast as cars. It is a cute film that you know this cast and crew had a wonderful time making.

Kristoffer

LUNAFEST

2007-09-28T11:35:00.000-07:00

My Other Mother
Diana Keam
Capetown, South Africa

Plot Synopsis: When her baby sister dies, Margo’s other mother shows her how to grieve.

SIDS, or cot death, has existed for thousands of years, and is currently a leading cause of infant mortality, preceded only by congenital anomalies.

This is a film full of contrast. It begins in a world so peaceful and lovely I want to be there and live in it too. It is full of trees, sun and breezes. There is a happy family that seems to be blended where a caregiver of another race, Eezie, is seen as another mother to the family’s children and her own children seem to have equal status within the household.

Chaos erupts in a nightmarish sequence when the new celebrated infant of the house is discovered dead from “cot death”, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. We are shown the entire blended family’s responses to the baby’s death, which are very distinct. The baby’s birth mother is more catatonic while Eezie leans toward hysteria. The responses continue throughout the house, and it seems no one knows how to make sense of the loss, or go on with life. Emotions build up inside, endangering the mental stability of the entire family until the funeral. In a beautiful sequence, Eezie bursts into a spontaneous song that celebrates the life of the child and provides the family a catharsis of release at last.

Pockets
Sophie Ohara
Glendale, CA

Plot Synopsis: A pocket becomes an abstract metaphor for the journey of motherhood.

The average couple can now expect to live alone without their children for approximately 13 years after the last child leaves the home.

Set to “She’s a Rainbow” by the Rolling Stones, this is an animated kaleidoscopic vision of motherhood. Ohara’s soft colors and curved fluid motions blend throughout this dancing, whirling tribute to the multi-faceted strength that is the unarguable goodness of selflessness.

The Guarantee
Jesse Erica Epstein

Plot Synopsis: A dancer’s hilarious story about his prominent nose and the effect it has on his career.

Women represent 90% of all cosmetic surgery patients, and patient rates have increased 55% since 2000.

The Guarantee offered us an intriguing tale of gender role reversal. Ms. Epstein introduces us to a male member of a dance company who tells us his tale of pressures in a female-dominated field.

As a gender minority, he feels judged on his looks, despite his tangible talents. His female supervisors even go so far as to constantly and strongly suggest that he have plastic surgery to change his appearance.The plot grows before us visually through drawings that take on their own life as our man of many nicknames such as “Cyranose” and “Schnozolla” narrates his story.

Part of me wanted to keep asking him “how does it feel to be looked at like a piece of meat?”; women have been putting up with it since kindergarten. Part of me wanted to reach out to him empathetically… and part of me just wanted to laugh at how ludicrous this entire dance both males and females alike incessantly participate in our culture of judging one another based so heavily upon appearance first and substance a distant second.

Breaking Boundaries
Jennifer Grace
Bozeman, MT

Plot Synopsis: A documentary reflection on one female Olympic athlete’s determination and success.

Women were excluded from the original Olympic Games, so in 776 B.C. they formed their own games, The Games of Hera, honoring the Greek goddess of women and earth. Women were formally allowed to join Olympic competitions in 1900.

I was excited to see a film from a Montana filmmaker, having spent most of the ‘90s there and in the Pacific Northwest. It is a land where people of enormously diverse cultures and backgrounds coexist with mixed and always interesting results Breaking Boundaries, tells a fascinating tale of Olympian Sondra Van Ert from neighboring Idaho. This Pacific Northwest woman has been a pioneer for women, for sports, and for athletes, and did it all by simply being herself, by not letting anyone else’s concept of “that’s not normal for a woman” to enter her mind. She has continuously set her own high bar and surpassed it.

Jennifer Grace’s film is shot with live action interspersed with gorgeous still photography and keeps us intrigued about this remarkable woman’s story. Following the images and words as the story unraveled it was fascinating to think about the path that Ms. Van Ert has now blazed for female athletes (and snowboarding in general), that it is so significant, and that it was simply a natural progression for her life.

If success can be counted in any tangible manner, Sondra has it. She is the two-time U.S. Olympian in parallel giant slalom (1998, 2002), a Gold medalist at the Goodwill Games , she competed in the 1998 Olympics, the inaugural year of snowboarding in the Olympic Games, and she has 11 boxes of trophies in her garage.

As a child, Sondra missed more days of school than she attended, but this was what was normal to her, so she didn’t know that it would have been considered not “normal”.

In the world of contemporary U.S. society, “normal” humans are encouraged to retire at approximately age 64. Sondra was encouraged to retire at age 19. She is now 43 and has yet to slow down. God help us if she does.

She has made what now exists in her sport for women not only possible, but acceptable…normal.

One is the chosen one to break boundaries perhaps, when one has a refreshing perspective added to her incredible gifts due to society’s norms being a bit upside down from the beginning of life.

Daikon Ashi
Ru Kuwahata
Brooklyn, NY

Plot Synopsis: A young girl struggles with adolescent rebellion and the reality of family ties.

Originating from Europe and Asia, most radishes belong to the mustard family, “Raphanus sativas”. Radishes contain Vitamin C and Phytochemicals, which may help cancer prevention.

In Daikon Ashi, a young girl has a few issues with her skinny legs that look like white radishes that she has inherited from her mother’s side of the family.

I think almost all of us have both cursed and blessed physical (and mental) characteristics that we have inherited from our maternal sides. They are the foundation of who we are -- our legacies. We have a choice, however of what we can do with them. We can accept them, care for them and do something with these gifts…or resign ourselves to stagnation. It isn’t what one is given necessarily, but what one does with it, after all.

Doňa Ana (Mrs. Ana)
Directors: Marlon Vasquez & David Sanchez
Animators: Laura Acevedo & Carolina Escobar
Medellin, Colombia

Plot Synopsis: A seller of medicinal plants shares the joys and hardships of her life along with her love of strawberries.

Strawberries cultivated in Ancient Rome were used as a medicinal herb for digestion and as a skin tonic.

In this two-minute animated piece, I found myself immediately compelled to take the advice of this woman, which was odd, as she was someone who had managed to reach an advanced age and skill level but somehow had also managed to lose her home. Nevertheless, the point of view was so well crafted in this film that we were immediately pulled in and respected her, giving credence to her words.

The style of animation was compelling, creating a world that seemed to be somewhere in between the live and fantasy, which interestingly, is a world one often enters when taking the correct or incorrect medicinal plant.

Gödir Gestir (Family Reunion)
Isold Uggadottir
New York, NY

Plot Synopsis: Katrin leaves New York to visit her native Iceland, in this whimsical tale of family secrets.

Iceland’s Gay Pride Parade draws 40,000 people annually, a third of the entire population.

Even in a liberal country, it can still be difficult to come out with a secret that is a bit contrary to the societal accepted norm.

Katrin seems so comfortable with her girlfriend in New York when we first meet her that she invites her to attend an important family gathering with her. Yet somehow the girlfriend doesn’t make the trip. What does that say about the relationship?

Back in liberal Iceland, her entire family and close-knit community seem oblivious to the fact that Katrin is in fact just not interested in men. Through Katrin’s perspective initially, they seem so unobservant and foreign, so backwoods.

We do start to see a few parallels between Katrin and this family that initially seem oblivious to her. We are shown a scene where she hastily blows off a loving grandfather on the phone. As this tale unwinds, tension builds in a fun way. Katrin reveals her sexual preference to an ex boyfriend and self consciously begins to fear it will spread around the family gathering before she will have a chance to possibly explain it herself.

In a beautifully written and filmed final scene, Katrin realizes that perhaps her family is much more capable of understanding and accepting her for whoever she chooses to be than she has been giving them credit all along.

Happiness
Sophie Barthes
France

Plot Synopsis: Iwona buys a box of happiness at a strange discount store and has to decide what to do with it.

71% of women would buy more shoes if they could afford to, and 50% acknowledge they sacrifice comfort for style.

I love thought-provoking films, fabulous images, strong acting, and condoms! Happiness has it all! And in 11 minutes!

As soon as I got home, I looked up “happiness” on dictionary.com. The entry reads, “the quality or state of being pleased, or glad, as over a particular thing.” With that in mind, I continued to reflect. So many of us go through life thinking that we want is to be happy. Often we think about it to the point where we are consumed by it. When asked to articulate exactly what would make us happy, however, we might be hard-pressed to come up with a specific answer. Many of us would say that it involves being with other people, or something that other people can do for us.

One thing that struck me as fascinating about Iwona was that although she recognized that she wanted happiness, she was going to go out and get it for herself! I loved her strength! The journey and search for happiness that we embarked upon with Iwona was witty and delightful, but at no point did she think she needed another human being to give it to her. She knew what intrigued her, what attracted her…we could read and feel her point of view about everything she looked at.

We ached with her to know what was in the unknown unspecific box of “Happiness” that she bought as a present for herself! And were thrilled with the choice she eventually made, seeing her quality and state of being pleased, glad, over a particular thing, even if for a moment.

Make a Wish
Cherien Dabis
Hollywood, CA, USA

Plot Synopsis: A young Palestinian girl will do whatever it takes to buy a birthday cake.

The custom of placing candles on a birthday cake originates from the Greeks, who believe lit candles send signals to the gods, increasing the likelihood their wish will be answered.

In this lovely film shot entirely on the West Bank, Palestine, we see the bonds of family persevere beyond even beyond war.

A girl is completely driven and to succeed in her goal. In my opinion, the honoree for which she so desperately wants to buy the birthday cake may as well have been along with us on the mission throughout the film. Despite the backdrop of the physical Palestinian conflict going on around her, all we focus on is what she focuses on: the happiness of the recipient of that birthday cake.

The end comes as a complete surprise, and we see that no matter what the circumstances, a loving daughter can come up with magical ingenuity to honor a parent on a birthday.

CAROLAN

DC SHORTS FEST 3

2007-09-20T14:22:00.001-07:00

Push
Loris Lai, USA

Plot Synopsis: Afraid of losing his family, a man has no choice but to repay his debt to an old friend by participating in an unthinkable task.

Though filmed from a point of view that wanted to us to fight for this man to make the right choice, I had trouble connecting with him. This may have been due to excessive length of the piece, or a plot that seemed a bit familiar.

The “O” Word
Alan Lock, Australia

Plot Synopsis: The mother-of-the-bride locks her daughter in the living room to prevent her from making the biggest mistake of her life.

Two more “O” words (the frightful one we shudder to avoid in this film is OBEY!!!) are Objective and Obstacle…and this is a film that is rampant with those…I did want to see a bit more action from both characters, but perhaps that was the point. Tactics, my goodness yes, but physical action…I wanted to see that veil and some taffeta fly!

If only my Mother had tried to lock me in a room and I had been faced with a question: “Do I really want to fight to marry this man?” Or am I just doing something that polite society expects of me at this age? Or as our fabulous mother phrases it, “You’re doing this so that someone will find you when you’re dead!”

It is true. Men were not put on earth to make women happy. As Gloria Steinem said once, and Bono again, “A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle.” Don’t do it unless it’s worth a big, badass fight!

Trigger Effect
Tim Gordon, USA

Plot Synopsis: Follow a government official who is conflicted about how best to protect his people, and a young boy who finds himself caught up in the random violence that plagues the city.

Trigger Effect deals with the intricacies of both national issues of gun violence and local issues of gun legislation here in Metro DC. It begins with the chilling words, “the first time you see someone get shot you lose something you never get back.”

We as the audience are flooded with images of peaceful family neighborhoods juxtaposed with flashes of violence, and reminded that everyone who has a gun thinks they have a good reason.

This film serves a higher purpose. I am fond of thinking that there is nothing like live theatre or a well done film to articulate exactly how one feels on an important topic.

An audience member during the Q & A put it quite well by volunteering her observation, “This is exactly how VA Tech happened.”

Remember, you may not leave the theatre the same way you came in.

Barberin’
Ben Crosbie and Tessa Moran, USA

Plot Synopsis: A day in the life of a Washington DC barbershop.

This wise, insightful film is a glimpse into the lives of 3 local barbers from Edge’s Barbershop in Metro DC. On the surface, it shows us how they connect with one another and their clients.

As we hear more and more from them, we see what a social hub this is, and how amazing these men are. At least one achieved his barber’s license in the penitentiary, as a means of legal income to start a new life. The act of barbering literally translates into a tangible power to not give up on someone just because his life started out with a mistake.

I am reminded of similar themes in Hank Rogerson’s phenomenal Shakespeare behind Bars from 2005, which also explores what truly unexpected directions life can take.

What is visually so interesting is the variety of camera angles, probably due to the collaborative direction. What is so moving from these men is that they focus on what they get out of the barbering, and we clearly see how much it brings to others.

Fast Love
Josh Flowers, USA

Plot Synopsis: Go past the mechanical facades of the fast food industry and discover what drives its workers.

Often when one cuts to the chase and thinks quickly, one is able to get some very honest answers. Josh Flowers does just this with Fast Love. It is amazing what people (can you imagine, there are actually, real live, feeling human beings behind those speakers we shout our orders at?) will tell an anonymous voice through a speaker without given too much time to over-think the issue when asked the question, “what do you love?”

Among the answers were:
Myself and my Family
Canada
President Bush…(Mom, have you started moonlighting at Taco Bell???)
My boyfriend
My husband
Puppies …and the very eloquent…..
Pearl Jam

Now, give yourself 10 seconds, and no more. What would your answer be?

Flowers was delightful in the post show Q & A. He said that his budget would have been a lot higher if not for the dollar menu.

On a more serious note, he had a very wise piece of advice for future filmmakers. “Make something you like; no one will watch it as much as you do.”

Girls Room
Maria Gigante, USA

Plot Synopsis: A young girl’s horrific trip to the school bathroom results in an unexpected friendship.

Audience Favorite, Show #5Girls Room; Maria Gigante (USA)

Girls Room was a film with a lot of depth that managed to be very funny without stooping to potty humor! Amazing!!

It took us through so many highs and lows, utilizing so many fantastic elements blended together, such as waterdrops into a sink becoming heartbeats… and a symphony made of splashing water into two toilets with a flatulent false note! I think a lot of people empathize with bathroom (or washroom if you are Canadian) bashfulness, and particularly if you are a girl, a bit of friendship connection therein.

Glimpse
Dustin Grella, USA

Plot Synopsis: A study of the life of painter Willem de Kooning and a stream of consciousness narrative concerning the impermanence of life.

I could definitely see an influence of Koyaanisqatsi in this visual journey through the life of Willem de Kooning. As our point of view was drawn, blended, and then evolved from one image through to the next, we were never able to let one become too precious, even as stunning as some of them were.

I was reminded of the Tashi Lhunpo Tibetan monks who delicately construct with millions of grains of colored sand a beautiful mandala over a period of three days. After its completion and a ceremony, the monks sweep up the colored sands, symbolizing the impermanence of life — how all things come from nothingness and return to it.

It was just beautiful how Grella’s film could take us through a very similar experience via the art of Western artist de Kooning.

Personal Spectator
Emmanuel Jespers, Belgium

Plot Synopsis: Do you feel like you’re transparent and your life goes along without anyone else taking notice? You need someone to watch you.

