San Diego Film Festival...seeking film entries!

The San Diego Film Festival is seeking entries!

The annual event - which attracts about 15,000 film buffs each year - was founded in 2002 with the express aim of tossing a spotlight on up-and-coming filmmakers and the best that the world of cinema has to offer.

From its inception, the organizers have been committed to the notion that the best way to enjoy fine films is in a fun, relaxed, and festive environment such as the idyllic picturesque one that is San Diego.

Each year, the Festival hand picks eight-five unique stand-out projects to showcase at the popular Southern California festival.

According to festival Officials, they deliberately mimicked the very best ideas from film fests around the globe, the end result being a celebration of film which guarantees great venues, an eclectic mix of theatre-goers, and a round of upbeat parties sure to appeal to the most discerning party-hearty die-hards!


Festival Date
September 24th - 27th

Deadline for Submisions
Early Deadline: May 1st (2009)
Final Deadline: June 1st (2009)

Info: http://www.sdff.org/filmmakers.htm

http://www.julianayrs.com/

Cannes Film Festival...snobs turn up noses at bloggers! French merde!

Gauche promotion that is true Cannes!

Pregnant pauses!

In spite of a downturn in the economy in recent months, a handful of bloggers have been stashing away cash in order to rustle up airfare and Hotel accommodation, with the aim of attending the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in May (2009).

If this excited wave of Internet Journalists expect to trot the red carpet, interview celebs amid the glitz and glamour of the Internet Jet Set - or even rub shoulders with the tony elite in Southern France - they may be disappointed when they arrive at the pearly gates!

Undoubtedly, the party crashers will be waved away by a snooty Official attired a lot like a stuffy maitre d' at a 3 Star restaurant.

Yes, a few Bloggers and Internet Journalists have grumbled about the fact Festival Officials gave them the-run-around when they applied for press credentials for the much-ballyhooed event.

"How many unique impressions does your site get a month?" one staffer sniffed.

In addition, the status of the publication writers were in the employ of, was of utmost importance to the phony-baloney snots.

"Please provide the site address for the head office of your publication on the Internet."

If the applicant's site was listed under the auspices of a web site such as technorati, blogspot, or - God forbid - wordpress, they were given the old heave-ho post haste.

"There is such a demand for the passes that we can only grant them to a select few."

Of course, reporters from the New York Times, a major Television Network, or journalists penning copy for a U.S. publication with subscriptions tallies that stagger the imagination, are given carte blanche!

It all boils down to numbers, maximum coverage, and a big bucks audience.

Normally, just prior to the big launch in Cannes each dazzling new season, bloggers and Internet journalists alike are inclined to publish a raft of gushing press clips, with a big thrust on celebs that plan to bask in the glow of the spotlight, award-winning films to grace the French Cinema screens, in tandem with a ton of delicious titillating gossip about the party circuit, fashion scene, who's screwing who, and that sort-of-thing.

Yes, Internet writers are a force to contend with on these shores and on those abroad, no question.

What if the blogosphere militia left the Cannes Film Festival out in the cold this year, if only to make the point?

Would the frogs do a sudden about-face and invite bloggers to their murky little lily pond next year?

I, for one, am not going to pen any post on the Cannes Film Festival hereinafter, nor do I intend to promote their overrated festival (which ranks a big zero in my eyes, all things considered, on the heels of the aforementioned fiasco).

Frankly, I've had enough of "Boutique" films rife with painstakingly long pauses, sketchy subtitles that beg interpretation, and gobs of butter masquerading as "Art" to intentionally fu** the filmgoer up the a**.

In the alternative, I plan to rent a DVD or two, hop into bed with a bevy of fluffy pillows courtesy of Martha Stewart, and wash down a plateful of scrumptious freedom fries with a goblet or two of vintage wine from the Napa Valley.

Paris (Nevada) even looks more inviting these days!

http://www.julianayrs.com

AFI FEST...Documentary Competition! A curious mix bag of offerings...

When film director Michael Moore unveiled his new documentary SiCKO - amid a lot of fanfare in earlier this year in Sacramento - some said:

"There he goes again".

Taking in a documentary is one of my favorite past-times.

Of course, the "doc" comes in all varieties.

A director may focus on thought-provoking pieces about nature's astounding wonders, or take an insightful foray into an important social or political issue of the day, you name it.

