Lance Around Orlando

Three Very Young, Very Talented Composers

3:45pm Lisa is Bouncing Off the Walls
Keeping my promise from Day 1 to Lisa, I decide see her film, “The Young Composers Challenge.”  I run into Lisa just before the start of the film.  She’s very nervous.  She knows they’ll be a Q & A afterwards.  I shout over to her that she doesn’t have to worry, I’ll be sure to take down her every word.  The tension breaks a little.  When I go into the theatre, I decide to sit in the front on the edge by the stage so I can watch the audience and movie at the same time. The program begins with a short.  

“Yamasong” a novice filmmaker experimenting with mixed media, primarily puppetry, creates some stunning visuals in this choppy but passionate work of art.  

“The Young Composers Challenge” exciting, local documentary that chronicles five high school teens who submit a full orchestral score to a music competition where the winning selection will be played by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.  

By now I honestly can’t tell if this feature documentary is too long or I am too exhausted.  For only her second movie, Lisa has done a competent job, producing a consistent work that tells a compelling story.  The experience is enhanced by the presence of three of the five principle musicians in the audience.  I enjoy my vantage point where I can occasionally glance at Lisa and the audience and watch them enjoy the movie.  

As Lisa Fields Q & A Questions Two of the Young Composers Can be Seen in the Background

During the Q & A afterwards, I ask for the three young musicians to speak of their experience watching this documentary that features them.  One of them is quick to jump on stage.  He’s not shy.  He admits that he is arrogant and loved seeing himself on the screen.  The other two sit quietly and are not invited to the stage.  I wonder how this experience is for them.  Perhaps they’ll read this blog and leave a comment.  

I run into Lisa afterwards and she asked me how it went.  “How do you think it went?”, I respond.  “I thought it was good!”, she replies.  “That’s all that counts,” I tell her, “and if you want to know what I think, you’ll have to read my blog!”, I laugh and she joins in.  She promises read it and leave a comment, so be on the lookout for that.  

In the meantime I draw together the three young composers for a photo.  I wish I had the time to get their names and bios, but I have committed to quick updates for the rest of the festival.  I hand the youngsters my business card and ask them to take a moment to leave a comment.  Perhaps they will and I hope they take the time to tell us a little about themselves.

Peter (from "Winner: Best Short Film") and other filmmakers

3:30pm Mingling Outside the Enzian
For the second day in a row we got to enjoy a shorts program packed with great films. This time, four of the films had filmmakers available for Q & A. 

“Winner: Best Short Film” lives up to its title. Well, maybe not, but it’s up there.  Peter will be pleased to discover that I was not disappointed.  It was a short, short.  It was also a lot of fun. 

“Charlie and the Rabbit” it’s disappointing when a short film is too long.  This charmer would have worked great in half the time.  And it was pretty short. 

“The Anatagonist” tired of the kiddie party at your boyfriend’s friend’s house with his anal wife?  Try some of these antics. 

“Jitensha” Japanese with English subtitles.  If God were to steal a bicycle, would he do it bit by bit?  To teach you a lesson?  Think about it. 

“Me Time”  a Sienfeld episode rip off, complete with the phrase, “yada, yada…” but it’s taken to a comedic extreme. 

“La Viuda” Serious, beautifully filmed short.  A little slow, but worth a look 

“The New Tenants” a comedic thriller bolstered by the excellent acting and timing of the principles.  Dark humor, crafty comedy.

12:30pm Between “Kells” and “Shorts 1: Ignite”
“The Secret of Kells” lives up to its hype. A fantastical, hand drawn animation that tells the mythical tale of the olde Irish Book of Ionia (did I spell that right) that becomes the Book of Kells. It was beautiful to watch. Contrary to the expectations of the Orlando Hurling Club, the sport was not alluded to in any way. Unfortunately, the contents of the Book of Kells were also not revealed. There were beautiful, intricate book pages displayed that I can only assume were renditions of the actual book. Someone next to us in line earlier said the actual book was in Trinity.