One remarkable feature that the live stage and a piece with a well-filmed point of view share is this: Once you put anything into the designated space, the audience reads it as intentional. And our heroine experiences this magic. Everything she does suddenly becomes a site-specific performance…meaningful, intentional, compelling to watch, and open to interpretation to her very own intimate audience of one. We see her life suddenly come alive with meaning….but also question the motives of the man in the singular audience seat….is he doing work about which he is passionate, or is he just a slick salesman, exploiting someone’s loneliness, like so many other modern day brokers of snake oil.

DC SHORTS FEST 2

2007-09-19T15:15:00.000-07:00

The Job
Jonathan Browning, U.S.A.

Plot Synopsis: The corporate world is ruthless. Do you have what it takes to land the job?

Audience Favorite, Show #2The Job; Jonathan Browning (USA)

This was insanely thought-provoking for so short a film. I wonder if our local Metro DC issue of day labor centers would be so nearly hotly contested if this were indeed the reality of our contemporary world. In the one Browning turns on its ear, a working man pulls up in a pickup and chooses from a multitude of a dime-a-dozen executives. In this universe they are the ones who have no guarantee of employment, income, or health benefits from one day to the next.

In the post-screening Q&A, director Jonathan Browning provided some fascinating insight as to his process. He said that in post-production, he discovered that his sound was damaged to the point where it was unusable. He therefore had to go another direction with his project in editing. What he ended up with, he said, was the film God intended him to make. And his product was by far one of the strongest of the festival.

The Money Shot
Chip Franklin, USA

Plot Synopsis: After Wendy discovers her boyfriend’s adult movie while cleaning up, she sits him down to find out what happens after the money shot.

Has anyone ever asked this question before? Well…other than Dirk Diggler in Boogie Nights…. What really does happen after the money shot in a porn film?

This is another film that explores on a deeper level, in a very fun way, what happens in a relationship after the initial carnal interest has subsided a bit. Will we be sticking around for something else? Will there be trips to Bed Bath and Beyond? The actors’ performances and their levels of commitment to their respective points of view were specific and priceless.

When I Grow Up
Michelle Meeker, USA

Plot Synopsis: The juxtaposition of the boundless ambition of youthful expectations with the unpredictable, and sometimes tragic realities we end up living.

The dreams we have, and hopefully continue to have, are as diverse as the animation brought together by the umbrella of the uniform theme of this film. We must remember, however, that what is a dream come true to one person can be nightmarish to another, as elucidated in one stark and articulate vignette in this otherwise lighthearted piece.

“Keep it short and finish it!”
Director Michelle Meeker, when asked what advice she might have for new filmmakers.

2 in the AM PM
JG Quintel, USA

Plot Synopsis: What happens when two teenagers are left alone to run a gas station on Halloween night?

Audience Favorite, Show #32 in the AM PM; J.G. Quintel (USA)

This was an animated tale that took us through all of the extremes of many a cliché and urban legend of the best and worst that can happen on an acid trip. As an audience, all we had to have was popcorn and a soda to enjoy the trip with the clerks in safety!

Big Dumb F**k
Dean Hamer, USA

Plot Synopsis: Award-winning spoken-word artist Rhonda L. Taylor elucidates her criteria for an ideal male companion.

Here we had the pleasure of witnessing a filmed poetic artist…

It has been said by some filmmakers that actors are meat that moves…

It has also been said by other filmmakers that 90% of one’s work as a Director is casting…

I believe the latter, and Big Dumb F**k is my evidence.

F**k the believers of the former. You, my dear Ms.Taylor, are exquisite, and you Mr. Hamer made brilliant choices with both your 90% and your 10%.

Can I Kick It?
Gabe Uhr, USA

Plot Synopsis: And you thought kickball was for the elementary school playground.

I had no idea until I saw this film that the Washington Monument appears to be asymmetric at the very top from the side view. Nor that kickball teams often as caped crusaders. As I continued to note this throughout the film, I realized I was finding the visual elements of this film far more interesting than the way the verbal content was holding, or not holding my attention. Uhr has a strong visual eye and just needs to be sure that it doesn’t overpower the rest of the content.

Esperando
Michael Flores, USA

Plot Synopsis: An expectant mother illegally crosses the US-Mexico border, only to find that life on the other side isn’t what she had hoped for.

We are given a quote during this film, “Hope is the last thing that dies.” Esperando translates as both “hoping” and “waiting.” Oddly, both can be so different. One can be the act of barely more than existing, while the other is so much stronger, so much more willful. We see our heroine (in a very strong performance) bounce from one to the other, and want her to choose hoping…hoping…

Feeding
James Arnall, USA

Plot Synopsis: When a neglected homemaker lavishes her affections on her garbage disposal, a bizarre relationship blossoms.

Festival Director’s Choice Feeding; James Arnall (USA)

One never knows just what might happen when one’s basic human needs aren’t being met….All bets are off. The result in Feeding is played out in this brilliantly witty and very nearly understandable journey we take from beginning to well, not quite the end with a lovely, quite underappreciated woman. Though atypical, as her relationship with her new partner grows, it follows a certain logic where her needs are met, and she becomes happier and more fulfilled. But then she is faced with a rather unpleasant choice…and as we’ve been on this journey with her, it isn’t really much of a choice at all….

Lesson 5
Stephen Carr, USA

Plot Synopsis: A rotten date can ruin a great meal.

Lesson 5 was unique from everything else at the festival in that it made a very strong choice to very strictly limit the audience point of view. There were two main characters, and one appeared to us only in silhouette. The master shot was filmed almost exclusively over the shoulder of the silhouette character, so that we focused on the responses of the lovely lady…and wondered…wondered about the silhouette gentleman. He was speaking a foreign language…or was he actually speaking? He might have been a recording as we couldn’t see him speak! Was he a blow up doll? Was he DEAD??? Our minds raced as our eyes remained on target.
“I’m a big fan of the law of creative limitations.”
--Stephen Carr, Director, Lesson 5

Palweiser Label
Brad Wilke, USA

Plot Synopsis: After having his “big break” unceremoniously snatched from him, a young filmmaker decides to unleash his unique creative vision on an unsuspecting (and culturally ignorant) corporation.

Any artist who has ever gotten screwed over by an advertising executive who thinks he knows better artistically than he or she does will feel, feel FEEL this film!!!!!

The beauty of this film is that it reaches out universally. Its vehicle is the familiar home playing field of a filmmaker, but so many who see this will cheer in triumph at the spectacular payoff at the end. This is a film that so many will find easy to relate to, as life has handed the fuzzy end of the lollypop to way too many of us.

Paper
Elliot Blanchard, USA

Plot Synopsis: A man wakes up to unexpected new guests underfoot – and they have their own ideas about who should be in charge.

This visually luscious film was such a flirt…I could just capture a glimpse of a quote by Borges (no I’m not that quick, as much as I love him I got it from the credits) that I wonder how many times this film is designed to be viewed to catch everything….Two were far from enough for me.

Partially True Tales of High Adventure!
Murphy Gilson, USA

Plot Synopsis: To keep his Hollywood dream alive, Charlie must rely on the gifts of every mid-western kid: a love of booze and the ability to tell outrageously wild tall-tales.

This was one of the longer films of the evening, but it was frankly so well edited I didn’t feel like it was. It had a complete, engaging story to tell and needed every moment to take us from the setup and connection with the characters through the payoff at the end.

As Keith Ulmer Bicknell succinctly put it in the Q & A following the program, it is indeed a “Slice of life about lost souls coming together to find connection.”

Signage
Rick Hammerly, USA

Plot Synopsis: A chance encounter with a young hearing-impaired man forces a 41 year-old to face his ambiguous future in today’s youth-obsessed gay world.

Best Local FilmSignage; Rick Hammerly (Washington, DC)

No matter what, there is always going to be something! Just when one thinks he or she has ventured into home turf, such as being gay in gay bar, new criteria is suddenly established. A fresh discriminatory process begins all over again. We think we are safe with our own kind, but even amidst our own kind, we subdivide and judge.

This film is a fantastic analogy for what happens in the relationship process in our contemporary culture. At first, we find our similarities…then we begin to (with the help of our friends) focus on and magnify our differences until it just won’t work.

Signage says it all succinctly in a microcosm. And to boot, has one of my favorite quotes of the entire festival, “Thank God for bar lighting.”

Bravo!

VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL Part 1

2007-09-19T12:54:00.000-07:00

The opening night of the Valley Film Festival showed one of the classic Valley films of the 80's. Fast Times At Ridgemont High, directed by Amy Heckerling. This is a great film to kick off a festival that is proud to be in the (818) exchange. Amy was on hand to do a Q&A after the film as well as Robert Romanus one of the stars. It was quite amazing to see how many future oscar winners were in this movie. 3 Best actor winners: Sean Penn, Forrest Whitaker and in a non speaking role Nicholas Cage. She said that Cage tried to improvise dialogue alot and none of it worked. That made me laugh alot!

The networking after party was great. I met the directors of a few of the films, met a few new friends and had some of the Capolla wine provided by the Francis Ford Coppola Winery. The event and the entire festival takes place at an intrigueing venue The El Portal Theatre in the NOHO Arts district. It is a stage venue mainly. The seats were a little uncomfortable at times, but not to bad. The view and rake of the auditorium was excellent. I was really impressed with the theatre and was surprised by the space. You should check it out.

Built in 1926, the El Portal Theatre is an historical landmark located in the heart of NoHo. The El Portal theatre opened in the San Fernando Valley, as a vaudeville and silent movie theatre. During the sound era, it became one of the city's most prominent second-run houses. It eventually became an all-Spanish language movie theatre. To learn more go to http://www.elportaltheatre.com/

Before I go into the films and filmmakers let me let you know who won the festival awards:

10 Degrees Hotter Awards
Feature Film: CARTS Directed by Chris Cashman
Short Film: THE ANGEL Directed by Paul Hough

Audience Awards
Comedy Short: HITLER'S BOWL Directed by Matt Gamboa
Dramatic Short: DESERT ROSE Directed by Omi Vaidya
Family Short: WATER DAMAGE Directed by Kellen Moore
Girls on Film Short: THE ACT Directed by Susan Kraker and Pi Ware
Horror Short: CRITICIZED Directed by Richard Gale
Made in the (818): THE FRANK ANDERSON Directed by Dave Perkal. Written by Orit Schwartz.

Now for the films Round 1.
HORROR NIGHT

By Appointment Only
Directed By John Faust

Synopsis-Jane has left the big city behind in search of a more peaceful, country life. But when Jane finds the perfect old house for sale, she learns that buying a house can kill you.

This was a film full of foreshadowing. A very quirky and original story about desire and fear. Well acted and filmed. Matt Ryan as the male lead longing for escape and unable to make a change was entrancing to watch.

Criticized
Directed By Richard Gale

Synopsis-A prominent film critic writes a scathing review of a new horror film, and is abducted by the film's mentally-unstable director, who subjects him to an eye-opening experience.

Funny enough. I have thought about this. An unhinged filmmaker goes crazy on a critic. This sounds like a comedy to me. However, this film is anything but funny. This is a dark disturbing ride that dares you to not avert your eyes. I think its a powerful ride! The horror genre has found a new voice, and I can't wait to see what he does next.

The Eyes Of The Panther
Directed By Michael Barton

Synopsis-A young woman's refusal of her lover's marraige proposal turns out to be for his own good as mysterious events surrounding her birth are revealed. The clever vision of American author Ambrose Bierce comes to life in this adaptation of his gothic fairytale:" The Eyes of the Panther."

A beautifully crafted film that is well acted and darkly shot. The time period was captured nicely and was very believable. I love period pieces and this film holds true to the darkness of the time period.

http://www.eyesofthepanther.com/

The Haunting Of Seaside
Directed By Ron Rogge

Synopsis-A salty old seaman tells of the mysterious, haunted events of Seaside and Legend of Peter Blacksmith. All shown in the Digital Cinematic style, as used in "Sin City" and "300"

This is a nice little haunted tale. It was originally made as an intro to a haunted house exhibit. They submitted it to the film fests and has been playing quite a few. It was fun.

http://www.fastballfilms.com/

The Intruder
Directed By Allesandro Ceglia

Synopsis-A woman, alone in her house, has been receiving a series of mysterious phone calls. When she attempts to calm her nerves with a mixture of medication and alcohol, her fears take on a new form.

A breathtaking piece of film noir animation. I felt like it wanted to be longer and I was hoping. What a great film!

www.alessandroceglia.com/theintruder

Revamped
Directed By Jeff Rector

Synopsis-When successful businessman Richard Clarke is bitten by a beautiful Vampire, he is transformed into a creature of the night and plunges into the dark world of the supernatural. When a militaristic Team of Vampire Hunters, The S.T.A.K.E. Team, discover his existence, along with an underground gang of vampires, they are out for blood. All hell breaks loose, and no one is taking any survivors.

This movie was a fun ride from start to finish. I have always had soft place in my heart for vampire films. Most of the time they are to campy or not campy enough. Most of the time the laughs come from the film trying to be scary, and it just can't achieve it. This film, knew exactly what it was and played to its strengths. Well made and well acted, Revamped is a fun ride!

http://www.revampedthemovie.com/

The Angel
Directed By Paul Hough

Synopsis- A young girl stays by her grandmothers bed to protect her from "death" She learns that death has a face and her granmother has other protectors.

I CANNOT SAY ENOUGH ABOUT THIS FILM!!!! I love it! It was dark and disturbing and visually stunning. The acting is excellent as are the action sequences. The twist at the end is bone chilling and I applaud Paul for making an original scary film. A new strong voice in the horror genre! The film stars Eddie McGee from the tv show 'Big Brother'. He surprised me in so many ways, I was stunned. He turned in an excellent performance and made the end of the film a rush of adrenaline. Congratulations!

Kristoffer

DC SHORTS FEST 1

2007-09-19T10:02:00.000-07:00

The Barrows
Tori Garrett, Australia

Plot Synopsis: No matter how dark their pasts, Mr. and Mrs. Barrow share a bond no walls, or even mortality, can break.
Best Female Director-The Barrows; Tori Garrett (Australia)

Of all of the films that I feel could and should be expanded into feature length, this is the one. It left me aching for more! In ten short minutes we grew to love this couple. We didn’t care what they had done to get into their current situation. Their love for one another was all we cared about, and our hearts were aching with theirs.

I know that my eyes weren’t dry at the end of this, and I heard an audible sniff from my filmmaker companion as the credits rolled. More Barrows please, Ms. Garrett!

The Little Gorilla
Harry Kellerman, USA

Plot Synopsis: Beneath the looming NYC skyscrapers, and in the shadows of an older brother, the Little Gorilla must unchain the King Kong within.
Family Film Showcase-The Little Gorilla; Harry Kellerman (USA)

This film was a field day of imagery and influence from the obvious King Kong, but also from a bit of Star Wars, with a most Obi-Wan like elder brother guiding Little Gorilla toward his challenge.

I have no idea how Kellerman got such strong, driven, and focused performances out of Little Gorilla and his older brother. This film hinged upon these two children and the enormous objective meeting obstacle and action overcoming repeated obstacles. This trio truly worked brilliantly together and allowed us to watch as though the camera were merely picking up the brothers’ thoughts…while some spectacular imagery was winking at us in the background.

