Day 1
This
is my first film festival, so I thought it would be a good idea to keep a
little diary and tell you about the films I saw. I got my film pass and set off
to indulge myself in all the film I could watch. I wanted to get to the venues early, and
because of that I forgo eating (bad idea by the way). So enough about my boring
day, here is why I am writing this.
The
first movie I saw is called “Sombras de Azul”, a film written and directed by
Kelly Daniela Norris. The film is about Maribel (Seedne Bujaidar) who after the
lost of her brother takes a one way trip to Cuba. She chooses Cuba because it
is a place that her brother wanted to visit, but never did. While there she
meets Eusebio (Yasmani Guerrero) who shows her the beauty of Cuba and helps her
find herself again. “Sombras de Azul” is a beautifully written and directed.
The idea of traveling to help you get over something is a noble and classic
thought. Cuba and its people play a major part in this movie, but the real star
is Bujaidar. A childhood friend of the director and with no acting experience,
she brings Maribel alive, and speaks so much so often with no words. This is a
wonderful movie, and I definitely suggest you see it when it comes around.
The
nightcap was a film called “Jack,Jules,Esther,and Me”, a film written and
directed by Daniel Poliner. It is the story of a boy names Luis (Alexander
Flores) who on the last weekend before going away for collage puts a plan
together to get the girl of his dreams Jules. His plan falls apart, but at the
last minute, with his friend Jack, and a girl he knows names Esther, Luis just
might land the girl of his dreams. The film has a little John Hughes feel to
it, if John Hughes made a film about teenagers today, but without the memorable
characters. The great thing about Hughes films, is that you fall in love with
his characters, or at least relate to on some level, with this film you want
to, but just can’t. The story is good enough, but in a sea of movies about
teenagers, it might get lost.
Well, stay tuned
for day 2, until then...
Brian Taylor
Day 2
Day 2 was a
lot like day one, but this time I saw two very good films. It seems though that
I spent most of the day in line, and not all of it was for a movie. Had a
chance to go to Franklin’s and enjoy some of the best BBQ I have ever had.
After spending three hours in line to eat, I figured whatever line awaited me
for a movie would be a breeze. I am sure you care much more about the films I
saw and not so much what I ate, so with that, here is a round up on what I
saw.
The
first film I saw is called “Project”. It is a documentary about the story of
the Puntland Maritime Police Force, a shadowy group of pirate hunters off the
Somali coast. The film was directed by Shawn Efran and Adam Ciralsky, who
follow the formation of the police force and up to the recapture of a ship and
its crew. The film does not tone down the violence that haunts the country of
Somalia and its cost. It is an eye opening experience, and a fantastic
documentary.
As for
the next film I saw it is Alexander Payne’s “Nebraska”. It is the story of
Woody Grant (Bruce Dern) and his belief of a million dollars that he has won.
Everyone knows it is not true, but Woody wants to go to Nebraska to claim his
prize. Dave (Will Forte) decides that it would be good for his father to take
the trip, even though it is against his mother Kate (June Squibb) wishes.
Together they head to Nebraska and along the way stop at his parents’ home
town, where he is joined by his brother Ross (Bob Odenkirk). Payne directing a
film for the first time from a screenplay he did not write, which in this case
was written by Bob Nelson. This is a beautiful movie, well written and
directed, and with amazing performances from the entire cast, especially from
June Squibb, who almost steals the movie. You won’t find better movies than
this to see this year, so don’t miss this when it comes out.
Stay tune for
day 3 I got a pretty full day, hopefully more great movies, and a lot less line
waiting. (Though probably not)
Brian Taylor
Day 3
I know
what you are thinking, is this going to be another paragraph on how he waited
in line all day? Well even though I did wait in line quite a bit today, I am
going to tell you about what all of you want to hear, and that is about the
movies I saw today. So far 8 movies in 3 days, so without further ado.
