It's great to screen films ahead of time and conduct phone interviews with filmmakers, but it's much better to see the films on a big screen and meet the artists in person.
I finally got to the festival tonight, and now I'm awash in good fest vibes. I had planned on attending A Promise to the Dead as it is a great doc and I had such an interesting interview with director Peter Raymont, but a late start sent me to The Band's Visit.
Yea, happy accidents, because it was a wonderful film. Definitely a crowd pleaser, as the subtle humor sent the audience into uproars, and the touching drama was warmly felt. Half the fun of fests is when schedules send you to a new discovery.
Following the film I attended a fest party at Top of the Chop. I was thrilled to find both Raymont and the film's focus, Ariel Dorfman, in attendance. I have to admit I was a little intimidated as they are both extremely intelligent and articulate, and I have a tendency of becoming tongue-tied in person. But they were quite friendly and we had a great conversation.
I also bumped into two filmmakers -- Brian LaBelle & Emyr Graciano -- who grew up in Palm Springs and were representing The Art of Travel, a lovely film celebrating wanderlust. I had interviewed the director, Tom Whelan, and it was so nice to meet the rest of the crew. Don't be surprised if I disappear for a few months to help them with their next globetrotting followup. I may not be invited, but I figure if I hide in a suitcase heading to Morocco they'll be stuck with me.
Comments (1)
"The Band's Visit" I found charming, gentle, sweet and all sorts of other adjectives which sometimes turn "serious" film-goers off. But don't miss this one. In amongst the gentle laughs some very serious "life" took place. Subtle, yes, but so worth the seeing. The film makers resisted the "opportunity" to ham this one up, fortunately, and let the story unfold in quietness. Each of the "lost band" members was enhanced by their over-night stay in the "lost village" and each of the villagers was enhanced by their exposure to the unexpected guests. A beautiful film.
Posted by A. Sue | April 2, 2008 8:12 AM
Posted on April 2, 2008 08:12