On top of everything, this is a family-friendly film, as witty and strong as Craig Hammill’s The Cleats of Imminent Doom from 2005. It deserves to get picked up and seen as widely.
The Run
Shawn Costa, USA

Plot Synopsis: Jack’s life is turned upside down when a shadowy figure begins running after him, yelling terrible screams of agony.

God love the festival committee for putting this film exactly where it was during each program! It was very well shot from beginning to end, suspenseful, and the payoff was dynamite. I have always been a fan of (and continue to be) titles that reflect the theme of a film on multiple levels. I’m still having a field day with this one!!

When I am on the Moon
Joseph Hicks, USA

Plot Synopsis: There were robots everywhere. Really.

Oddly, this film that was full of robots was very, very human. One poignant quote from it that I felt hit the nail on the head was, “…so that being alone will not feel so much like being lonely.”

During the Q & A afterwards, Director Joseph Hicks confirmed that he basically crafted this film around the theme of how lonely he was while spatially separated from the woman he loves. He really got this one right.

A Man in the Attic
Ali Imran Zaidi, USA

Plot Synopsis: An American Muslim ponders, discusses and ruminates on his position in America, and the decline of his people in western civilization.

I will start by saying that this lovely and heartbreaking film was my favorite of Program 1, which I felt was the strongest of the three programs I attended over the weekend.

Ali Imran Zaidi in seven and one half minutes beautifully articulates where so much has gone astray in our country in the last six years. Aren’t we as human beings by nature supposed to be at our best when things are worst? Then why instead have so many of our minds closed and we have begun to lash out at anyone who we assume must have the worst qualities in common with the miniscule minority who lashed out at us?

In this film, we view beautiful, peaceful images of our fellow Americans worshipping in their manner of prayer (it happens to be Islam) adjacent to a U.S. flag. And we hear voice over words as we watch: “What did I do for them to hate me?” and “…stripped of my humanity because a tiny piece of us caused harm.” These words are so universal and could easily come from so many minorities who become victimized due to ignorance. Of course the attic reminds us of Anne Frank, specifically. Human beings are so universal… we really don’t change.

This is a film that needs to be seen in wide distribution…particularly in schools.

Do You Have A Minute?
Erik Gernand, USA

Plot Synopsis: Conservative Christian George and liberal feminist Liz are sidewalk activists who find that they might actually have something in common. But can love overcome their differences?

In this political town where one sees characters exactly like these two daily, it is fun to see a film that focuses on two political extremists who quickly deflect their focus toward their similarities instead of their differences. I particularly enjoyed Gernand’s choice that Liz and George seem to lack passion for specific causes, but instead find their purposes from generic laundry lists of every cliche extreme cause. It makes one think about how many people are out there sticking their noses in someone else’s business, or bedroom perhaps, because they are lacking something genuine in their own lives.

Fortune Hunters
Thom Harp, USA

Plot Synopsis: When a writer at a fortune cookie factory accidentally sends a love letter intended for his ex-girlfriend to the printing press, every cookie at every restaurant reveals a piece of his broken heart.

Program One ended strongly with Fortune Hunters. Our poor hero says in exasperation, “I’m Chinese and I work at a fortune cookie factory! Confucius say: “I’m a walking cliché!”

Through the vehicle of a man dumping his girlfriend for one of those arbitrary reasons that seem like such a good idea at the time, we get to explore what just might happen if one’s personal email messages got out to the public in the form of fortunes. Brilliant!

Suddenly, complete strangers think the messages are meant for them and read untold deep meanings into them. Think about that the next time you email your boyfriend…”You know what you did!”….under the right context, someone might reflect upon that for days and it could be life changing!

Very strong performances in this film about people getting on with their lives and doing what they need to do to change them…even if they just need a little nudge by a fortune cookie.

Knife Shift
Jim Hudson, New Zealand

Plot Synopsis: Welcome to Room 110: Check in with your luggage; check out in a body bag.

This film was a visually rich one, and we were taken on a wild ride through this tale through the point of view of the ultimate mark. Although a bit predictable, Knife Shift was nonetheless engrossing to see how everything unraveled.

Missed Connections
Jes Therkelsen, USA

Plot Synopsis: Ever wondered about the places you never went to? The friends you never got a chance to know? The love you never made the effort to discover?

Director Jes Therkelsen said in the post Program Q & A that this film was inspired by the “I Saw You” section that from the local DC City Paper. Similar experiences are available in dozens of brother and sister columns nationwide if not worldwide. If you’ve ever been the subject of one of these particular ads, or the author of one, this piece may be of particular interest. It explores a big “what if” factor. What would happen were people in our contemporary society not quite so afraid to take risks and actually put themselves out there and explore their impulses to connect with others to whom they feel compelled to reach out?

I had begun to make negative feedback notes for this review when someone posed a specific question for the panel of directors inquiring about who was interested in expanding his or her short into feature length. Therkelsen converted me into an instant fan when he very candidly volunteered that his film was too long already. This was my only issue with an otherwise terrific film, which captured bare honesty of subjects with whom so many of us can identify. With a bit more selective editing this will be a jewel.

Public Art, Private Parts
Brandon Bloch, USA

Plot Synopsis: When law firm tenants of the building demanded the removal of Ming Yi Sung’s unique crochet sculptures, she responded with a creative compromise that drew media attention and won the praise of artists and knitters throughout the country.

This frolicsome film featuring a whimsical woman’s playful art actually brings up some deep issues. At the top of the list is, of course, censorship in the year 2007. Why is it again, that simple male and female body parts, that the last time I checked we all have, (although mine aren’t crocheted, dammit), are considered so offensive that highly educated adults (i.e. supposedly not ignorant ones) demanded their removal? The beauty and simplicity of Ms. Sung’s solution was so marvelous, that perhaps we can all take a lesson. Instead of taking offense, she merely used her creativity.

Robin Williams Has No Top Lip
Paul Haber, USA

Plot Synopsis: What begins as a light-hearted bit of eavesdropping turns bad for two single guys.

As this was based on actual overheard public conversation, it was all the more fascinating. One often forgets that anything said in a public place is fair game to be overheard and emotionally responded to…The two performances by the mustached actors were priceless. Were this not an actual overheard conversation, I’d be sending out kudos to the script writer for brilliant stream-of-consciousness dialogue between the overheard women. Somehow, I feel like I know them…

Shuteye Hotel
Bill Plympton, USA

Plot Synopsis: As police investigate gruesome murders at a rundown hotel, they become victims of an evil force.

This was a roller-coaster thrill ride of a film! It was witty, suspenseful, and elicited audible responses of surprise from the audience. We actually connected with animated characters, black and white ones at that. There was a splash of red hue here and there to pull our focus, but this was an intense seven-minutes on the edge of our seats!

Soft
Simon Ellis, United Kingdom

Plot Synopsis: In order to preserve his fragile sense of masculinity, a father is forced to deal with problems that he hasn’t had to face since leaving school.

Audience Favorite, Show #1Soft; Simon Ellis (United Kingdom)

In much the same way David Mamet’s Oleanna has done for me live, this intense short film left my peace-loving jaw agape at how I could possibly be rejoicing when pent up victims tire of turning the other cheek and at last explode into standing up for themselves by speaking the only language a crowd of bullies understands…violence. In his 14 minute film, Ellis connects us to the characters so deeply and quickly, summoning such empathy for them, I wonder what other behavior we might have thought justified.
Carolan

LA SHORTS FEST Continued

2007-09-19T09:41:00.000-07:00

Crossroads
Drama/United States/12 min
Director/Producer/Writer: Cecilia Robles

Crossroads is a Latina Cinderella story with a twist. Rich boy meets poor beautiful girl---he attempts to sweep her off her feet by luring her in with materialist goodies. She takes the bait and really it is the rich boy that gets taken. Cecilia Robles is the Director and Writer of this modern fairytale. Set in the soul of the city, a beautiful Latina mute, played by Cristina Mendoza, makes her living as a car windshield washer. A chance meeting with a lonely man, William, creates a mysterious love connection. William’s infatuation keeps him restless and like an itch he wants to scratch he returns to the same intersection daily just to capture a glimpse of this chica bonita and of course to get his car windshield washed. William makes his move by offering the mute money, an heirloom necklace, and a warm bed. Love is made, hearts are broken, and a fantasy is made real. Since the film has a twist, I suggest you see this spicy film to reveal the ending.

Robles paired sociological issues with a keen photographic style to produce a crowd favorite. Using only $300 dollars and 12 minutes she took the audience to Mexico and created a film that will be appreciated by all who have been infatuated or wondered what it would be like to get extra benefits based on physical beauty. Robles deserves special applause for her observant camera angles; especially the window washing scenes that were cleverly done. The film industry is gifted by the art of Cecilia Robles.

Le Shakedown
Drama/United States/12 min
Director/Producer/Writer: Johnny Bogris

Le Shakedown is an undercover cop story of a dope score gone bad. Borgris creates an excellent story line that is gritty and chock full of chaos. You could tell that Borgris enjoyed making this film. The cast is the best ingredient to this short. Hopefully we will see more of these actors in full length features.

The Sled
Comedy/United States/21 min
Director/Producer/Writer: Brad Yuen

The only way to describe The Sled is zany. Director, Brad Yuen, commented that he created this film submission for a spot on the new television show called The Lot. Yuen cleverly creates a story that takes us on a wild goose chase in pursuit of recovering a valuable piece of movie memorabilia. The story line gets a bit confusing at times and maybe should have been edited down to 12 minutes instead of 21 minutes. Private investigator, Chuck Chen, is on a mission to recover the original Rosebud (the snow sled used in the film Citizen Kane). The story has funny tidbits, especially the scenes with Chuck Chen’s sidekick sister; she really makes the movie amusing. Also, kudos to the actor that played the pawnshop owner; he was very believable and hopefully will be in more comedies…his facial expressions are extremely funny.

Superman #1
Comedy/United States/5 min
Directors/Producers: Eshom Nelms, Ian Nelms Writer: Caffeine Inspiration

Have you ever borrowed something valuable from a good friend and ruined it? How about something sentimental and made in limited editions? Did you borrow it without asking? This is the brilliant premise of Superman #1. A beloved and prized Superman comic book goes missing and the owner wants it back…the interrogation begins and tension is thick. The owner doesn’t want to get mad, he doesn’t want to debate...he just wants his comic book back…dead or alive. Was it sold? Was food dropped on the colorful pages? The dialog is funny and real. And, the actors pull each and every audience member into the prank. The Nelms’ used a small space, some friends, and one little comic book to create comedic tension. The lighting and camera angles add to the urgency and stress of the potentially explosive situation. Superman #1 is easily the funniest short film of the day. There is nothing like a good prank to tickle the funny bone. Congratulations to the directors and, hey, you guys owe me $2.50 for the soda pop that came out of my nose when I laughed.

My Confession
Drama/United States/23 min
Director/Writer: Brad Schreiber

Brad Schreiber creates a macabre story of a demented woman and calculating serial killer. The creative use of a foreboding setting, a dimly lit bar and a basement, invites the audience in for a twisted plot. If you liked the movies Misery and Fatal Attraction, then My Confession is the movie for you. Dark lighting and grotesque special effects make-up added the final touch to this creepy feature.

Tormenta’s Ear
Suspense/United States/10 min
Director/Producer/Writer: Collin Blair

Blair’s creative story involves two Mexican fugitives on the run in Death Valley. Tormenta’s Ear seemed like a full length film packed into ten little minutes. The acting was excellent, the setting was superb, and the story line interesting.

The Last Laugh
Comedy/United States/6 min
Director/Writer/Producer: Gregory Mazzotta

The Last Laugh is a combination of a “Funniest Home Video” and a “Got Milk? Commercial.” A grandfather is peacefully sitting on the couch doing a crossword puzzle and nibbling on a gigantic cookie. As time passes his cookie is disappearing, but he hasn’t touched it. Across the room a stuff toy, Elmo the happy, loveable Sesame Street character, is staring at him. Poor Elmo is guilty with association and his cuteness is soon destroyed. The grandfather tears up Elmo and red fuzz and white stuffing flies everywhere. Enter the adorable grandson who quizzically yells, “grandpa, what are you doing!?” Mazzotta wonderfully captures the mundane grandfather and innocent Elmo with unique camera angles.

Ode to Fredo
Music Video/United States/3 min
Director/Producer: Zeke Hawkins Writer: Tom DiMenna

The sun is shining, the birds are singing, the surface of the lake is inviting and this is the last day of Fredo Corleone’s life. Two men placidly row across the lake in a tiny boat. Fredo is singing in an accepting and non-chalant manner serenading his hit man. And, in an instant Fredo is shot and slumps over. Hawkins and DiMenna display comedic excellence in this clever music video based on last moments of Fredo Corleone’s life (a mobster in the classic Godfather films).

Ms. Lily La Bare

LA SHORTS FEST 2

2007-09-14T22:51:00.000-07:00

LA Shorts Fest
by Rowan Harrison

Martin Scorsese once said, “Now more than ever we need to talk to each other, to listen to each other and understand how we see the world, and cinema is the best medium for doing this.” Films have always had this wonderful quality of bringing us the people, places, and events making up this so called thing…..life. No matter how diverse or foreign we can be, we all have a story to share and we all have something to communicate that allows us to grasp a better understanding of the world we live in while opening the visual doors of who we are as individuals.

With more then 170 films that cover a wide range of genre and unimaginable subject matter, the 11th annual LA Short Film Festival is a showcase for young and emerging filmmakers taking us down a labyrinth of innovative and inspiring short features. Held in the charming downtown area of Burbank, at the AMC Burbank Town Center 6, which is conveniently located off the wonderful free flowing interstate 5 and just so happens to be across the street from one of America’s favorite hamburger havens, IN and Out, this two week event is a kaleidoscope of an ever expanding talent of cinematic artisans. With so many films and very little time I was able to sit through three programs which consisted of 5 or so shorts, and here is how they ran.

Tijuana Nada Mas
Director/Producer/Writer: Pividal Yolanda

Pividal straddles us down the US-Mexican border following the lives of two young Hispanic teenagers, who are desperately trying to make better lives for themselves. Trapped in the economic and sociological oppression we wander through the busy streets of Tijuana, the grid locked San Ysidro border, and points along the border that we seldom see. An intriguing documentary Tijuana Nada Mas reminds us of the everyday struggles that exist next to our immediate borders.

First
Director: Nick Sivakumaran
Writer: DB Woodside
http://www.firstthefilm.com/

“You and me, we do the things we do because we believe it is in our nations best interest.” This is a dark drama of a man who is caught between the lines of what is morally right and wrong and is also haunted by a love that binds him. Drenched in a dark palette of hues and contrasting values, First touches on issues of redemption, religion, and personal relationships as one man struggles with the fate of his would be assassin.

Two-Eleven
Director/Writer: Velvet Andrews Smith

Based on the true story of a notorious bank robber Blake Turner, this crime drama brings together two men who are on a collision course with destiny. Rich Summerfield is the lead detective who is on the elusive trails of the Rat Pack Bandit. Mostly shot in the beautiful downtown streets of Long Beach, CA, Two Eleven is nicely set up by the idyllic lives of two men, and quickly develops in a straight forward cat and mouse game.