Normally, I would research all this to give you the full scoop, but today I am a new blogger, trying to give real time updates. How am I doing?

I run into Peter Meech, writer, director and co-producer of “Winner Best Short Film.”  It’s about a guy who claimed to have won an award at Sundance.  It stars Kevin and John Farley, brothers of Chris.  I ask him to tell me something about the film you can’t find on Google.  “We shot it in one day.  We had eight beautiful women so it was difficult to get the actors to take their places.  John kept having his shooting on TV productions, we didn’t know if he would make the shoot.  I couldn’t get hold of him for two days.  Finally, the night before, at 11:05pm [he checks his phone to confirm the text] I email him ‘see you tomorrow producer’ to which John replied ‘bullshit, I’ll see you in hell.  –kidding see you at 1030.'”  [Peter shows me the actual text on his phone and reveals that he would have had to play the lead if John did not show up.]

Peter confesses that the title of the short was chosen intentionally to create more buzz for the film.  He’s a very likable person and I’m anxious to see his short.  I’ll be back with an update on the shorts program in just a few hours.

The Orlando Hurling Club

10:30am Arrival at Enzian
Our friend Linda joins us today for “The Secret of Kells.”  The line is long, so I purchase tickets for fear it will be sold out and my press pass won’t get me in. In the meantime I interview some people in line 

Marty Crean is here for his first FFF and Enzian movie.  It’s because he’s Irish by descent and some years ago he saw the actual Book of Kells in Dublin.  Although he lived in Orlando for 13 years, he does not know why he has never been to the Enzian. 

Mike Hull is a fellow Hokie lover.  He is attending his first FFF.  His neighbor, Chris Moeller, has been to at least 6 or 7 and brought Mike along.  He saw “Shorts 2” yesterday and enjoyed them.  He’s been to the Enzian many times and is really looking forward to his first FFF inside the Enzian.  Chris has lived in Orlando for 45 years and is a big fan of the Enzian. 

Erica Cox has been to many festivals at Enzian.  “I’m excited that FFF is here.  We’re exposed to some culture that we wouldn’t normally be.  It’s kind of a hidden gem.  Most people don’t know it’s here.”   She feels that people who have never experienced the FFF are “missing out,” as she excitedly flags down the other members of her party who are just now entering the theatre. 

In a surprise revelation, Erica discloses that she is a member of the New World Celts, which is an organization that promotes the Celtic culture in Orlando.  Her friend, Mick Dunlap, is on the Orlando Hurling Club.  

Erica calls over George Houston and Michael O’Neil the vice president and president of the club.  Michael explains that hurling is like a combination of lacrosse, baseball, hockey, rugby–by now several club members are suggesting analogies and Salinda, who does not appear to be of Irish descent, whips out a brochure and business card.  

 They are clearly enjoying the attention.  “We get it everywhere we go,” proudly proclaims Erica.  She shouts over at Scott Graves to “show me your ash.”  (She is quick to point out that she said “ash” and not some other word.)  An ash, or Hurley, appears like a flattened, hockey stick that has been amputated.  By now, the entire group has surrounded me, wielding this stick, and I am wondering if I should end this interview quickly. 

George says hurling is elegant, not violent.  The sport itself is older than The Book of Kells and the country of Ireland.  “You’ll see in the movie,” he says. 

The lights dim and I prepare for “The Secret of Kells.” 

The Watermelon Man Gives # 1 Daughter Some Sage Advice

Wow!  Today was one of the best FFF days I ever had!   

Number One Daughter and I got to the festival around noon.  We saw 15 films, sat through four Q & A sessions, interviewed one filmmaker, shopped at an organic farmer’s market, interviewed some FFF  patrons and managed to find Enzian General Manager Chris Blanc to let him know what a wonderful job his team was doing.   