“Always
Learning” is a film written and directed by Robert Krakower. It tells the story
of Tobiah (Drew Jones) who has been home schooled his whole life. Tobiah’s life
is pretty boring thanks to his overprotective mother and his friend Eli (Julian
Huguet). That changes when a new boy named Joey (Sam Martin) joins their group
and gives Tobiah the courage to stand up for the things he wants to do. It’s a
comedy about with more awkwardness than comedy.
“Sole
Survivor” is a documentary about the sole survivors of plane crashes. The film
is directed by Ky Dickens, who follows George Lamson Jr. as he tries to connect
with other lone survivors from plane crashes across the world. There are only
14 known sole survivors of plane crashes, and each one of them has to deal with
the guilt of surviving in their own way. A touching and moving film that may
make you believe in miracles.
“Whitewash”
is a film directed by Emauel Hoss-Desmarals about film about Bruce (Thomas
Haden Church), who meets Paul (Marc Labreche), a stranger who is more then he
appears. Bruce is just trying to survive the Canadian winter, but when a death
occurs, Paul, who struggles with the guilt, soon finds himself in a prison that
he has created for himself.
“Waking” is
the story about when a girl of one guys dream, really turns out to be true. Ben
(Skyer Caleb) has a girlfriend and a good job, but when he meets a pretty girl
in the park named Nadia (Meg Cionni) he can’t stop thinking about her. Every
night Nadia, appears in Ben’s dreams, and in one dream Ben, gets Nadia’s phone
number, so the next day he calls and she answers. It is the perfect tale of
when the woman of your dreams becomes reality. Written by Skyer Caleb and
directed by Ben Shelton, “Waking” is a nice little romantic gem.
Stay tune
for my next entry, until then, I will see you at the movies.
Day 4
Here I am four days in and 9 movies later. I
have enjoyed my first festival and look forward to coming back or even making
my way to more. Today was my light day, I only made it to one film, I instead did
something else, but that is not important. What you have come here for is to hear
about the exciting movies I am seeing, so here is the one I saw today.
“Circle the Wagen” is a documentary about
David Torstenson and his purchase of a 1972 VW bus. David bought the vehicle
off of EBay for $800 and got what he paid for. The movie follows Dave and his
friend Charlie as they try and get the VW bus from Iowa back to California.
Along the way they discover a VW support group that provides assistance to
other VW owners in need. This is a movie about triumph against what seems like impossible
odds. A very entertaining movie and a trip you will enjoy taking.
Brian
Taylor
Day 5
Well my first film festival is winding down. Tomorrow will be my last
day, and I will have to say I will miss it.
I have had a lot of fun and met a lot of new people, and most
importantly have seen a lot of great movies. Today I saw three more movies, and
also tried another local restaurant that was real good. This though is not a
food blog; it is a movie blog, so here is what I saw on day 5.
“Life and Crimes of Doris Payne” is a documentary about Doris Payne. Who
is Doris Payne you might ask? Well she is a woman who is an international jewel
thief, who has stolen over two million dollars of jewels in her lifetime. Directors
Matthew Pond and Kirk Marcolona follow Doris as she is facing jail time for a
theft at a department store in San Diego. Doris has no problem telling you
about her pass escapades and you can see how charismatic she is and how she did
what she did for so long. Remember the name Doris Payne, because in the next
few years, this won’t be the only movie about her.
“Take Away One” is a documentary about Mary Baratta-Lorton, a
revolutionary math teacher and her mysterious death. Mrs. Baratta-Lorton
believed students would learn math easier by hands on manipulative materials.
It was a method that took off nationally and for long time changed how students
were taught math. Mrs. Baratta-Lorton was murdered in San Francisco at the age
of 34, a murder that to this day has yet to be solved. Director William Lorton,
who also happens to be Mrs. Baratta-Lorton’s nephew, examines all the great she
has done with her life.