The Golden Age
Director/Writer: Aaron Augenblick

This is a series of incredibly witty and charming biographies or spoofs on the rise and fall of obscure nostalgic animated characters. Mr. Augenblick takes us through the whimsical lives of unforgettable cartoon characters such as Kongobot, Lancaster Loon, The Lobby Gang, Gaffy Gander, The Dredfuls and an assortment of others. Each character has their own special little story of how they captured the love of the world, and became the victims of their own success, yet rose through the depths of obscurity to forever be remembered for who they were. This is a wonderful multimedia collage poking fun at commercial characters and popular entertainment.

Auteur
Director: Kevin Abrams
Writer: Alex Simon

Speaking of comical satires, Auteur is the story of a man’s obsession to promote and acquire the film industries support in promoting his new project. Filmmaker Eric Pelham is living in a world where no one understands the ideas of one mans destiny. He goes through all the absurd motions with film execs, his actress girlfriend and a movie director, only to find that he has no friends in the end, and his hopes and dreams of making it big in the movie business are succumb to brutal irony. Auteur is funny in its storytelling while making fun of its own idea.

Cracked Eggs
Director: Eric Loren
Writer: Steve Jones

Intense drama, bizarre drug hallucinations, a comatose murmuring wife and a dead body make up for this bizarre short feature from England. Two men drag a dead body out of an apartment building and kindly dispose of it. Back at John’s apartment, John proceeds to recant the story of how he killed the old geezer; meanwhile John’s friend is in hysterics about getting caught by the authorities. Everything begins to escalate in this grainy dark film, even the stoic wife has her moment of dramatic uprising sending John into the darkness of the night in his underwear.

Hikeaway
Director/Writer: Yoshi Atsumi
http://www.hikeawaymovie.com/

Hikeaway is one of those low key solemn dramas about a pick pocket and a lost young runaway, Tom, a parolee, finds himself settling down for a hearty breakfast in a small mountainside café. A young kid straggles into the café. Feeling sympathetic, Tom goes to the aid of the runaway, unaware that in many ways he is saving himself. Hideaway is a story of two individuals who are running away from different things in life yet find trust in one another.

Hollywood’s Heart
Director/Writer: Andreas Wigand
http://www.hollywoodsheart.com/

What happens when two guys try to sell their movie script to a Hollywood executive only to get rejected? In Tarantino fashion they riddle the executive in a hail of gunfire, and that is the scenario in Hollywood’s Heart. However, as dramatic as that seems, there are a series funny events and odd characters that makes this 12 minute Tarantino/Lynchian style film rather amusing.

Who’s Gonna Drive
Director: Adam Libarkin

The question and validity of one’s friendship is carried out in a weird and twisted manner over dinner and pie. Who’s Gonna Drive embarks on the search for one man’s true friend by creating a hypothetical situation and seeing the immediate response. Allot can happen in eight dramatic animated moments, years of friendship can quickly evaporate as fast as a serving of coconut cream pie.

The Rains of Fear
Director: Tanya Tillet
Writer: Damo Joe Harmon

In this disturbing dark violent piece from England, the ill fated destiny of one man is laid to rest in a violent emotional outburst. Living in a precarious economic situation a fighter seeks forgiveness for the wages of his carnage and is haunted by a ghost that did no wrong. The Rains of Fear has an interesting contrast of character, from a controlling abusive husband to the nurturing caring nature of a mother.

When He Came Home
Director/Writer: Curtis David Sackett

A melancholy personal confession of one wife’s ordeal of her husbands return from Iraq is the subject manner in When He Came Home. Through vignettes of a love that used to be, a wife paints a painful picture of a husband that is now a completely different person. This is another painful chapter in the Iraq war that brings heartache and pain to the innocent for the pursuit of freedom and democracy.

Parthenabe
Director/Writer: Alexandra Fisher

Exquisite cinematography and wonderful still-life photography make up the opening sequences to this touching and sentimental piece by Fisher. Parthenabe is a lonely humble caring nurse who cares for an elderly man, but her day-to-day routine is sadly curtailed when she is succumbed to illness. With many moments of quiet solitude between caretaker and patient, Parthenabe is a placid homage to the sick and elderly.

Blood Ties
Director/Writer: Sean Delgado

Laden with cultish overtones and an Oedipus prophecy this dark macabre piece tells the story of one couples grave decision to change the future by taking care of the present. Appropriately shot in a castle mansion style home, this is a bizarre eerie trip into the shadowy world of the occult, a suitable decadent piece for the late night movie macabre.

Magnolias in Spring
Director/Writer: Tiffany Rocquemore Delorme

Relying on a multicultural backdrop this romantic narrative tells the story of the lovely seductress Magnolia. Magnolia is a woman who doesn’t leave all the memories behind, and embraces the past more than the future. The memories of this charming and romantic French/Creole woman and the loves of her life are visually retold through the poetic narrative of her niece.

Crosswalk
Director/Writer: Shinn Inkee

One man’s faith in God is darkly challenged by a troubled youth whose life revolves in a darkly lit apartment and an ailing suffering father. With a cleaver and artistic opening, Shinn Inkee tackles the issues of religion, the relevancy of God’s will in the lives of the suffering and the testing of a preacher’s belief in God. Crosswalk relies on timeless contemplative issues that affects the beliefs of the secular and non-secular masses.

My Dog Chloe
Director/Writer: Braddon Mendelsohn

In one of the most heartfelt and emotional pieces of the afternoon, My Dog Chloe deals with the passing of a man’s beloved friend Chloe. Shot days after Mendelsohn was forced to put his ailing dog to sleep, we get the potent raw emotions, draped in personal testimony and memorable photographic stills. We immediately feel the loss of Chloe and are reminded of the strong emotional bonds between pet owners and their pets.

Whether it be a thesis for graduate school, the beginnings of a feature film or personal family experiences these films along with the others are personal experiences or shared stories relevant to the world we live in. These are artistic endeavors visually communicating the tangible and intangible nature of who we are. Thanks to all the film makers for making this Sunday afternoon a shimmering and inspiring journey through the creative world of cinematic expression.

BLUEGRASS FILM FESTIVAL

2007-09-12T09:22:00.000-07:00

The 2007 Bluegrass Independent Film Festival was presented by the Arts Association of Oldham County on September 7 – 9 in La Grange, KY. This is the third year for the fledgling festival which has grown in attendance and exposure with each passing year. Nearly 180 films were submitted for consideration this year from all over the world with roughly 80 making it to the big screens of the Great Escape Oldham 8 Theatre. The festival is also a tribute to famed director D.W. Griffith who was born in La Grange, KY.

Correspondents from IndieExpress, Daniel Hargrove and Emily Breeding, were on hand for all three days of the festival. They arrived early on Friday and were greeted by the smiling festival staff who furnished them with their passes and film festival schedules for the weekend. All of the members of the Arts Association, the technical staff, and other volunteers were engaging, friendly and helpful. Many of the filmmakers were heard commenting on the amazing level of hospitality shown to them throughout the weekend. We also would like to thank them for their hospitality.

SHARQ
(22m, Kuwait)
Directed by Erik Sandoval
sandovalerik@gmail.com

Even in only 22 minutes, SHARQ has everything good cinema should have: beautiful cinematography, playfulness, and glimpses of good and ugly emotions. Made in Kuwait, it’s the story of six adolescent boys who go to the city on a quest to find SHARQ, a wonderland of toys where they can find the ultimate, indestructible soccer ball. Director Erik Sandoval uses tight editing and narrative music to pull the audience right into these boys’ world, and we follow them effortlessly from road trip comedy to a tense political discussion back to energetic humor. It’s my pick for best picture—a must see!
-Emily Breeding

The List
(120m, USA)
Directed by Gary Wheeler
www.thelist-themovie.com
World Premiere

The List was a Southern gothic tale involving a young lawyer whose recently deceased father has bequeathed to him a dark family secret dating back to the Civil War – and nothing else. Boasting a great cast including names such as Malcolm McDowell and Pat Hingle (Commissioner Gordon from the Batman features), the film included extremely strong viewpoints regarding greed, secrecy and faith
This reviewer found the film to be promising, but somewhat longer than it needed to be to convey its major points. Posing as a mix between a John Grisham thriller and National Treasure, the film’s religious messages might be considered by some as overpowering to the plot, leaving some loose ends when all is said and done.
-Daniel Hargrove

Script Cops
(7m, USA)
Directed by Scott Rice
www.wolfriverpictures.com

A hilarious parody of TV’s COPS where uniformed officers take to the streets to arrest bad screenwriters. This short was truly one of the best films of the weekend and even included the theme song “Bad Boys.” Truly, what’ya gonna do? See this film, that’s what.
-Daniel Hargrove

Dartsville
(23m, USA)
Directed by Tony West
www.woodvillegeneralfilms.com

Dartsville is the story of a young boy who innocently beats his dart-throwing champion father in front an audience (and television cameras) right before the big “tourney.” After his father forbids him to ever touch another dart again, we follow his struggle throughout adolescence and adulthood to stay away from the ever-tempting bullseye. The short was quite good. It kept is “redneck” characters fun and endearing and its audience laughing.
Daniel Hargrove

Available Men
(15m, USA)
Directed by David Dean Bottrell
industryguy@earthlink.net

This short was a witty “comedy of errors” involving four men in a cafe. One man is a Hollywood agent waiting to pitch his services to a hot, new writer. Another man is a sweet and sensitive gay man waiting for a blind date. These two each hook up with the man for which the other is waiting -hilarity ensues.
-Daniel Hargrove

The Metrosexual
(84m, USA)
Directed by Adam Kaufman
themetrosexual@gmail.com

The Metrosexual not only delivers a rich soundtrack filled with ‘80’s hits, but also plenty of laughs, drama and even a little romance. The lead character, Eric, is a 33-year-old man who’s basically been stuck in the ‘80’s since his mother died when he was 16. This void also left him with the responsibility of caring for his eccentric, and endearing, father. It’s basically a “how to” for sensitive, single, straight men who may be a little to precise and a little too controlling.
Described by some audience members in the Q&A as a “grownup Ferris Beuller” this film captured the heart of the film festival taking home the prize for Best Feature. I enjoyed every minute of it and can’t wait to get my DVD copy.
-Daniel Hargrove

Tattered Angel
(95m, USA)
Directed by Will Benson
www.tatteredangel.com
World Premiere

An entertaining and thrilling feature, Tattered Angel grabs hold and doesn’t let go. Vince Jacob’s older sister was kidnapped and murdered years ago when he was a child. Still visibly haunted by the past and now an adult, he’s home for his mother’s funeral and another girl is abducted. Vince is the only “witness” to the abduction. Will he become the only suspect as well?
As Vince joins the search for the missing girl, his memories of the past seem to interfere with his recollections of the new kidnapping. The film really captured the audience’s attention and made a mark for itself in the “edge-of-your-seat” genre. Pop culture icon Lynda Carter, TV’s Wonder Woman, did an outstanding job portraying the missing girl’s mother.
This reviewer was fortunate enough to spend quite a bit of time over the weekend discussing the film with its director, Will Benson. He was extremely approachable and really helped me to understand what all he went through to bring his labor of love to the screen. Just like a proud father, he beamed over his cast and regaled me with stories of the lovely Lynda. Having the distinct pleasure of meeting Ms. Carter earlier this year myself, Benson and I swapped comments about how genuine and down to earth we found her to be. As a lifelong fan of hers, I was pleased to hear how much she believed in and supported the film. I agree with her tastes. This one would be another DVD purchase for me. Check it out if you get the chance.
-Daniel Hargrove

Glorious Mail
(86m, USA)
Directed by J.D. Evermore
www.gloriousmail.com

Glorious Mail is a comedy that inspires bust-out laughs in theater chairs and recognitions at film festivals. Producer Alice Walker and actor Bruce Butler gave me an intriguing pitch before the screening: a feature-length film about a documentary filmmaker who travels to Mississippi to investigate a scandalous… mailbox. To my delight, Glorious Mail not only brought the funny, but also some qualities often absent from the mockumentary genre. It has energy, continuously developing characters, very fine attention to detail, and spot-on locations.
It’s not surprising, then, that Glorious Mail picked up Best Feature at the Indie Grits Festival and second place at the Appalachian Film Fest. Grey Sample was also named Best Actor for his performance as Cesar, a flamboyant gay man who unfortunately tries to have it both ways: live in a small town in the Bible Belt AND have an abstract sculpture of a man with his ass in the air as a mailbox. The filmmakers opened the door to improvisation, and the actors ran right through it. Characters asked about the scandal include an aging local who likes to whip it out (referenced and not demonstrated, thankfully, to our decidedly-not-gay-because-he’s-Jewish documentary maker) and the community playhouse director who rambles aggressively about how much he understands Napoleon, man.
Yes, mockumentaries have been done, but the creativity here is an 11, from backgrounds displaying more-than-snicker-worthy playhouse posters to a full-out music video. Through its parody of the “righteous” and the “eccentric,” Glorious Mail touches on issues of homophobia, freedom of expression and self-discovery. Fortunately, though, it does this while making you feel like you’re just having a good time watching a likeable guy tell an absurdly funny story about a town he went to once.
-Emily Breeding

Thanks Emily and Daniel! Be sure to see this festival next year.

MOONDANCE FILM FESTIVAL

2007-09-11T16:04:00.000-07:00

OK. So I walked into the Moondance Film Festival after a horrible 24 hours of dealing with construction by my house. They were causing vibrations that were shaking pictures off the wall and glass off of shelves. It was like an earthquake. I had assigned myself to cover this festival because I thought it sounded very interesting. I had to miss the first day and they played quite a few films, that I was sad to miss as well as many workshops. Hmmmm.... Next year I will be here the entire time. The festival takes place at The Universal Studios Citiwalk Cinemas. This is its 8th year and I was truly amazed by the amount of programs they have at this festival. I almost never go to Universal Citiwalk because you have to pay between $5 - $10 for parking. Not a big fan of that. However it is a great theatre and Citiwalk has many nice dining options. Now to the films!

LUCY'S PIANO

A short film starring Stephanie Zimbalist from Remington Steele. OK, I admit, I loved that show. This short film is a little overdramatic, BUT... it deals with a mothers grief for her daughter. Now you do not really get to meet the daughter before you find that she died. I didn't have a lot of sympathy for the situation because I didn't really feel invested in the emotional arc of the characters. I also wanted the writing to allow the mother to really lose it instead of only kinda losing it. However, despite the reasons I have stated, I actually really enjoyed the short film. It was very sweet and warmed my heart. And sometimes its just nice to see Ms. Zimbalist on the big screen!

FREE PARKING

I love scripts that use board games from my childhood as a plot device. I loved Monopoly and this movie used the idea of the game very well. It was a film about sibling rivalry and how an older sister bullies her younger sister in the game and in life by using the rules of the game. I thought this was a cute film and I truly enjoyed it. However, some of the shadows in this film had blue casts to them and that kinda drove me crazy.

GIRL STARS- ANITA THE BEEKEEPER

I saw this film at Hollyshorts and truly enjoyed it then. It is in someways a retelling of the story and at times a documentary. It is about a young girl who wants to go to school in India. To go to school she has to be able to help pay for it. This is the story of how she has been able to go to school and pay for her education up through college. Now Anita, has taken on a proffesion that is considered a mans job in India... Beekeeper. This truly is an inspiring tale of a young girl who defies the odds, her place in society and the village in which she lives so she can get an education and become a leader in her society. A remarkable journey of a remarkable girl with more courage and persevearance than most!