I’m exhausted!  It is clear that this pace is not working for my readers and I.  My intention was to do several live posts all day from the festival.  It’s just not my style.  I like to write long, well researched and detailed posts.  I’m not used to reducing the sum of my observations to Twitteresque statements of pithyness.  I’m used to re-reading and editing my writing many times prior to posting.  

So here it is, past 4am and I am just now finishing my blog for the day.  I didn’t even stay for the midnight shorts.  I’m determined to teach this old dog a new trick.  Tomorrow will be different! 

First, let’s review all that happened today.  

11am Arrive at Regal Cinema
The logistics of running something as large as the Florida Film Festival fascinates me. Every year I am impressed with how smoothly it flows. It’s not without its hitches. This morning a computer at the Regal Cinema broke down causing “The Secret of Kells” to start late. I watched as festival crews immediately dispatched someone to bring a computer wire to solve the problem. Then, there was a projection issue that caused the showing of “How to Fold a Flag to be delayed.  As with most FFF glitches, a hard working crew jumped in and most patrons were unaware of any issues. 

My hats off to this organization. 

“Thomson” today got of to a slow start as this short had me wondering what other choices the selection committee had that forced them to select this dud. I saw nothing in this movie to warrant its inclusion in the festival. Just a bunch of random scenes of teenagers hanging out. 

“How to Fold a Flag” wasn’t much better. At least this feature documentary had good editing, filming and score which made it engaging for a short time. It followed four soldiers from Iraq confronting the challenges they faced upon returning home. It was the kind of film that helps to raise public awareness of what it is like to deal with PTSD and the strains of returning to civilian life. I did not find enough substance to warrant a full length movie.  Perhaps it would have worked as a short film.   

From here, the rest of the day was film festival at its very best.   

Normally a shorts program contains a mixture of excellent, very good, good and then, well, not-so-good films. “Shorts Program #2: Burn” contained only very good and excellent films.   

Usually when I write reviews, I do an in depth analysis with a lot of research. I can’t do that when reviewing over 15 films in one day! So, here is my attempt to capture the essence of each movie in a review that is shorter than this paragraph:   

“My Mom Smokes Weed” a fun frolic where the title says it all.  

“Adelaide” a quirky romantic comedy about a hypochondriac who intentionally puts herself in danger to win the love of her EMT wannabe.   

“Touch” Whimsical tale of loneliness and connection on a subway platform. Touch was touching.  This was Number One Daughter’s favorite of this shorts program.   

“The Last Cigarette” a dad and daughter reconnect during a five minute smoke break. Engaging. 

NCFOY Filmmakers During Q & A

“No Country for Old Yeller”a humorous yarn of a producer’s PA who does daily chores, you know, pick up the laundry, shop, euthanize the family dog…typical Hollywood fare and good for some hearty laughs. 

“Down in Number 5” a well told, depressing story of a single father with black lung running out of options to care for his developmentally disable adult son. In the wake of the worst coal mine disaster in 40 years, this one was particularly emotional. 

“On the Road to Tel-Aviv” an explosive exploration of confronting the every day reality of terrorism in war torn countries. 

3pm Drive the 1.5 Miles From Regal to Enzian
“The Bake Shop Ghost”  This was it. The first movie that brought tears to my eyes. This short jewel stars Kathryn Joosten whom many of you know from her work as Mrs. Landingham on the TV show “The West Wing”.  This movie has her as the owner of a bake shop who has a hard time letting go of her passion–even after she dies!   

“What’s Organic About Organic” This feature documentary takes a look at the benefits of supporting organic agriculture and local farmers. It’s filled with useful information and showcases an extensive and eclectic group of farmers who strive to produce food in the fairest and healthiest way possible.   

As someone who is very supportive of the organic and local movement, it is difficult for me to be completely objective about this movie. During the last moments of the film a string of “what can you do” suggestions were displayed that seemed to cross a line between a documentary and proselytization. I wondered if such tactics are helpful in changing our national mindset or did the movie just preach to the choir.   

