Hi
everyone,
FILM FESTIVAL
WRAP-UP
Film festival 37 is history and I am a bit
sad. Even though my cat and wife will (hopefully) be happier to see me,
it was almost like being in high school where all you cared about was
movies. Back to the grown up world I guess.
That said, here are my impressions:
1. EVERY year, I hear a number of people say that
this year wasn't as good as past years. Why do I always hear
that? Is it because our expectations ratchet up slightly just
because we have seen so many great films over the years? Or perhaps there
are more film festivals and so the same number of movies are being spread across
a larger number of festivals. Or do we have selective memories (like High
School) where we only remember the good things? While I saw a number
of very good films, this was the first year that I did not see one excellent
film.
3. Marcie Goodman indicated that since
the Festival moved from the Cedar Lee to downtown, attendance has crept almost
700% from a base of only 14,000 in 1991. I am not aware of any other
Festival that continues to grow.
4. Biggest film controversy was Blondie. If
you only read the write-up, it sounded like a quirky film, kind of a mix of
Deborah Harry and Dagwood's wife. In reality, it was a very dark movie and
somewhat sad. So without many dark and sad movie fans in the audience,
many were very disappointed with the film. Personally, I enjoyed the movie
but then again, I like dark.
5. Cleveland Cinemas wisely published 5
Film Festival movies that will be shown at the Cedar Lee later this
year.
- G-Dog - April 25 and 27. Great
documentary. Two people have suggested seeing this film on 4/25.
http://www.meetup.com/clevelandfilm/events/113331222/
- The Deep - May 8. I loved this film.
Plan to see it, or better yet, schedule it.
- Renoir - Week of May 24th. One of the most
popular films at the festival.
- Kings of Summer - Week of June 7th. This
opening film is produced by our local favorite producer, Tyler Davidson
- More than Honey - June 12. A documentary
about the disappearance of bees.
- Broken - June 26. This may have been my
favorite film of the festival. Don't miss this one.
UPCOMING
EVENTS
A NIGHT AT THE
OPERA: Cedar Lee, Tuesday April
16
You really don't need much information on this classic Marx Brother
film. Just show up and be prepared to laugh.
NO: Cedar Lee,
Wednesday April 17
Yes, we are going to see this wonderful film about Chile's dictator
Pinochet. Please join us at the Cedar Lee. The film has received
critical acclaim. If you can't make the movie, plan to meet us at
9:15 at Lemongrass to discuss films at the
Festival.
CALL FOR
ORGANIZERS
At least once a week, I get a request to see a certain movie. Well,
the best way to do that is to organize your own movie. You can pick most
anything, even a "smart" mainstream film. Regular organizers get to see
movies for free. It is not that difficult. Your dues are also
waived.
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