PUDDING BOWL

A young girl dreams of being as pretty as the movie stars she idolizes in her film books. An accident causes her hair to be shorn (A BOWL CUT) and she finally sees herself as beautiful. I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!! I completely got it and laughed and understood every choice. If you get a chance to see this film do it. It is a short that is worth every cinematic frame.

EVOCATION

An animation that spoke to the soul without uttering a word. A beautiful film that captured the symbolism, style and simplicity of the wings of a dove or the limb of a tree.

STEEL TOES

Based on the author/Directors play, this is a story of a jewish lawyer who defends and betters a young skinhead punk. It does not get preachy or show the evil the youth culture. It mearly tells a small story of two people connecting in a world with barriers. It has one of the best musical scores I have recenly heard. It has a sense of being a Mametian world the characters live in,without the Mamet dialogue. It was filmed very intimately and boasts two fantastic performances from Andrew Walker as the Nazi youth skinhead and David Straitharn as the liberal who helps him become an adult.

As the skinhead is in prison he states this one sentence that sums up the whole film for me... "In an ideal world I would have you eliminated. In this one I need you more than anyone." Yes. He means it but by the end of the film he has had some redemptin for his hateful crime and thoughts.

This is a beautiful film that is not afraid to show compassion. Go and see it as fast as you can. Go to www.steeltoesthemovie.com to learn more about this fantastic film!

Kristoffer

LA SHORTS FEST 1

2007-09-10T13:51:00.000-07:00

I arrived a bit early and there seemed to be a good turnout at the previous program segment. I actually arrived early enough to stop by IKEA, Loehmanns, and Barnes and Noble. I bought two ties… bet you can figure out where. I’m sitting in the lovely AMC 6 in Burbank, with its stadium seating, cushy seating awaiting the start of the 1PM program of shorts. Okay, I splurged and bought popcorn, which I will probably regret.
Now to the films...

CUP HALF EMPTY

The sound was a bit off at the very beginning of the film, but finally the sound matched up and so did our characters. He wants a relationship; she just wants to fool around. After he convinces her to dive in for something more, she decides it’s time to meet mommy and daddy and to plan the wedding, and he gets much more than he bargained for or even wanted. I actually found this one entertaining. A simple story with much humor.

THE MIDDLEMAN

This tale is about a bike messenger who recently had a break up with his girlfriend. Meanwhile he schleps letters and cookies between two elderly people either in a courtship or a relationship that has been going for some time. The messenger gets the idea to use the letters the elderly gentleman is writing to his sweetheart to rekindle his own relationship. It works. As is said, absence makes the heart grow stronger, and the elderly couple no longer receiving each other’s exchanges meet up and embrace. The end. A sweet story.

THE LOANER

I can’t help but think the women in the audience might get a bit pissed off with this story—any Lillian Hellman types around and all hell could have broken loose. Okay, that’s taking it a bit far. So our leading lady goes into a restaurant and is told that women can’t eat alone in the restaurant and that they would “loan” her a dining partner, a man of course. After several attempts to get a seat and even bringing a dog as her companion to try their famous crab cakes, she resorts to taking matters into her own hands and grabs the crab cake off another patron’s plate. Funny.

THE FEDERAL AFFAIR

A jealous boyfriend spies on his girlfriend in unconventional ways, with full on tactical gear, helicopters, surveillance, you name it. He surprises her as she is meeting with a strange man (who turns out to be her brother) and this is the last straw. She’s had enough and this time means business. This one was silly; on the verge of a Leslie Neilson comedy.

THE ONE

This film begins with a woman who has had enough of the dating game. She’s been through cancer and a man who couldn’t handle it and has wanted a family for some time. She wants a baby and has decided to go it alone. Enter a new guy through an awkward encounter in a stuck elevator and serendipity takes hold. He asks her out, they meet, they make love, and she still decides to go it alone in the baby department. We hurt for the guy, but we know what she’s been through and her resolve is stronger than her feelings for this guy. In the Q&A, the director, Deborah Reed, said this is being made into a feature.

DIAMONDS IN A BUCKET

God this one has so much potential. I really want to see more of it. It really made me uncomfortable in areas, which I think is good. This poor girl goes from one bad relationship to the next and she finds comfort in a singer/songwriter twice her age and he takes her in. We soon learn that she won’t be treated like an equal, but more as a servant. She’s almost okay with it, because it’s better than what she had, which is the uncomfortable part. It’s really sad that a she just doesn’t know any better and he’s just preying on her naïveté. I really think this can be taken further and developed into a full length feature.

MASCULINE TIMING

Okay, I don’t ever need to see another teenage girl masturbate on film again. I’m sure it’s tittilating for some, but I just don’t see the need for it. That aside, this film about teenage angst and when to give up one’s virginity is a common theme. In this treatment, however, the guy is being patient and the girl wants it and she takes him on a picnic to seduce him, when he finally blurts out “I want to fcuk you!” Okay, party’s over. She’s done, but then he says the right thing and she gives it up anyway. The actors did a good job and the film was well shot, just didn’t care much for the subject matter.

RB

FRIGHT NIGHT FILM FESTIVAL 5

2007-09-04T17:34:00.000-07:00

9 Lives of Mara Directed by Balaji K. Kumar

Young Robin believes his new step mother is a witch. With the help of his foul mouthed friend Larry, (hilariously played by Troy Gentile) the two discover a book, called The Malleus Maleficarium, which explains everything you would ever want to know about witchcraft, but were afraid to ask.

The movie was shot on 35mm and was visually breathtaking. The lighting, editing, direction, camera angles, and acting were all above par for a “low budget film” and in this reviewer’s opinion, blew the competition out of the water at the Fright Night Film Fest in Louisville KY. Not only is the look of the film excellent, but the storytelling is exceedingly well done. Director Kumar uses some very interesting techniques. One of the techniques used was replacing the young Robin with an older Robin in different scenes. Partly done because the older Robin spends much of the film “narrating” flashbacks to his psychiatrist, but, I also believe that Kumar may have had a deeper purpose than that. As a teacher, I am constantly made aware of young children having to be exposed to adult situations and having to grow up too fast in a cruel world. I believe Kumar was making a commentary about the state of a society that abuses, victimizes, and overwhelms its children with adult horrors, only to discover that a child’s vengeance can be just as severe and horrific as any adult’s. When the older Robin is used in ‘flashback images’ of the film, you begin to understand the harshness of Robin’s adult decision to kill his step mother even though he is just a kid. Both Robins were convincingly portrayed by Chad Donella (older Robin) and Bret Loehr (younger Robin). Using, treating, and trying children as adults is a continued theme in this film, even through a series of court scenes (that looked as though they were taken straight out of the a-ha video “Take on Me”).

I read a few reviews of this film that were concerned with the theme of witch hunting and women. Stating that since Robin refers to The Malleus Maleficarium (used during the Inquisition to hunt down and slaughter young women believed to be witches) to help him kill his step mother, this film is misogynistic in nature. I disagree; this film is a Thriller… a keep you guessing….psychological thriller, which is anything but misogynistic towards women. We the viewers never actually see Mara kill anyone in this film, begging the question…Is she really a witch? Or is Robin just nuts? Even the ending explanation, which can be interpreted in many ways, leaves us wondering and guessing. Don’t put too much into it folks, it’s just a story, and a pretty good one to boot. With Shakespearian plot twists, Lovecraftian influences, film noir visualizations and Grimm characters, the 9 Lives of Mara is a must see.

For more information go to:
http://www.9livesofmara.com/

Last but not least, as I come to the end of my blogs for the Fright Night Film Fest, I want to put one last “Shout Out” to writer Sean Clark and his wonderful TV series Horror’s Hallowed Grounds. Apparently Sean Clark created this television show, but had to put it on hiatus while he completed his up-coming full length feature film called The Black Waters of Echo’s Pond, starring Robert Patrick. I hope, hope, hope, that Horror’s Hallowed Grounds will get picked up by a network soon. Perhaps Mr. Clark will be able to focus on his TV show now that his film is in post production. Horror’s Hallowed Grounds was originally an on-line article on DreadCentral.com and was later developed into a television show. Sean Clark travels around visiting the locations of horror and cult films, showing what they are like today, while doing retrospectives of the films. While at the film fest in Louisville, I got to see an episode…it rocked! One of my most favorite things to do while I am traveling is to find horror film locations…just this past summer I drove down the Northern California coast, making my friends NUTS with my constant quotes from The Fog…”There is something in the fog, stay out of the fog!”…
Anyway, I think the concept for this television show is wonderful and I truly hope to see more episodes in the future.
For more information go to:
http://www.horrorshallowedgrounds.com/ or
http://dreadcentral.com/index.php?name=Sections&req=listarticles&secid=1

Docuweek Part 3

2007-08-31T12:28:00.000-07:00

A half a block west from the busy intersection of Sunset and Vine sits the Cinerama Dome, a landmark in Hollywood history and a haven for film enthusiasts for the past four generations. This 72-foot geodesic dome is one of the most notable theatres in Los Angeles and is the site for numerous blockbuster premieres. The Cinerama Dome is newly renovated with 20 multiplex additions accompanied by all the amenities, such as a posh café, bar, outdoor patio, and souvenir shop---very L.A.

The ArcLight Theatre is the home of the 11th annual DocuWeek. DocuWeek is a theatrical showcase presented by the International Documentary Association bringing us the finest in documentary films for a one week engagement. The Price of Sugar and Nanking are two of the more than dozen films depicting the elements of human drama from different parts of the world and time periods.

The Price of Sugar

Director Bill Haney, along with co-writer Peter Rhonda, brings us an intriguing piece from the Dominican Republic. One of the most interesting aspects of documentary films is the ability to bring us real life human stories beyond what we see on the evening news. The Price of Sugar is the story of the sugar cane industry and its debilitating and dehumanizing practice of using Haitian laborers. It is also one mans struggle and fight to bring some type of justice to the immorality and treatment of the Haitian plantation workers.

For the most part, the Dominican Republic is noted as a vacation paradise in the winter months attracting vacationers from the United States and Europe. However, just a few miles inland from the white sandy beaches and clear crystal blue water lies 250,000 acres of sugar plantations. These lush plantations are worked daily by Haitian immigrants smuggled into the Dominican Republic and are promised good jobs, fair wages, and better living conditions then their economically and politically oppressed country of Haiti. Given less than 90 cents a day, these workers find themselves subjected to unfair and appalling labor practices, extreme poverty, and forced concentration type conditions.

Father Christopher Hartley walks down a rural shantytown village under the partly cloudy blue skies of the Caribbean and greets a Haitian villager with the warmest of hugs, greetings, and salutations. The stubble bearded Catholic missionary is a man of godly determination, one whose persistent and rebellious nature has led him to his current calling, which is to help the Haitians from the quagmires of a corrupt system. Born into a wealthy and privileged family in Madrid, Spain, Father Hartley’s calling to serve God came at a very young age; his service in the church has led him down a road of aiding the suffering and the oppressed.
Inspired by the work of Mother Teresa, with whom he worked with for 20 years in England and Calcutta, and now serves as the primary leader and messiah-like figure for the Haitians.

Yet, Father Hartley is under extreme opposition. One out of five sugar plantations is controlled by large families, one being the Vicini Family, whose invisible hands control everything regarding the plantations and are as brutal and sharp as the machetes that cut the canes. Not only does Father Hartley and his supporters have to deal with the Vicini family, but there is strong retaliation by the Dominicans, politicians, and media all whom are controlled and financially supported by the Vicini Family. Like a Colombian drug cartel, the Vicini Family is allegedly responsible or tied to the numerous killings and disappearances of resistant plantation workers whose only crime was to create a better life for their families.

It is here that the story gains momentum and the dramatic events begin to sway like the lush palm trees that make up this green landscape of corruption and strife. It is a struggle for liberation and what is right for the Haitians: fair labor, adequate living conditions, proper nutrition, education, and the right to a legal identity.

The Price of Sugar is a very straight forward documentary; it is a beautifully photographed piece of journalism that brings to life the people of Haiti and the tropical landscape of the Dominican Republic. Through the use of color still photography, cinematographers Jerry Risius and Eric Cochran, capture the suffering and inhumane conditions of the Haitian people. These intimate portraits allow us to visually see and feel the suffering, yet beauty of these people.

This is a film with a clear and potent message, one that deserves a much wider distribution beyond a film festival. It is a film that allows us to critically analyze and think about the plight of third world countries and the debilitating conditions still existing beyond our privileged borders. Hopefully, once viewed, it will be discussed when sipping our cups of coffee with sugar.

Nanking

War, whether for good or bad, has this uncanny ability to allow men to perpetuate some of most inhumane and heinous acts upon other men. World War II has characteristics of not only a tremendous amount of military casualties, but unlike World War I it bore a great deal of civilian suffering and casualties.

The obvious was the war in Europe which bred the ideals of genocide and human atrocity worse than anyone could possibly imagine. Yet, in the early years of the war in Asia, Nanking and its Chinese citizens were murdered and raped at the hands of the Japanese Imperialistic Army bringing the carnage that was only once known to have occurred only in Europe far into the land of China.

Nanking is a vivid account of the tragic events that took place during Japan’s overthrow and invasion of the city of Nanking in 1937. The events were taken from the diaries and letters of a handful of Westerners working and living in Nanking at the time of the invasion. Four years before Pearl Harbor, Japan attacked China first by sacking the city of Shanghai then making its imperialistic slaughter into the capital of Nanking, China.

In the Fall of 1937, Nanking being one of the four great ancient capitals of China, was a busy, bustling metropolitan city sitting on the beautiful banks of the Yangtze River. Surrounded by picturesque lakes it was a time of tremendous urbanization where citizens went about their daily business on crowded streets. It was also the current home and working place for a group of westerners, ranging from doctors, nurses, missionaries, businessmen, and diplomats.

On August 15, 1937 Japan commenced a series of bombing raids debilitating its infrastructure and crippling the city and its resources. As the days progressed bombing raids one after another continued and the rumors of an impending Japanese army began to develop. Directors Bill Guttentag and Dan Sturman paint the painful imagery through a series of personal and eyewitness accounts from the surviving citizens. In addition, the testimonials of the Westerners are brought to life through their readings of their words done through the cameo performances of actors and actresses such as Woody Harrelson, John Getz, Muriel Hemingway, and others.

More bombing raids continue and everyone is ordered to evacuate the city. Without the means, the poor are left behind and the city is not only laid to rubble but is slowly deserted. Soon questions of morality begin to arise regarding the poor. Should they be rescued? With the dedicated help of these brave Westerners, whose service of the highest kind is to assist the remaining Chinese citizens through this tragic ordeal. Night after night, day after day, more bombing raids continue, putting Nanking in a state of terror waiting for the Japanese Army to arrive.

The Westerners banded together. Missionary George Fitch suggests that a safety zone be implemented for the remaining Chinese citizens; after a series of diplomatic setbacks a safety zone is established and provisions and supplies are requested and an international committee is instituted.

Thousands of displaced Chinese men, women, and children seek refuge into the safety zone with hopes that the Japanese bombs land outside the zone’s perimeters. Within 25 miles from the city the Japanese army begins to shell Nanking using land artillery fire, with all that has ensued the worst is yet to come.