The film’s producer, Shelly Rogers, and Marty Mesh, one of the film’s featured farmers from Archer, FL was present for a Q & A afterwards. It was clear from the questions that a large portion of the audience was well educated and invested in the subject matter. Marty was passionate about his industry. He was sincere. I got the impression that if he were in charge of organic regulation and enforcement, agriculture in this country would be better off. But both presenters acknowledged the challenges of being able to trust every label or business who wants a piece of the ever growing organic market.   

5:30 Outside the Theatre
After the Q & A I tracked down Shelly & Marty and spoke with them for about 15 minutes.   

Shelly and Marty Love Organic

I asked them point blank about the possibility that their film could be seen as one-sided and unbalanced. Shelly acknowledged that every filmmaker has a point of view. The goal of filming, she says, should be to encourage growth and change. “I changed during the making of this film,” she pointed out. When I asked for a specific example of how she changed it was difficult for me to understand her response.   

Number One Daughter was snapping photos. As we discussed the interview, she noted that Shelly would often get this look in her eye like it was important for her to sell what it was that she believed in so strongly. Number One Daughter tried to capture that look in a photo.   

Shelly wanted me to mention Florida Organic Growers and encourage everyone to learn about the organic choices available to them. I joked with her that she was continuing to proselytize. She seemed a little offended by my tongue-in-cheek comment and explained that she thinks of that word as something that refers to a religious belief.  Hmmm, somehow I think that was my point.  

Marty reminds us that we eat everyday and each day what we put in our mouth is a choice. Where we spend our dollars and our marketplace choices have an effect. We have the power to have an impact.   

Shelly handed me a packet of basil seeds and encouraged me to not just sit on the sidelines and watch, but to go out and do something. Plant some seeds. Basically she was saying that we can grow as a society by making conscious choices about what we grow.   

Debbie Morse, a Film Festival volunteer, saw the movie several weeks ago. “It was excellent!” she proclaimed.  Despite her wariness of documentaries, she felt this one was easy to follow. When I asked her if this documentary was balanced, she said, “it felt like they were trying to give a portrait…and not take a side.”   

Erica Laspada, an FFF patron, thought the movie did a good job of providing excellent information–more than she expected given that she works for an environmental organizational and is quite knowledgable of the issues.  She especially liked the Q & A where she appreciated Marty’s information about the Florida Organic Growers organization. “Go organic farming,” was her closing remark.  

To compliment the movie a small, organic farmer’s market was set up just outside the Enzian. (Isn’t this a phenomenal film festival!)  I bought some farm fresh eggs, homemade hummus, biscotti and asked Matt if I could buy a bottle of his Organic Uncle Matt’s Orange Juice. He didn’t bring bottles to sell, but he gave me a full one that he brought along to pour samples.  He wouldn’t accept my offer of payment. It was delicious O.J.   

6:30pm Back Inside the Theatre
“Devolution” a wordless short consisting of five exquisitely filmed vignettes. With nothing but music and images, the filmmaker skillfully creates an emotional romp through several diverse scenes. Number One Daughter was bored and slept through this one. I was mesmerized.   

“The Tiger Next Door” was a fascinating feature documentary about Dennis Hill, a breeder of rare, exotic animals, mostly tigers, and his fight with the DNR to retain his permit to keep animals. Although it was a feature length film I felt like it was missing huge chunks of information that kept me from having enough information to determine if Dennis deserved to keep his permit.   

By the end of the film I had formed an opinion about whether or not Dennis should be allowed to keep his large cats. In speaking with others who saw the film, I found many of them also had their points of view. But they were not always the same.  I think that’s the sign of a well done documentary.  I’ll let you watch the movie and draw your own conclusions.   

8:15pm Back Outside the Theatre to Interview Some Patrons
Dianne & Kevin Sentner just saw “Winter’s Bone” It was a dark movie about Ozark hillbillies. Very well acted, well written and very violent. It dealt with a code of silence of the hills. They found the writing and story to be quite good and thought the acting was excellent. They’ve been going to the film festival for a few years and go to about three or four films a year.   

