This year I upped the anty and saw six - count 'em 6! - movies!
WorldFest Houston is a great concept and has the potential to be an asset to the city of Houston in terms of event traffic, the arts, business and the film industry. Their execution (even after 43 years) of the event, however, leaves much to be desired. Everything about how the people who are in charge of executing this event (from a movie-goer perspective) screams amateur and discredits the long-standing histroy and 'importance' of an event as this. The Festival's main website is a god-awful 1995 version of the world-wide-web (shameful, really), schedules can change without notice to the customer, the theater is a bit trashy and in an less-than-savory (though ethnicly diverse) part of town, plus there is a general lack of formality given to the marketing (what marketing? ...i don't think there even is any, seriously) and regalia surrounding the entire event. It's a shame that something as wonderful as an independent film festival can be nearly overshadowed by simple marketing schemes.
DESPITE MY COMMENTS ABOVE: I do highly encourage people to attend this event!! WorldFest Houston happens every year, and if you can get past any expectations of glamour for the event itself, you have the opportunity to see some pretty incredible films. For nearly all of the films we saw, a Producer, Director, Writer, Main Actor or combination thereof showed up to the film, had a Q&A session, and even met with the audience on a personal level. To hear how/where/why a film was shot, the trials and tribulations of independent film making, and side-stories from the shoots themselves is interesting, informative and fun. On opening night we even (my friend Sarmad and I) got to see a lifetime achievement award given to two Italian filmmakers (the Amati brothers)....cutest guys ever!The festival allows the average person (WIDE variety of people seeing these films) to see amazing Indie films and up-and-coming artists, without feeling intimidated.
So, without further ado...Below is my review of the movies I saw this year ranked from what I liked worst to best (in my opinion):
6. Ek Tho Chance [Last Chance Mumbai] (India)
- www.ekthochance.com/default_subtitle.html
-This was the first Indian film I had ever seen. For me, the story was unoriginal and I don't really get why there is singing and dancing (ala a musical) in a 'normal' movie. This movie lacked that "indie" feel I was looking for and overall did not impress me with its sub-par acting and unimpressive plotline. On the plus side, I am glad I got to experience a pseudo-Bollywoood style film. I do not expect to see another one, however, it's not the format for me.
5. The Frost (Spain/Norway)
- http://www.thefrostfilm.com/
-The director of the film flew all the way from Norway to accept an award for this film from the Festival committee. There were 7 of us in the theater...that count might be a bit high. I felt awful. I did like his glasses though.
-The storyline in this one was bizarre. From death, to kooky/creepy neighbors and flashes of incestual desire, I was left feeling dissatisfied with the story as a whole. I couldn't quite make the connections through all of it and did not appreciate some of the artistry of the production...like the random graphics at various spots. Overall, I enjoyed the quirkiness of the movie, but couldn't piece it all together in the end. That's why it's toward the end of the list. I did, however, get to see the most beautiful landscapes Norway has to offer via this film. It's not often I think of Norway as a hot-spot for vacationing, but after seeing the town on the water and the gorgeous mountains and fjords (what an awesome word, FJORD)...I'm sold!
4. The Joneses (USA)-http://www.thejonesesmovie.com/
-The Producer of the film gave a speech in the beginning of the movie. I don't remember what he said, but I'm sure it was nice.
-Great concept for a movie. They definitely are doing this in the 'real world', I just know it!! David Duchovny has a special place in my heart since The X Files, but in this movie he's simply adorable. Convincing in character and relateable. Demi Moore is smoking hot and I'm jealous. I want to look like her....like when I was 20! But late 40s? C'mon! It's amazing. Anyhoo, the movie was good in production, concept and acting...though not everyone liked the ending. I did.
3. Love Life of a Gentle Coward (Croatia)
- www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_y8BOe4rug
-I really enjoyed the storyline in this movie. It had the feeling of a rom-com without the cheesiness. The story was relateable and the acting well done. The main character guy was believable; I could sense his sadness and desperation. The production of this film was good and the music light and tinkly, which made it all the more interesting to watch. I was very happy I got to enjoy this movie.
2. The Square (Australia)
- http://www.squarethemovie.com/
-This was a Premiere, to be released next week in theaters (in Australia, I assume). The film was dark and kept me constantly wondering "What can happen next?!" I thoroughly enjoyed this film from start to finish - good production value without any gimmicks. There were moments when my heart stopped, and moments when I almost cried (read: a dog gets eaten by a shark in this movie - so obviously I was nearly in tears). Highly recommended!
-BONUS: Blue-Tongue Films showed a movie short before the film and I loved it!! "Spider". Here is a link to their YouTube stuff, I hope you like it too!
1. Bodhisattva (India)
- http://www.bodhifilm.com/
- The principal actor/director/writer of the film introduced the film and then answered questions afterward. It wasn't until the movie was over and he did Q&A with the audience that I figured out who he was - I'm an idiot. It was fun listening to him talk about his movie: shot in 7 days (because they only had the camera for that long) and each scene only shot once. 30 days to edit the film.
- I very much enjoyed the story in this film. There was an edginess about the plot and when it was all said and done I had no idea what just happened. It was all done in a matter-of-fact manner, leaving some questions - but not in an annoying way. Production value was pretty good (given the filming circumstances especially!), but not the best I'd seen this round of movies. It was dark, shot at close range from a single point-of-view, and for the most part edited well. I liked the way it was shot. I liked the angles and the color. The drama in the dirtiness of the area and the grit of the people. I highly recommend this movie to anyone looking to think a bit about a movie.
That's it folks! Until next year (mark your calendars for April 8-17, 2011) - can't wait!
ps: I would also like to send a special shout-out to Sarmad for being my patient movie cohort for the entire festival. Without him, I would have only smuggled in water and snacks for one...that's no fun! Thanks again, it was worth almost getting shot for :)
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