Although half of the story telling is done through the acted out readings, these are not as moving as the testimonies of the surviving citizens. It is here that we get the real sense of the viciousness that occurred. For example a Chinese man whom at the time was around 10 or 11, tells the emotional heart breaking story of how a Japanese soldier bayoneted his mother, killing her and savagely stabbing his baby brother. There were 20,000 cases of rape that occurred during the first month of the Japanese occupation of Nanking, one victim graphically recants her hellish ordeal. It is stories and experiences such as these that give the film a sort of hopeless melancholy and leaves you in a bit of a stupor.

However, newsreel and photographic imagery is the foundation in bringing these stark testimonies to life. Guttentag and Sturman lead you down a trail of archival news footage coupled with black and white photographs depicting the atrocities. Yet, the most moving and disturbing piece of the film is the 8mm movie reels that were smuggled out of Nanking depicting the grotesque and vivid injuries inflicted on the Chinese citizens.

With music supported by the solemn strings of the Kronos Quartet, Nanking is a film that is not quite easy to digest. The message sometimes gets diluted in the graphic imagery, but it is a film that will disturb you…if that is the intended goal. It is another chapter in the annuals of war, a chapter in World War II that is relatively unknown until now. Yet, it is a poignant reminder of the evils committed by overthrowing dictatorships and the compassionate struggle of foreigners in a foreign land to save thousands of innocent lives.
Rowan Harrison

FRIGHT NIGHT FILM FESTIVAL 4

2007-08-29T14:26:00.000-07:00

GIMME SKELTER

Written and directed by Scott Phillips, follows a group of characters in a small (very small, pop. 67) New Mexico town. The story follows character Todd Aherne and his girlfriend Jonda. After Todd makes a horrible mistake of infidelity, he not only jeopardizes his relationship with Jonda, but risks the lives of everyone he knows; his friends and neighbors. When night falls, the town is taken over by a young band of would-be serial killers. The leader of this ‘family’ is the self-proclaimed son of Jesus Christ. Todd must try to survive through night in order to save Jonda -- and himself.
Billed as a “MAGNOLIA with gore”, this film rocks! I loved it. First off, it opens with a surprise ending, I mean, a surprise beginning… and keeps the pace going throughout. Gunnar Hansen is wonderful and it was great fun to see him perform again. His performance was convincing and engaging. Actually, all the performances were well done, most notability the actor who played Jesus’ son…was so charismatic I couldn’t take my eyes off him. The female characters were written with surprising (and delightful) fierceness. But the one element that separated this film from all the others at the festival…was the fantastic soundtrack! The music in this film was amazing, I not only thought it enhanced the movie as a whole, but it was some damn good Rock-n-Roll. I highly recommend Gimme Skelter, go check it out as soon as you can.

To see the awesome trailer go to:
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=10317935

For more info go to:
http://www.edpmovies.com/skelter.html
or http://www.horror-movies.ca/horror_8849.html

Docuweek Part 2

2007-08-29T14:22:00.000-07:00

A Promise to the Dead: The Exile Journey of Ariel Dorfman

This is an exploration of exile, memory, longing and democracy through the words and memories of playwright/author/activist, Ariel Dorfman (Death and the Maiden, How to Read Donald Duck, Other Septembers). The documentary was filmed in the USA, Argentina and Chile in late 2006 coinciding with the death of former Chilean dictator, Augusto Pinochet.

It took a few days to process this film, directed by Peter Raymont. Given the nature of the material, there’s lots to think about, to try to be objective. I have read another review, and that reviewer felt the film failed in “giving us a deeper understanding of the trauma of exile”. He also calls the film biographical. It’s not. Not by any stretch of the imagination. It’s a historical autobiography on film. (It always amazes me how reviewers will review for the work they wanted to see, and not the work as presented by the creators). I submit it does’nt take much to intuit the trauma of exile, and I did not feel it failed on this question, but I do agree the impact of exile was secondary, (by necessity), to the story of the tyrannical terrorism which caused the exiles and the comparison of the two 9/11’s. He also says the film won’t achiever much box office success. Do documentaries achieve box office success??? Unless you’re Al Gore or Leonard???

Ariel Dorfman is very easy to watch and listen to. A very personable professor! We see his strengths, but he is not keeping his weaker moments from us. His doubts about why he did’nt die that day, (unknown to him at the time his name was crossed off the list of those cabinet members to be called because “someone had to live to tell the story”), the pain of finding his grandmother’s resting place (he had put it off because it was so painful, and then could’nt find it). The meetings and interviews with his old compadres, never having lost the effect of the terror, 34 years later. The editing is the best part of the film. I never got lost or confused, though the film jumps from country to country, from decade to decade, and involves several different major historical events of the 20th century as they affected his family, as well as interlacing archived film/news footage.

The most moving portions was the coverage on the Desaparecidos (the Disappeared) and the scene where Dorfman meets with the women of the Desaparecidos and tells them they are what made him. They are exiled as well, though living in their own country still, they have no resolution.

But the parallels between Chile’s 9/11 and the 9/11 of the US are what the film is about, for me. When it happened in Chile, Dorfman and his friends said “but it could’nt happen here.” Which is what so many of us in the US have been saying since 2000. The lesson of the ease of forming a dictatorial style police state and the resulting threat to a democracy in response to a crisis. As he says, as the United States, so goes the world. Looking ahead to 2008, it’s a warning.

Politics are very personal. And that time in Chile was very complicated, lots of factions. Salvador Allende was a father figure to many of his followers who at that time saw Socialism as an answer. The accepted account now is that Allende committed suicide on 9/11, 1973. But that’s another story.

Ariel Dorfman made a promise as he was escaping Chile, running for his life into exile. He promised his dead they would be remembered. And now thru their memory they are speaking to us, giving their warning. America, take care.

He kept his promise.

DMeehan

FRIGHT NIGHT FILM FESTIVAL 3

2007-08-23T09:55:00.000-07:00

The final four films I saw at the Fright Night Film Fest held in the ‘Derby City’, ranged from excellent to disgusting. I will save the best 2 for last…

Scrapbook, Directed by Eric Stanze, uses the tagline: “true horror is simply what one human being can do to another.” This film was by far the most disturbing and horrific film I saw at the festival. I didn’t realize (until I researched later) that this film was originally released in 2000, and then re-released “uncensored and uncut”, in 2005. So, it hardly qualifies as a ‘new’ film….but I watched it, so I will give it my 2 cents worth. I feel that I have to review it, since it affected me to “the point of no return”, both figuratively and literally. There are horror movies; scary ones, gory ones, funny, sci-fi, fantasy, psychological….and the list goes on. Few horror directors use violence with such realism and honesty that they are painful to watch. This type of ‘in your face’ realistic ugliness can be upsetting for many audience viewers. Films like Last House on the Left, I Spit On Your Grave, or even that scene from Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer where Otis is watching the video tape on the couch…yeah that one, are usually to ‘hard core’ for the average movie goer. Scrapbook is one of these films. I can say however, I did enjoy watching the ‘old school’ above mentioned films. Sure, there were disturbing scenes, but overall I liked them. Scrapbook goes beyond these earlier endeavors, making them feel like a Disney cartoon. The level of violence is more than I want to see personally, although, I’m sure Stanze has a fan base and there is no denying that this film is a brutally honest and terrifying film. While watching Scrapbook I felt as though I had been out walking around in the country alone one day when I discovered this weird cracker box farm house in the middle of BFE. I decide to look through the rusty screen…. and what I see through the window is a guy and girl sitting at a disgustingly dirty table with a book between them....

Serial killer, Leonard (Tommy Biondo), kidnaps, repeatedly rapes and tortures a woman then forces her to record the experience in a ‘scrapbook’ before she is executed. Clara (Emily Haack) is kept locked up in a filthy room inside a filthy home, where her abductor unleashes all kinds of physical and emotional torture on her. I must give praise to actress Emily Haack and her portrayal of Clara. I don’t know many actresses who would go through what she went through for the sake of making a film…amazing.

Practically the entire movie is filmed with just two characters and we get to see all the graphic brutality, every thing that happens to Clara, we see it. I DID NOT see all of it, however. I had to leave after the 4th (or was it the 5th) rape scene…yep, I suuure did! I left the screening room. It was too much for me. I can admit that. And if anyone decides to watch this film make SURE you know your own threshold. I get it…I do. It’s isn’t about making a scary movie, it’s about showing more than anyone has ever shown before, to push the boundaries of filmmaking beyond all previous limits. Director Eric Stanze and (now deceased) Screenwriter Tommy Biondo wanted people like me to leave the theatre; they want their audiences to be freaked out and uncomfortable. Congratulations, you were successful.

Even though I can’t, in good conscience, recommend this film, for viewing. I do recommend going to the following web-sites for reading more about it. You may decide you can handle it and give it a shot….feel free! Just know, you have been warned!
http://www.wickedpixel.com/films/scrapbook/filmfacts.php
http://www.horrortalk.com/reviews/Scrapbook/scrapbook.html

Salvation, by J.A. Steel (one of the few female film makers represented at the festival) was more of a fantasy film than horror. Filmed in Oklahoma, Salvation begins with the murder of the Knights Templar in 1307 by the Catholic Church. The souls of two of the Knights burned at the stake; Malchezidek (Ben Bayless) and Gabriel (J.A. Steel) are condemned to continue the battle between good and evil, fighting for souls. Wanting to find a predecessor and end her existence, Gabriel saves a murdered 8 year old girl named Michaela (Alyssa Wilson) and hides her in a small town. Several years pass when Michaela (Heather Surdukan) finally meets Gabriel and begins her training. Michaela ultimately confronts the Biker Gang that killed her and her father 15 years earlier. Michaela must choose sides in the battle between Malchezidek and Gabriel and decide her own fate in Purgatory. Does she replace Gabriel as the “Angel of Death”? You must watch and find out.
J.A. Steel’s “Highlanderesque” film was full of sword play and black leather…cool. It was not only entertaining, but a well conceived story. The acting was a little stiff at times, and the sub plot line between Gabriel and Malchezidek becomes a little muddled in the middle. But the choreography and effects are fun (if not bordering on cheesy) and the overall story is pretty good. It’s worth the view. I also have to add…”Girls Kick Ass”!

For more information and trailer go to:
www.warriorentertainment.com

Now a few more fun pics from the convention floor!

Lost In Space

Bob May from Lost In Space

Andre Gower (Monster Squad) crushing on our own GypsyTishy

Michael Berryman (The Hills Have Eyes) & GypsyTishy
GypsyTishy

RIVERS EDGE FILM FESTIVAL

2007-08-22T11:45:00.000-07:00

The Rivers Edge Film Festival is fantastic. Located in Paducah KY, right in the heart of the thriving arts district. Paducah is also home to the National Quilting Museum, The wonderful Market House Theatre and home to many artists who have taken advantage of the lofts provided by the city to resident artists! What a wonderful place for a film fest. And what a great staff and volunteers. Hard working and numerous as well as knowledgeable and full of Southern charm and friendliness. Now to some of the films.....

COMMIT
A campy romp through the final days of a couple that meet on the internet, form a suicide pact and finally meet face to face.
Written and directed by Mickey Blaine, Commit was shot in 3 continous takes over a two day period on a budget of less than $10,000..
Nicole Blaine as Trista and Forest Erickson as Perry are believable as the lead characters in this disturbing, yet oddly romantic film.
If you enjoy the television series Friends and the motion picture Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, You will love Commit! Best Film at the Longbaugh Film Festival 2007, and the Best of the Fest Riversedge Film Festival 2007

SEMPER FI, ONE MARINE'S JOURNEY
Born in Parish, Alabama, raised Church of Christ, Jeff Key tells his story of family commitment, patriotism and being a homosexual Marine.
Saturated with symbolism, my favorite scene was Jeff driving through his hometown talking about the ramifications of 'coming out', the camara stays focused on the solid double yellow line on the road...'do not cross'. Or, as the Marine's say "Don't ask, don't tell". At 6'4 and square jawed and speaking with quiet authority, Jeff Key is a Marine's Marine.
Directed by Vince DiPersio
Juror's Award at Riversedge Film Festival 2007

Drama Short Program:

COUGH DROP
Ten year old Kate lives with her over-achiever father, law student and demanding mother and finds comfort in a ride home from school. A ride with a stranger...his kind words send Kate searching for more. The foreboding story is all too real as the young actress conveys her thoughts through eye and facial expression as much as dialog. Any parent seeing this film will immediately have 'that' talk with their children!
Directed by Kristina Lear
Honorable Mention at Riversedge Film Festival 2007

PLAN F
Ed Marko, an Occupational Therapist turned auto-mechanic lost his eyesight to a degenerative disease at age 20. Following Marko through his daily routine of struggling to find nuts, bolts and tools reminds me of the Day-In-The-Life-Of series. I enjoyed this film and applaude Marko for his ability to deal with the everyday tasks of being an auto-mechanic dispite his blindness.
Directed by Casey Hayward

INVISIBLE
As Hannah's father reels from the death of his wife, young Hanna escapes into a world of fantasy that allows her to become invisible. She entertains her younger sister, plays tricks on people, seeks revenge on a classmate and ultimately pulls her Father from the brink of dispair.
Directed by Darren Bolton

BLINDNESS
Richard meets Karen at a sculpture garden. A painfully shy man, Richard finds comfort in Karen's easy manner, Karen is blind. Follow them as their relationship grows and sequentially peels away layers of their character revealing Richard's shyness to be much more of a disability than Karen's blindness.
Directed by Helio San Miguel

AMUSEMENT SHORTS

BLINDERS
I laughed out loud! Well done spoof about a blind date that goes back and forth between what the characters are actually thinking and what they actually say. Blunt is the key word here. He is overly concerned with how to get her into his bed and she thinks he is too macho for his own good. Like a play within a play, we see both conversations take place as if it's normal.
Directed by Sven Kamm

CON
The story revolves around a young man who finds that he can con his way through life. We see him conning women for money, using his Mother as the hook and engaging his friend in the robbery of the bank he is manager of. This story was not entertaining nor was it new. I did not find it funny or believable.
Directed by Brandon Bennett

MR EXTION
A wonderfully silly film about....well....about nothing really! Two friends volley a series of ideas centered around two men in a fishing boat.
The brief scenes are hilarious and the ending is...well...explosive!

MANHOOD
This spoof on husbandry is wonderfully delivered in curt, humorous messages. A suburban housewife relies on a super-macho neighbor to help with tasks that her 'almost feminized' husband is unable to do. When war breaks out and they are forced to live in the deep woods, fending for themselves, characters change as the wife takes on an almost cave-woman role and the super-macho neighbor undergoes a change that is the twist in this very funny film.
Directed by Melani Jones

PRODUCING FICTION
A gem of a film! Boy meets girl, boy tries to impress girl, boy seriously mistakes what girl will view as sweet! The clumbsy attempt at romance between two college students is portrayed in such a way that everyone can relate to the pitfalls of being young.
This was my favorite film of the festival and wonderfully executed by the team of:
Matthew Dressel, Director and Co-writer
Aaron Dias, Co-writer and camara operator
Joe Laviska, Key grip
Amanda Karasienski, Producer

EMBEDDED
Two soldiers are caught behind enemy lines with a reporter that will 'do anything to get his story'. While intended to be funny, this films proves to be painfully true to life in regards to media sensationalism.
Directed by Greg O'Bryant

More to come from this fantastic KY Festival!!