Jeff H. saw “Homewrecker” “Loved it. I’m trying to think of some ’film critique’ thing to say, you know, tour de force. A solid movie,” he stammered.  He went on to say that a wide range of people would like this movie. 

Jeff, maybe this was your 15 minutes. Leave a comment and let me know how it felt.  I think your review was great. 

9:15pm Inside the Enzian for Two Last Films
Our day ended with the screening of two documentaries   

Watermelon Man & His Director

“Watermelon Man” what a great short powered solely by the personality of its one and only character–a colorful black farmer touting the benefits of using his God given talent; growing great watermelons and other crops.  This charismatic guy was filled with simple, homespun wisdom and a dramatic flair for making his points.  The film was well crafted; short, funny and quite engaging.  Our second serendipitous movie for the day! 

 “Cleanflix” wow! What a movie. This feature documentary explores the legal battle concerning companies, primarily in Morman areas of Utah, that edit objectionable content out of movies to rent or sell them. A real life “Cinema Paradiso”. All serious movie lovers will be fascinated by the implications of this well made feature documentary film. 

After these two movies, filmmakers from both films participated in a Q & A.  I asked the Watermelon Man if he could clarify whether or not the delectable melon he speaks of in his movie is seeded or seedless.  He acknowledges that the seeded ones are best but to the laughter of the audience he concedes that you can’t get the kids of today to even think about eating a melon where they have to spit out the seeds. 

Cleanflix Filmmaker at Q & A

The filmmaker of “Cleanflix” gave even more detailed information on the business of editing movies for content and the legal and moral battles that ensue.  He noted that his project began as a short, but kept growing year after year.  Just when he thought he had an ending, his Mormon Cleanflix protagonist was arrested on a charge of a child sex crime and the documentary got even longer. 

11:30pm The End of the Day
On the way to our car Number One Daughter casually remarks, “wow, that was fun!”  After a day of young teenage angst begging to go home after every movie I begin to think I might have a convert.  Bless her!  She, too, is exhausted from hauling around our blogging bag with two cameras, water bottles, notepads, computer, disks and FFF guides and info.  She’s my personal assistant, sherpa and creative guide all at once.  I could not have gotten through the day without her. 

It was precious to watch her interact with the Watermelon Man while he personally signed one of his books for her.  She asked him to choose the book she was to purchase and he chose, “Hard Heads Make Soft Bottoms.”  Turns out it’s a book about the wisdom of respecting one’s parents. 

Tomorrow I will set a goal to abandon my normal posting style and bring you short, informative updates throughout the day.  In the meantime, I hope you are enjoying the FFF, even if it is only through these posts. 

Please leave a comment and join the conversation. 

Please Join the Conversation by Leaving a Comment

Emma Stone Meets Number One Daughter

Day One
6:51pm “Paper Man” 19 Minutes Late  

Emma Stone was . . . Brilliant!  

Today was the first day of the Florida Film Festival.  I was frustrated.  Traffic was bad.  Number One Daughter and I were late to the opening film, “Paper Man”.  We walked in well after the movie had started.  The theatre manager told us it was standing room only but we managed to find seats in the very front row.  I was not expecting to enjoy it.  

The movie stars Jeff Daniels–one of my favorite actors.  It is a very engrossing film, telling the story of a writer who temporarily leaves his highly successful, vascular surgeon wife and moves to a home in Montauk, Long Island, to try to finish his next novel.  Lacking social skills, he innocently bumbles into hiring a babysitter, even though he has no baby.  She house sits while he spends time interacting with his childhood, imaginary super hero.  Yeah, the story line is a little weird.  

They might not have pulled it off.  Fortunately, there was Emma Stone, playing the babysitter.  

Her performance was sublime.  She somehow managed to capture the depth of a character struggling with guilt associated with the drowning of her twin sister.  It was one part “Ordinary People”, one part “The Sixth Sense” and very reminiscent of “Lost in Translation”–mid-life crises meets teenage angst with a healthy dose of psychological fantasy.  Emma somehow managed to convey it all.  