“Inside
Llyewn Davis” is a new film by Ethan and Joel Coen. It tells the story of Lleyn
Davis (Oscar Isaac) and his gift of playing music, and of having a hard time
living life. Isaac, who plays and sings all original songs for the movie, gives
an amazing performance. Co-staring with him is Coen fave John Goodman, Carry
Mulligan, and Justin Timberlake. It is a Coen brother’s film, so really, what
more can I say? Except,
go see it.
Brian Taylor
Day 6
Well the festival is going through the 31st, but for me this
is the end of the road, life calls. Today was just like every other day for me.
Wake up, go and eat somewhere that is pure Austin, and then wait in line to see
movies that I may never get to see if I was not here. Today for the last day I
saw just two films, one domestic and one foreign and now let me tell you about
them.
“Light Years” is a film written
by Matthew Mullen and Maggie Kiley and directed by Maggie Kiely. It is the
story of a heartbroken boy (Chris Lowell) who is trying to find a way to get
back with the girl of his dreams Charlotte (Rose McIver). In the process of
trying to be the person she wants him to be, the boy discovers who and what he
really is. “Light Years” really is your typical indie romantic comedy, decent
story, obscure music on the soundtrack you will want to find, and a few people
you will recognize for familiarity. “Light
Years” is not the best story, but a whole lot better than the stuff we see most
of the time.
“I’m
Dating You Not” is a film from Spain, written by Pablo Flores, and directed by
Guillermo Groizard. It is the story of Roberto (Dario Frias) as he tries to win
over his crush Paula (Virginia Rodriguez). The story moves fast as Roberto a
guy most guys can relate to, tries to get that girl that most would believe is
out of his league. The dialogue is fast and witty and this story of boy meets
girl will have you laughing. Shot over ten days and for a little over two
thousand dollars, this was one of the better films I saw during the whole
festival.
The
Austin Film Festival prides it’s self as being the writers film festival. There
is just something about being around the artists who create these films and
around other film lovers that lends its self to being a great experience. This
was my first film festival, but it will not be my last. I have decided that I
will make this trip every year. I saw fourteen movies in six days, and even
though it was more for fun, next year I will plan it better so I can see even
more films. Thank you Austin Film Festival for a grand old time and for
introducing me to so many new films.
Brian Taylor
Day 6
Well the festival is going through the 31st, but for me this
is the end of the road, life calls. Today was just like every other day for me.
Wake up, go and eat somewhere that is pure Austin, and then wait in line to see
movies that I may never get to see if I was not here. Today for the last day I
saw just two films, one domestic and one foreign and now let me tell you about
them.
“Light Years” is a film written
by Matthew Mullen and Maggie Kiley and directed by Maggie Kiely. It is the
story of a heartbroken boy (Chris Lowell) who is trying to find a way to get
back with the girl of his dreams Charlotte (Rose McIver). In the process of
trying to be the person she wants him to be, the boy discovers who and what he
really is. “Light Years” really is your typical indie romantic comedy, decent
story, obscure music on the soundtrack you will want to find, and a few people
you will recognize for familiarity. “Light
Years” is not the best story, but a whole lot better than the stuff we see most
of the time.
“I’m
Dating You Not” is a film from Spain, written by Pablo Flores, and directed by
Guillermo Groizard. It is the story of Roberto (Dario Frias) as he tries to win
over his crush Paula (Virginia Rodriguez). The story moves fast as Roberto a
guy most guys can relate to, tries to get that girl that most would believe is
out of his league. The dialogue is fast and witty and this story of boy meets
girl will have you laughing. Shot over ten days and for a little over two
thousand dollars, this was one of the better films I saw during the whole
festival.
The
Austin Film Festival prides it’s self as being the writers film festival. There
is just something about being around the artists who create these films and
around other film lovers that lends its self to being a great experience. This
was my first film festival, but it will not be my last. I have decided that I
will make this trip every year. I saw fourteen movies in six days, and even
though it was more for fun, next year I will plan it better so I can see even
more films. Thank you Austin Film Festival for a grand old time and for
introducing me to so many new films.
Brian Taylor
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