Ben, Patti and Vicki

FRIGHT NIGHT FILM FESTIVAL 2

2007-08-21T09:44:00.000-07:00

My third film of the festival was Monstrosity, by George Bonilla. Filmed on location in Richmond Kentucky, this film featured John Dugan of the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Bonilla won the award for Best Special Effects at the Fright Night Film Fest in 2006, for The Edison Death Machine.

Monstrosity starts out well enough. 10 years ago, carnival side show freak, billed as “Monstrosity”, breaks out of the circus and begins a killing spree. Monstrosity is a big ‘pig faced’ rubbery mutant with fangs and a clown wig, who just wants to be loved, his weapon of choice….a sledge hammer. Within the first 15 minutes of the film; Monstrosity kills 5 victims and we find new meaning in the term “giving head”. Unfortunately, this momentum is not sustained through out the film. Flash forward 10 years (present time), to a group of young people who decide to sneak into the old William’s Factory (the site of the murders, several year earlier) for a little late night party. Booze, dope, coke, pills, sex, and rock-n-roll in an abandoned factory… = Bad Idea. The group of six uncover a secret in the factory and spend the remainder of the movie trying to survive. Monstrosity starts out of the gate with a bang, and then becomes excessively sluggish. It is another 30-40 min. (app.) before Monstrosity kills again. John Dugan is funny as the Sheriff, in his cameo, but his bit is completely wasted and far too short! Although, I did appreciate killing 3 cops in one swoop!

The music used in this film is eclectic and somewhat irritating, as it at times sounds like a child’s toy whose battery is dying, to a warped Asia song (Couple’s Skate anyone?), then into some weird belly dancing hymn. The ‘death scenes’ are good enough and the plot line is mediocre. Monstrosity himself should have been a little less ‘clownish’ and more ‘freakish’. The worst part was at the end, when Monstrosity turns into a great big loveable pussy. I have never liked the idea of monster redemption; he’s a horrible insane mutant who keeps a severed head as his lover… not Anakin Skywalker. Let the monster be a monster.

For more clips and information on Monstrosity go to:
http://www.myspace.com/zpinternational
http://www.comiccitytn.com/PressKit32207.pdf

Aaahhh, and now for one of the highlights of the festival, DEAD MOON RISING, directed by Mark E. Poole. A strange disease consumes the world and the infected become brain eating ‘zombies’. The employees at Cheapskate Car Rental in Louisville (pronounced Lou a vuhl) Kentucky are thrust into the mayhem and have to fight off masses of flesh eaters, disgruntled customers, crazy ex-girlfriends, NRA buff brothers, issues with guns, and ‘pre-mature urination’ problems. Can the employees of Cheapskate survive the end of the world and unite the remaining biker gangs of Louisville to defeat the intestine grubbing un-dead? DEAD MOON RISING features; a cast of 14, 600 chopper bikes, and 1200 extras. This “Zomedy” has it all. A well written script, decent acting (memorable performances include Jason Crowe as “Jim”, Mike Seely as “Nick”, and Tucky Williams as “Vix”), ghouls, girls, guns, guts, and glory!

Writer/director/producer Mark E. Poole calls his Louisville-based film a hybrid of “SHAUN OF THE DEAD, 28 DAYS LATER and HIGH FIDELILTY.” The audience for this viewing was huge; everyone seemed to like the film and laughed quite a bit. Fright Night Film Fest awarded the Silver Screen award for Best Zombie Film to DEAD MOON RISING. The feature had previously won the Audience Award for Best Feature at the Cine-Fest 2007 and Best of the Fest at the BIG DAMN FILM FEST 2007 in Cincinnati OH. Check it out ya’ll! For more information on DEAD MOON RISING go to: http://www.anubisdigital.com/

gypsytishy

Here are a few more pics of some horror royalty!

Sharon Ceccati Hill and Clayton Hill from Dawn of the Dead (Lead Zombies)

Edwin Neall-The Hitchhiker!

gypsytishy

DOCUWEEK Post 1

2007-08-20T16:20:00.000-07:00

Docuweek is a Theatrical Documentary Showcase presented by The International Documentary Association. It is not run like most "Film Festivals" because it only has 13 programs performing twice daily- every day. So you can always be able to see the films that you want. I love this as it gave me many options to attend date and time wise!

The showcases are performing at two different venues. the first is the magnificent ARCLIGHT CINEMAS in Hollywood. Go to http://www.arclightcinemas.com/ to learn more about this theatre. I truly feel it is the best place to see film in LA. Just my opinion. And it also is home to the world famous Cinerama Dome!

The second theatre is the LANDMARK on West Pico. Also a fab theatre, and one I have recently written about during The LA Film Fest.

Now to the films I have seen so far.

LARRY FLYNT: THE RIGHT TO BE LEFT ALONE
Directed By Joan Brooker-Marks

This was such an interesting film. It did portray Flynt as an American hero who is at the fore-front of the battle for civil liberties. And I would agree that he is. However, I know that many people would disagree. This was a film that believes in Flynt. I found the film very informative. It placed alot of time into his fights with the courts and the legal system. As well as delved into the pools of his relationships. It was nice to be able to see the people who inspired the Award winning film in their own words and skin. This film showed some of the sadness of the subject as well as his pain and fear. I truly think it is a documentary about the best we have in each of us in the face of adversity. Everyone can relate, whether they agree with Mr. Flynt or not.
I was sad that I missed the Q&A as they were not there when I saw the film. However, the director and the subject have been appearing at times. A definite see!

KURT COBAIN ABOUT A SON
Directed By AJ Schnack

It was like listening to a ghost tell his story. Very eerie at first for me, since I was one of the legions of fans. The film is based upon a series of taped interviews that Cobain did with his biographer. It happened when all of the bad press about drugs, parenting skills and band dissension was at its furor and Cobain wanted to tell the truth. By giving these interviews he gained a trust with the biographer and unprecedented intimacy was given. I was shocked at times.
I was also amazed at how self absorbed he was. Cobain, is like a rock God. He is in the pantheon with Hendrix, Joplin and Morrison. I bet they were a little narcissistic too. Cobain seemed to strive to be different. To cause strife with those he branded "Normal". He seemed at times shallow and fearful and sad. The honestness of this movie makes it one of the most insightful looks at the mind of what it is to be fame.
Visually, we do not even see Cobain or any of the "individuals" of the film until the very end. The star of this film is the visual world that Cobain used to inhabit. AJ Schnack took us to the places Cobain speaks about from his childhood to his adulthood. It is ugly, visceral and honest through and through.
The Q&A with the director was informative and nice. It was an early day showing and the audience left before the Q&A. It was just me and one other there when we spoke. It was informal and seemed like a nice chat. I would have loved to hear what a full audience would have asked. A GREAT FILM and one that is coming to the Nuart in LA sometime soon.

Kristoffer

FRIGHT NIGHT FILM FESTIVAL 1

2007-08-20T15:40:00.000-07:00

2007 FRIGHT NIGHT FILM FEST
Louisville, KY.
August 17-19

I have always been a fan of horror in all forms; books, movies, television…etc. As a small child in the early 70’s it was all about Scooby Doo, but I as grew older so did my taste in the macabre. I remember being 6 yrs. old, hiding behind the couch and sneaking peaks at the TV as my father watched Twilight Zone episodes. I still have not recovered from “The Invaders”. Then the teen years hit and it was the 1980’s, horror movies and heavy metal, baby! Now, as a woman in her thirties, I look back on my youth with fondness. Many ‘foggy’ nights I spent hangin’ out with “Leatherface”, “Michael Myers”, “Jason Voorhees”, and “Freddy Kruger”.

TONY MORAN Original Michael Myers

John Dugan "Granpa" Texas Chainsaw Massacre with our fabulous reporter Tish Usher (GypsyTishy)

You can imagine how excited I was to discover that these ‘old friends’ of mine were all going to be at the Fright Night Film Fest in Louisville Kentucky. With my camera, tape recorder, notebook, and Sharpie in tow…I headed out into the darkness.

The first film I saw was MISADVENTURES IN SPACE, by Jerry Williams.

This low-budget local film was an Ed Wood Jr. sci-fi wannabe. I am honestly not completely sure what the plot was about. With over 20 different characters and 5 different locations it was difficult to keep it all straight. An evil empire is bent on destroying the earth and earth supporters. The evil “Octopi Empire” headed up by (several different) evil baronesses, is trying to take over; the Prime Planet, spaceships #7 and #8, as well as, an Ice Princess’ Lair, and a few other sites I can’t remember. Character “Alien Incognito” tries to help the Captain of spaceship #8 (who is also a porn addict) from the Octopi Empire. There was also a stuffed teddy bear named “Roswell Doggett”. Locations were depicted by (poorly) hand drawn pictures with a couple of computer generated explosions. Most shots were close-ups with changing card board scenery (shifting from white sheets to aluminum foil curtains), all filmed in black and white. With sultans, baronesses, aliens, teddy bears, robot dates, horny monsters, heroes, seers, captains, sailors, admirals, and even an Ice Princess whose scepter was dildo….this film was SCREAMING for Tom Servo and Crow to watch and add comments (believe me it would’ve helped). Although this parody was really awful, it was pretty funny and you could tell that the cast and crew were having fun doing it. There were references and inside jokes from Star Trek, to Rocky to Forbidden Zone. Here are some of my personal favorite quotes:
“Take this vixen from the void!”
“Rip off their noses and shove them up their asses. Then rip off their rectums and shove them into their ears. Then rip off their ears and shove them up your own asses!”

For a closer look at the trailer visit:
http://www.ifilm.com/video/2831330

The second film of the evening was INTRUSION, by Craig Everett Earl of Louisville Kentucky.

Earl tries to break the chain of the usual slasher horror film; by giving his audience more back ground and character development of the characters. Two young women, Holly and her best friend Kali decide it would be a good idea (even though it never is) to do some prank phone calls…just for fun and games. One of the prank calls they make is to Raymond Hummel, whos own personal life has taken a severe turn for the worst. Raymond is not in a ‘good place’ when he receives a prank call from Holly and Kali. Raymond begins to stalk Holly and her friends, one by one. I liked this film, I found it somewhat refreshing. The female characters were not idiots and had some sense (they actually had some fight and spunk in them). The character of Raymond was also given a ‘meatier’ role, then the usual psycho killer. At times Raymond (played by Lee Haycraft) looked so normal and un-creepy, that I couldn’t believe he was a killer. My only suggestion is that if Mr. Earl really wants to make a film that is against the usual horror/thriller norm, give his audiences a little more incentive than “prank phone calls gone bad”. All in all, I will be interested to see the growth of Craig Everett Earl’s future films.

For clips and more information about Intrusion:
http://www.myspace.com/intrusionmovie

A few more cool pics from the convention floor!

GypsyTishy

HOLLYSHORTS DAY 3

2007-08-19T00:27:00.000-07:00

Once again at the fabulous CINESPACE. And the films began. OH! By the way the food here is fantastic.

Sexy Thing (Australia)

This is a film about a young girl being sexually abused. Hard to watch at times. However, extremely wellmade and beautifully acted by the strong cast. A very subtle piece of filmmaking.

Fission (USA)

A music video of sorts that is a piece of performance art. The imagery is awesome.

5:55 (Mexico)

The sound on this film was messed up. I do not know if it was the film or the screening, but it bothered me alot. There is alot of questions in this movie that are never answered or even asked sometimes. I thought it was confusing.

Fortune Hunter (USA)

What a sweet film. Set in San Fran this is a romantic comedy taht will one day be a feature film. I just know it. It was very well directed and acted. I particularly loved the story. A very wonderful film.

Gone (USA)

A music video produced for Current TV. I call it the Al Gore channel. A nice look at the destruction of our world. Great images and beautifully shot.

Once Upon A Christmas Village (USA)

I sat down and interviewed Michael Attardi look for it on our website soon. This is the perfect Christmas special on CBS. It is the perfect gem of a christmas story that you think has been around for years. But it is an original film that is so well done and written that I have fallen in love with it. The music is great and the animation is wonderful. You should look for the feature of this film sometime in the near future.

Life in Transition (USA)

Another brilliant piece of animation. A Dali-esque landscape about the surrealness of beginings and endings. Beautiful!

Tomoko's Kitchen (USA)

OK. I admit that I really got sucked inby this film. It is extremely cute in its portrayal of every stereotype imaginable. But I liked it. The writing is very stilted. But I liked it. It's.... Oh does it matter I kinda liked it! It's a melodrama.

When I Grow Up (USA)

Another great piece of animation that has many different illustrators and techniques throughout. Drawn to interviews from the young and the old about what they will be or would have been when they grow up. Very sweet and inspiring.

Dartsville (USA)

OK! This off beat redneck comedy made me pee my pants. Seriously. A laugh riot from begining to end. I loved this movie!

Alex Scott: A Stand for Hope
This very touching documentary is about Alex Scott, a little girl who battled cancer and in the end lost her personal fight, but waged on to raise money for her own treatment and pediatric cancer research. She set out to reach her own one million dollar goal selling lemonade and with the help of her family and communities across the nation (selling lemonade), that dream became a reality. People were leaving the theatre room in tears. It was a very moving piece and I highly recommend seeing it. “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”

The Fluffer
Although there is no mention of sexual orientation, you get the idea that this guy is straight, and he’s a fluffer. Fluffer-an off-stage person hired to keep a male porn star in a state of erection (Webster’s New Millennium Dictionary of English). And does this man know how to get the job done and he takes his work very seriously. He’s just your typical guy that goes to work, has a job to do and does it and is proud of what he does. Funny.

Stone Savior

This story was told through animation and was about a Gargoyle that saves his church from being bombed and in the end is immortalized in the stain glass window.

Joseph Henry

I really liked this film. A guy, who is obviously defeated, sits down on the curb of a residential street and a young kid starts to talk to him. The child seems to be fearless, the grown up is full of fear and each explains life to the other from their own perspective. You soon discover the boy is the man. The actors were really good in their portrayals and this piece was shot well. Recommended.

69 Cents

Back to the convenience store, but this one wasn’t as funny. A fight ensues after a convenience store owner gets robbed and then feels the guy whom he is now waiting on is trying to take him. The customer just happened to forget his wallet. The two go head to head and the customer just wants to make it right.

The Maxwell Multiple Climax

Multi-layered animation and live-action was the name of the game in this film about how to have multiple orgasms. Apparently orgasms cause ejaculation, not the other way around. Listen up fellas, you can now keep up with the ladies. The film seemed fairly harmless at first, but I felt a little dirty near the end as it progressed graphically… it was soft-porn by the end!

Twitch (USA)

Not the best movie to follow MawellHouse! What with teenagers engaged in sexual activity. A girl has to take care of her mother who resides in a wheelchair and the mother knows she’s having sex with her boyfriend. The girl herself is a hypochondriac and runs to the doctor constantly. Then she dives into a pool with her body engulfed in saran wrap—metaphor for protection? I must have dozed off on this one.

Y Que Cumplas Muchos Mas (Spain)

Just call it “Saw 4!” My counterparts know how much I just love gore—not! So it’s about this father and son act who likes to torture their victims. But their last victim was surprisingly like them. They chop off her limbs. She decapitates a cat and presents the head as a present. Who comes up with this $#!& ? My friends would have loved it.