I was so engrossed in the film, I lost track of everyone around me.  Like most Florida Film Festival movies, an appreciative crowd laughed and clapped at appropriate moments making the experience somehow more alive.  Before I knew it the movie was over, the lights came up and an announcer stated that some of the filmmakers were in the audience.  

Michele, Kieran and Emma

Emma Stone was sitting next to me!  Michele Mulroney, the co-writer and co-director and Kieran Culkin, another star were with Emma.  During the Q & A, I complimented Emma on her brilliant performance.  The hearty applause of the audience indicated I was not alone in that thought.  

In a typical film festival encounter, the audience sees  Emma transform from the brilliant actress that managed to plumb the depths of a very complex character to a shy, unassuming 21 year old demonstrating a lack of confidence in her work.  The president of the Florida Film Festival was standing beside me and commented that he felt as though he was witnessing the growth of a new Julianne Moore.  

Only at a film festival can you have these kind of experiences.  I hope you get to a chance to join me this week.  

And please let me know what you thought of “Paper Man”.  

8:30pm Opening Night Party 

After the film, the opening night party at the Enzian was a glorious bash of exquisite hor d’ oeuvres, live music and star-studded party goers. 

This was my first film festival as a member of the press and it didn’t take long for that to have an impact. 

“Are you with the press?  I want you to interview me.  I have the third highest making film in the festival,” brags one lady who looks at me with an expectant air. 

“Your movie made the third most amount of money out of all these films?” I ask, wondering what she meant. 

“No, it has sold the third–or second, I can’t remember–most amount of tickets in the festival.  It’s a local film so I’m really pleased it’s one of the most popular.”  

I know the movie.  It’s a documentary about high school children vying to win a music composition contest.  Since the movie is local, I’m not surprised it has sold a higher number of tickets–all those local young composers, moms, grandparents, friends and teachers would ensure that.  I try to think of a delicate way to make that point but the eager filmmaker is going a mile a minute. 

Her name is Dr. Lisa Mills and she is an associate professor of film at UCF.  She has made about six shorts and this is her second feature.  She says she is in the middle of her second life.  For her first life she was a journalist.  I tell her she could teach me how to write. 

“But you have your own blog, you already know how to write,” she replies.  I point out that anyone can buy a domain name.  She has no idea how much I struggle to produce good writing.  I often fail. 

Her movie is called “The Young Composers Challenge” and it is playing Sunday April 11 3:45pm at the Enzian and Sunday April 18 1pm at Regal Cinema A. 

Lisa laments how our society has adopted an attitude that the arts aren’t important.  She cites the many schools that have cut or reduced art programs as proof.  “I belive the arts are important!” she emphatically declares. 

I envy Lisa.  She is clearly entering a new phase in her life that she finds challenging and rewarding.  Before meeting her, I was not sure I was going to see her film but after meeting her I have it on my schedule. 

9:30pm Interview with Emma Stone 

After watching “Paper Man” Emma Stone agreed to allow me an interview, as long as I kept it short.  I caught up with her at the party. 

She seemed a little nervous and overwhelmed with all the attention she was receiving.  I asked her how she got started in acting.  She said she loved acting for as long as she could remember and she moved to California at 15 to start her career.  My journalistic instincts were working overtime.  Did she move with her parents?  Were they still together?  What happens in a family when a child wants to start a career in a different state? 

Emma Was Very Popular at the Party

I had promised her a short interview so I left these questions unspoken.  The sponsor of the film festival interrupted us and asked if she could do a TV interview.  Emma was fantastic.  She said she was in the middle of an interview with me and would do their interview in a minute. 

I lowered my notepad and tried to make a connection.  “I write a blog about the Orlando area,” I began, “what would you like to say to my readers?” 

The question catches her off guard and she doesn’t know how to respond.  After an awkward moment she shrugs her shoulders, smiles and replies, “Tell them I said, ‘Hi!'”.  

Now it’s my turn to look awkward.  “Tell them to google me,” she continues.  Then, quickly, “No, don’t say that.”  We both laugh as I make a mental note to tell my readers, in fact, to google her. 

She is a terrific young actress and deserves attention. 

Then, remembering that during the movie Q & A she revealed her life long goal was to one day host SNL, I tell her that I’ll tell my readers to look for her on Saturday Night Live.  She smiles and laughs as she moves on to her next interview. 

My first day at the Florida Film Festival comes to an end.

The "Bagel Dilemma" was a Highlight of this Movie

Punching the Clown claims to be a fictional story yet has the feel of a movie based on the true life exploits of its star and co-writer, Henry Phillips.  Indeed, some of the shots are of Henry’s actual live performances.  The documentary style narrative chronicles Henry’s attempt to become a successful singer with his off-beat, satirical folk songs which his agent describes as akin to “James Taylor on smack.”  Henry finds this analogy confusing because, as he points out, James Taylor actually was on smack.

The backdrop of the movie is Henry being interviewed on a 3am radio talk show where he describes his life on the road and his crashing at his brother’s apartment as he seeks his fortune.  Several coincidental interchanges occur that could result in a lucrative deal with a record agent or a mob protest for an erroneous, defamatory magazine article.

The movie is peppered with creative and humorous original songs written by Henry Phillips and similar in style to Weird Al Yankovic.  As the story unfolds, the gentle, innocent songwriter finds himself buffeted by forces seemingly beyond his control.  In one particularly hilarious sequence, his modest compliment of a bagel spirals into an out-of-control scenario resulting in a near riot.

As I was watching the movie, I found myself being struck by the similarities between the way the film was made and the internal story line.  The story was about a young artist attempting to refine his craft and seek exposure.  The movie had the feel of a young moviemaker struggling with his first major work.  The acting was adequate, but occasionally inconsistent, the cinematography was sketchy, the lighting was horrible and the script needed some tightening.

Did the filmmaker intentionally create a movie that mirrored its subject or was this the work of a novice filmmaker about a novice musician?

The end result was a film with some really good laughs, some poignant and enjoyable moments but not enough depth to carry a full length feature.

Henry Phillips is obviously a very talented artist and, with time, perhaps some exceptionally good work will come from him.  I hope he keeps working at it.

Punching the Clown plays at the Winter Park Regal Theatre B on Monday, Apr 12 at 9pm and Thursday April 15 at 4:30pm.

Archie Has a Wide Array of Complex Movie Editing Equipment

Through the creative use of live action, animation and visual effects, My Suicide is a narrative feature that realistically explores the complex world of teen suicide.  High school student Archie, played by the talented and energetic  Gabriel Sunday, announces to his film class that his project will be to film his own suicide.  When popular class president Sierra,  skillfully portrayed by Brooke Nevin, reveals her intention to join him in his suicide pact, Archie’s journey through a myriad of mental health counselors, drug parties and family crises is all captured using the technique of home filmed movies supplemented with extremely creative animation and special effects.  David Lee Miller, the director, did a masterful job with this film.

The result is a very realistic and very disturbing film that plumbs the depth of teenage despair.  At first, the movie appears to be as much of a shallow treatment of suicidal ideation as the “Pie” movies were a shallow rendition of teenage sex.  My Suicide, however, manages to go deeper while at the same time avoiding trite platitudes or easy answers.

By the end of the movie, the audience is left feeling dazed and affected as if they had been the subject of the multiple camera shots and artistic editing and special effects so expertly interwoven throughout the movie.

This is not a movie to be taken lightly.  If you want to bring your teenager, be prepared to have a serious conversation afterwards.  If a conversation is not possible, I do not recommend this movie for teenagers.  It’s a great film that realistically portrays the idiosyncrasies and challenges faced by teens.  It’s not something I would want my teenager to see without the opportunity to have an open dialogue about the many real issues portrayed in the film.