Honey I’m Home (USA)

I really didn’t like this film. I didn’t feel like it offered anything new. It was so predictable from the beginning. He was either practicing for his wife/girlfriends inevitable return or he was talking to his animal. And yes, Honey, was his dog.

The Oates’ Valor (USA)

It’s a story about a nerdy slacker that hasn’t found what he’s good at, but you know he’s too smart for his own good. Life doesn’t inspire him. His dad wants him to do things he doesn’t want to. The pacing was slow for me. At the end the son recognizes that his dad was hurt by his dad’s father and the son says to his dad “I’m sorry he hit you.” His dad chases him down and embraces him.

HOLLYSHORTS DAYS 1 AND 2

2007-08-18T23:31:00.000-07:00

Hollyshorts Opening Night
The Opening Night festivities kicked off at this strange little Hollywood club I had never been to, Nacional. It was a very small and cramped space which made for a very interesting night as the place got packed! They were there to mingle with the filmmakers and to see the opening night film directed by the star of Entourage Adrien Grenier. Love the show. When he got there all Hell broke loose. Girls were doing there best to get in front of him. Very funny.

His film is called EUTHANASIA (USA)

It is a tale of a young girl who has just got her liscence. She and her best friend take the family car for a quick unsupervised 15 minute drive. The family cat runs out of the house and apparently ran very fast down the road so it could be hit by the young girls. They freak out of course. They love the cat. They pick the cat up and an entire leg and hip fall off the cat. It is suffering and cannot be saved. The girls must do like Dr. Kevorkian and put the family cat out of it's misery.
This is a film with mixed results. It is funny. It's very dark humor but hey I was game. Hell it's my favorite! It has ok performances and is shot fairly well. The problem lies in belief. And I had a hard time believing some of this movie. I would love to see it again, just to see if I would feel the same way. I heard people say they loved it and I heard people whisper that it was just gross. LOL! I think it is a worthy first short film, and applaud Mr. Grenier on attempting such dark comedy.

HOLLYSHORTS DAY TWO
Wow. I had never been to CINESPACE before. I will go alot. It is a real place to have dinner and a movie in a nice swank environment. I was truly blown away and suggest that you try it. www.cinespace.com

The Trainee (Singapore)

A store clerk has fun with her would be robber. She’s been through this before and he’s a novice. After no cash in the register and no cash in the safe, he resorts to becoming the store clerk himself with hopes of cashing in only to be robbed himself in the end. The film was funny and entertaining, but what happened to the girl? Clever use of credits at the end on a register receipt.

Girl Stars: Anita the Beekeeper (India)

Was this really a documentary? It had the makings of a true story, but the scenes were obviously staged. Nonetheless, the film looked into the cultural trappings of a young Indian girl, Anita, who wanted to go to school, but in her village it was frowned upon for girls to be educated. Anita took matters into her own hands and tutored children and learned how to make honey to raise money for her education.

Live Love Work Play (Brazil)

This film is a mix of animation and live-action atop a vibrant, colorful background. A guy with a good life wants more and gets it but pays the price. His cereal is “Porn Flakes,” he gets into the fast life, snorting coke, bagging the babes, making out at work… he eventually loses everything and ends up on the street. No dialogue here and more of music video of sorts. Don’t kick the dog!

Freaks of Laughter (USA)

This documentary was almost painful to watch at first, but then it lightened up. It was as if we were looking through a keyhole to the pathetic real lives of comics. As the story developed it seemed to parallel that of some (dare I say most) comics lives—where they start out with a rough childhood, figure out how to be funny to survive, and then they hit their stride. The participants got to audition at the Improv and The Ice House—some made the cut to the next round, and some don’t. Hey more real lives of comics.

He Works in a Suit (Australia)

A serial killer picks up a hitchhiker, who just happens to be a bank robber. What fun… two fugitives in the same car—but this weren’t no Thelma and Louise. It was more like Freddie and Jason or Alien vs. Predator. The banker robber couldn’t leave well enough alone, but had to go snooping through serial killer’s briefcase and ultimately paid the price.

Two-Eleven (USA)

I really liked this short action film. Well written, directed and acted it was a highlight of the day for me. Jared Ward turned in a very remarkable performance as the lead Detective Rich Summerfield. I wish that this sweet little short was a feature. Fun and enjoyable!

CYN (USA)

This was just confusing to me. I know it was shot in 6 days for a very small budget. I just had a hard time with the story. Very short film with a long title sequence at the end. I really liked the title sequence at the end. I just did not get the film.

Women Against Domestic Violence (USA)
This is a PSA from Lifetime TV. It shows women who have survived domestic violence and which bones got broken as a result like an x-ray. Very cool and effective!

Downwinders: The People of Parowan (USA)

What an amazing documentary. There was so much information in this little film that shocked, appalled and pissed me off at the government it was astounding. The Utah nuclear testing sites started testing nuclear weapons in 1951. It ended in 1992. 15,000 deaths have been attributed to it and the US govt. has done very little to solve the problems. Jake White directed this, and I would not be surprised if it is not nominated for an Academy award. AMAZING FILM!!!

Songbird (USA)

Directed by John Thompson this is one of those films I do not know quite what to say. The film switches speed often. It is like a fairy tale where the wife is held in fear (like a princess in slavery) and her husband is the scary troll. It was just gross. The story was cool. It was shot great. I was eating food and this movie was really gross! LOL!! Because of the food issue I will not go any further. I thought the timing was ironic. LOL!

A.W.O.L. (USA)

A short starring David Morse. It was inspired by the Twilight Zone and asked the question "What is reality?" A man who is being tortured in Cambodia (an American soldier)escapes from his pain by creating a fantasy with which to escape. Very interesting story. Well shot and acted.

The Red Balloon (USA)

A sweet little film in which a young man releases a red balloon with a note attached wishing his mom a happy birthday. I got the feeling that his mom had passed away and he was sending it to her in the sky. A very short little gem of a film.

The Fifth (USA)

What do you do when one of your best friend's is a serial killer? This film is not afraid to ask that! Very funny! Four guys are waiting on someone to arrive for a poker game. The problem is when he arrives he brings his work with him. A dead girl he has just brutalized and murdered. This is one of the best shorts I have seen in a while. It was pure entertainment and I laughed til I hurt! Beautifully acted!

The Frank Anderson (USA)

It has Jane Lynch in it! Of course I love it! A man needs to get his insurance to pay for his breast reduction. It gets approved but then he does not do it because they make him famous. Every woman and man wants breats liek him so they go to the plastic surgeon and ask for the Frank Anderson. So funny. And amazing that it was shot in one day! That is unbelievable.

Blackbird (USA)
A beautifully shot film with stunning visuals. A young girl wants to become a blackbird to escape her life. this is a modern day fable. Brilliantly directed and acted by the children.

1,000 Sides of the Moon (USA)
A visual tone poem which talks about the fear of people who are different.

I hate Musicals (USA)

One of the best shorts of the year. We reviewed this at Outfest. A fantastic film that is perfect in every way!!!

When We Were Bengs (Singapore)

A mix of animation, comic strip, live action, video game-like sound effects, Batmanesque exclamations (ala TV show version)—“Zonk,” “Pow,” you get the drill… It was all over the place and we loved it. Two brothers like ice cream and like to look at girls and play some incarnation of Dance-Dance-Revolution, but big brother is being bullied to join a gang. The gang wants him and will do whatever to get him to join, including torturing the younger brother. The gang members—with the same names as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, mind you—beat the older bother senseless. Then we return to ice cream eating. The End… ?

The Shift (USA)

With his job on the line, a 9-1-1 call center operator is being called repeatedly by woman who (supposedly) just got away from her assailant. Meanwhile, a mother and daughter call in separately—the mother is worried about her runaway daughter and the daughter doesn’t know where to go. Daughter hung herself and mother had to rescue her and at the end of the day he realizes the woman who escaped her attacker was actually the person who takes over after his shift. All in all, the pacing was good and the film kept your interest.

Tell-Tale (USA)

In typical B-movie, horror, flick fashion, this film’s leading lady was just shy of a convincing portrayal. If she had read more true to character, I think this film would have been much stronger. It had some interesting qualities. The camera work and editing was reminiscent of Requiem for a Dream. I’m not a huge fan of horror or gore anyway, so not one of my picks, but I think there is an audience for it. Based of course on the Poe classic!

The Killer (USA)

This film was a modern day Arsenic and Old Lace, where a woman kills her gentleman callers. Although this spinster has three little girls in training who help her with her dirty work and the callers always add that special something to the stew. Gross! Beware the Bed and Breakfast.

TOPANGA FILM FESTIVAL

2007-08-13T22:13:00.000-07:00

Lawn chairs, blankets on the grass, free popcorn, vendors selling hats & other wares, beer & wine bar, food truck, evening under the stars, this was the Topanga Film Festival. Very laid back, a little necking in the row in front of me, a little heckling of the mc, very Topanga…

After a few false starts (no sound on the mc’s mike and a runaway projector), we were off!

And I saw some interesting choices.

HELLHOLE is a funny sendup of every horror film you ever saw, with very inventive bits. Got a little queezy, but fun to watch. There were 3 episodes, but after the ghost threw up blood and the cereal turned into huge beetles which he proceeded to eat I gave up after episode 2.

NAKED BRANCHES is very pretty to watch, it’s an animated watercolor about a peacock who gets consumed by a snake. It was prettier to watch than it sounds.

FUN ON EARTH was well performed, well written. Alien girl from water planet meets earth boy…..

FISH was the one that stayed in my thoughts. Very short, just 4 minutes, but really sweet. A fish store in Manhattan near the East River, a man dressed in business clothes buys the fish hanging on the hook breathing gills moving still alive, puts it in his briefcase, walks down to the river and releases it, then we see him going back up the hill with his empty briefcase, going to the market, and looking at his next fish. You just know he does this all day every day.

ABAJEE was another charmer. Liked everything about it, the direction, the story, the writing, the actors. Mostly the director’s entire family it seemed. A little boy who likes rooster fights enters his rooster and loses. He is then VERY sorry.

AMERICAN STORAGE had lots of production values, mini movies, and Steve Carrell. I found it not so inventive as others, very predictable.

Also of note!

ARE YOU FOR REAL very interesting movie loved the imagery.
Deirdre Meehan

ANIMATION BLOCK PARTY

2007-08-03T09:27:00.000-07:00

July 28 & 29 2007

ANIMATION BLOCK PARTY FILM FESTIVAL
New York – Manhattan / Brooklyn

By Tiffany Cooper

What could be more interesting then attending an Animation film festival from around the world? This was not your typical film festival with a huge opening bash, with creative and so-so films and all-out closing night parties, but animation shorts that were intelligent and highly creative that ranged from 10 seconds to 13 minutes.

I arrived not knowing what to expect with no lines and a relaxed atmosphere. I finally sat down with my popcorn, when the title Utopiate by Lee Noble came on the screen. I applaud his efforts, but not worth mentioning. It was so boring and not what I expected to start the evening off. I continue to examine the program of 20 films, hoping at least three would move me in some sort.

To my surprise the first film to grab my attention was the dark-themed claymation film View-O-Rama by Chelsea Manifold about a family of four from the 70’s who bought a new TV that was possessed. The TV hypnotized and controlled the parents and big brother from the living room. While the younger sister realizing the TV was possessed and trying to kill it. When she tried to kill the TV in order to save her family, the possessed TV tried to hypnotize her with its antenna. She eventually kills the possessed TV and the spell is broken from the family. The family is back to normal. As crazy as this sounds, I liked this film because it reminded me that we sometimes focus on the possessions in our lives instead of the ones we love.

Raccoon and Crawfish by Four Directions Productions was humorous, and a favorite at the festival due to incredible special effects and comedy. I felt like I was watching some Pixar film because of the production value. The raccoon tricks the leading crawfish that he needs help finding food in the woods and is too weak to carry on. The raccoon stumbles on a huge rock; hit’s his head and plays dead. The crawfish thinks he’s dead, then goes to the crawfish village underneath and tells his people that he killed the raccoon. The crawfish village doesn’t take his word until they poke and stab him. Suddenly the raccoon opens its eyes and eats all the crawfish.

Cole Needs Women By David Chai was the most creative from the festival. It was about a man who was obsessed with women and wanted to have every woman from the whole world. So he studied what women like, disliked, needed and etc. then went to several countries handed out flyers to women that stated, “ Come to women’s planet world” where you can have the man of your dreams satisfied all your needs. Eventually, he creates a planet with all the women of the world, happy as can be. Until there is a global alert that there are no more women and they will have start cloning due to lack of women in each country. Cole feels guilty that he has taken all the women for his personal needs and the world is in a state of emergency, so he sends them back. Some how the world produced too man women due to the cloning, so Cole volunteered to take half the women back to his planet.

My favorite from the festival was the very dark-themed film, Dragon by Troy Morgan about a young girl whose parents were killed and sent to an orphanage where she would draw images of dragons to escape the pain from her parents’ death. The school coordinator would steal her work, passing it off as his own for an art show at the orphanage. He would collect large sums of money until she made a wish that the dragon she drew could come to life and revenge the school coordinator for his wrong doings. The same dragon she feared her whole life became her best friend, killing the school coordinator for making money off her stolen art work. Some how the dragon freed her from the prison she was living in and gave her hope to start a new life with out her parents.

The one thing I hadn’t anticipated when watching these films was how some of them made me examine the things in my own life. I expected to sit back, laugh, enjoy and eat my popcorn with ease. Instead, I left moved. Overall, I felt grateful to have witnessed a lot of heart and soul.

Here are some pics from some of the other cool animation shorts!!!!

PHILADELPHIA GLBT FILM FEST DAY ELEVEN

2007-08-02T16:54:00.000-07:00

HOLDING TREVOR
Wilma Theatre

What a wonderful film about a man trying to come to terms with the emotional mess that is his life. Fantastic performances including the immaculate Jay Brannan. This is a film that shows the cattiness of friends in a very real, sad and funny way. This is probably one of the most honest films I have seen this year. I will go so far as to even say one of the most honest gay films I have EVER seen. A fantastic script with intricate characters. You know these people because you are these people. The decisions that they make are real as well as the consequences tehy face. A beautiful portrait that everyone should see!

Kris

OUTFEST CLOSING NIGHT

2007-08-01T16:09:00.001-07:00

KISS THE BRIDE
Orpheum Theatre

“Kiss the Bride” Why oh why didn’t you open Outfest I am a HUGE fan of C. Jay Cox’s previous film “Latter Days,” and he continues to impress me with his follow-up film “Kiss the Bride.” He still suffers from not being able to keep up with the actors (i.e. you knew a joke was going to happen way before it finally did), but it’s not a huge problem to the point of distraction or annoyance. This film was beautifully cast, I honestly cannot say anything bad about the actors or casting. I especially have to give major props to Tori Spelling for putting out a performance that to be honest I have never seen from her. I am now a huge fan of hers and hope she continues to make films for years to come. The story is very crisp, clear and hilarious. Without giving away too much, let’s just say the ending was VERY refreshing to see in a romantic comedy. The overall reaction from the audience was absolute joy and appreciation for the film. All in all, this was a great way to end a very busy Outfest this year, but I think this would have been a better way to open the festival with a giant bang. I cannot wait for this to come out on DVD, I will be sure to purchase it!