On the other hand, the ability to honestly explore these weighty issues through the medium of independent film is what makes attending a film festival an opportunity for personal growth and retrospection.  This movie challenges the audience.  It makes you think.  No, it makes you feel–and that feeling is quite uncomfortable.

Perhaps there is no better example of this than watching David Carradine play the role of a poet obsessed with suicide and death.  As you watch, you realize that his realistic portrayal may have been a foreshadowing of his own personal demons that led to his death by asphyxiation (which may have been suicidal or autoerotic) shortly after this movie was filmed.

It really makes you contemplate, and feel, the intense issues at hand.

My Suicide plays at the Regal Theatre B in Winter Park on Saturday, April 10 at 4:15pm and Thursday, April 15 at 9:30pm.

Henry Loves to Talk About the Enzian

After watching the sneak preview of Don’t Let Me Drown, Number One son and I sat down with Henry Maldonado, the President of the Enzian Theatre and the Florida Film Festival to ask him what he wanted the public to know about film festivals. 

Like Enzian General Manager, Chris Blanc, his first reaction was to help me understand exactly what a film festival is: 

“Too many film festivals have become a marketplace,” Henry explains, lamenting the fact that at Sundance and Toronto Film Festivals, too many filmmakers are working to secure a deal to get their independent film released to a wider audience and not really having the time to enjoy the festival. 

“At the Enzian,” he goes on, “it’s become a place where people come to interact with one another.  This is where they come for friendships.  There’s not a desperation to make a deal.  Filmmakers come to show you their film.  The deal making is important, but they come here for friendship.” 

“Is there anything you would like people to know about the Florida Film Festival?” I ask. 

“Yes,” Henry quickly replies, “Don’t be intimidated by the film festival.”  He continues to explain that when you come to a film festival movie, it is no different than going to any other movie.  The tickets are only $10.  The parking is right in front of the theatre.  You can even buy popcorn. 

“I’ve been a customer [of the Enzian] for nine years,” states Henry.  “My wife and I go out [to the Enzian]–sometimes for dinner and sometimes for the movie–but we always wind up enjoying dinner and enjoying a movie.” 

Prior to becoming President of the Enzian and Florida Film Festival, Henry was a board member of the Enzian for nine years.  During most of that time, he was also GM of WKMG, local Orlando Channel Six.  Before that, he worked as a documentary producer at WGBH, a public broadcasting station in Boston, as well as at WDIV in Detroit, WCBS & WNBC in New York and WBZ in Boston.  It was clear from our conversation that Henry loves film, loves filmmakers and loves the Enzian Theatre. 

Enzian and FFF President Henry Maldonado (left) and General Manager Chris Blanc

When I asked him if there was anything he wanted me to communicate with my readers that they might not know about the Enzian, he was quick to reel off a list: 

“We’re non-profit…The free Popcorn Flicks that play monthly in Winter Park…The Jewish Film Festival…The South Asian Film Festival…Enzian’s summer camp for the kids…The new, outdoor Eden Bar & Restaurant, attached to the Enzian Theatre, which features live music…We have a history of working with independent films… 

“Did you know that The Blair Witch Project was shown here, in this very theatre, for the very first time?” he exclaims as he sweeps his hands across the theatre. 

I knew that The Blair Witch Project was made by local, Orlando area filmmakers.  But I did not know that they screened the original movie at The Enzian and got feedback on it.  Henry explained that the original movie was three hours long and, based partly on the feedback they received, was cut back to its current length. 

According to Henry, the Enzian Theatre is a place to “watch movies, talk about movies and hang out at the bar.” 

Yes it is!  And when you do, see if Henry’s around.  He’s the kind of guy who would love to bend your ear and talk about his passions–like the Florida Film Festival, independent movies and the Enzian Theatre.  What a great combination.  For the lucky readers of my blog searching for “more than a mouse”™ the Enzian Theatre is a great place to discover.