In my mind's eye, when it comes to the latter, the facts should be presented fairly so that the viewer may weigh all the information - and henceforth - arrive at an intelligent reasoned decision about the issues.

For the most part, documentary filmmakers are inspired to "log" a topic because they are all fired up about a project. I mean, somethin' must have got 'em all hopped up to tackle the issues, eh?

For this reason I am inclined to believe that the creators may have a tendency to lean a little.

Undoubtedly, a subtle manipulation of the content is capable of swaying an audience in a particular way.

For instance, whether an insightful (or inflammatory) interview or news clip is placed at the beginning or end of the reel may have a dramatic impact on the viewer.

Although 60 minutes promises to follow the strict dictates of professional journalism - on occasion you can tell by the way the piece was constructed - where their loyalty falls.

One critic spouted recently that documentaries reminded him of "homework".

Joe Queenan - at the LA TIMES - recalled the empty experience of being locked in a steamy smelly auditorium forced to watch grainy films about boring topics produced by the Department of Agriculture.

"I'd rather watch the worst Keanu Reeves movie, I would rather sit through eleven consecutive Demi Moore films (are there that many?) than sit through a documentary," he noted with distaste.

Or maybe he was responding tongue-in-cheek?

No matter.

His statements caused a firestorm from the documentary camp from those who assert that this forum is where political causes, life's injustices and social ills may be brought to the fore.

June Macquire of Mission Viejo quoted Thomas Jefferson:

"If a Nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be".

The AFI FEST is sponsoring a Documentary Competition this year which focuses on a diverse range of topics.

Although I can't vouch for any of the docs - since I have't advance-screened any of the mixed bag that is offered up - I have given a run-down below so that discerning film buffs can fathom whether they want to risk pay-out on an uncertain gamble in these troubled economic times.

AGILE, MOBILE, HOSTILE:
A YEAR WITH ANDRE WILLIAMS

[AGILE]
(USA, 2008, 88 mins)

A doc which follows Andre Williams (who wrote and recorded numerous hits with the great Berry Gordy, Ike Turner, and Stevie Wonder) as he embarks upon a comeback after enduring poverty and homelessness and a life of reckless living.

ALONE IN FOUR WALLS

[ALONE]

(Germany, 2008, 85 mins)

According to the press packet, a meticulously eye-opening and beautifully-shot documentary which focuses the lens on young teens incarcerated in a tough reform school located in Russian Urals.

"Though these kids have stolen, and even killed, they also share dreams and passions as young people do everywhere."

GOGOL BORDELLO NON-STOP

[GOGOL]
(USA, 2008, 87 mins)

Hailing from five countries, and led by the irrepressible Eugene Hütz, the members of a band tell their stories and share their music.

Critics are saying this doc elevates the concert film into a full-blown exploration of music, identity and global politics.

HI MY NAME IS RYAN

[HIMYN]
(USA, 2008, 78 mins)

Ryan is a milk-and-cookies connoisseur, photo booth artist, fake mustache aficionado, and punk rock performance artist.

According to festival organizers, this poignant doc puts the spotlight on Ryan, who thrives on the therapeutic power of entertaining others as he embarks upon a preposterous number of music and art projects.

IMAGINADORES

[IMAGI]
(Argentina, 2008, 83 mins)

This doc explores the fascinating world of Argentinian comic books - and along the way - reveals the history, highlights, and undercurrents of this major cultural staple as it surges forward into the 21st Century without boundaries.

In addition to featuring existing published cartoons, the film animates some of the country's classic comic characters popular today.

THE LAST DAYS OF SHISHMAREF

[LASTD]
(Netherlands, 2008, 90 mins)

For residents of a small Inupiaq village, global warming is no abstract concept; after all, their island is disappearing beneath rising waters.

This documentary follows three families wrestling with an enormous dilemma.

Where should the people, whose livs are interwoven with their land, pick up and move their village to?

OF ALL THINGS

[OFALL]
(USA, 2008, 83 mins)

In the 1970s, songwriter Dennis Lambert had four songs in the top 100 at once, a feat previously accomplished only by the Beatles.

Now retired, and selling real estate, Lambert's discovery of an unlikely cult following—in the Philippines!!—lures him back on tour.

This hilarious doc captures every note.

PINDORAMA

THE TRUE STORY OF THE SEVEN DWARVES

[PINDO]
(Brazil, 2008, 84 mins)

A wandering family of performers - all dwarves, all children of a legendary Brazilian clown - travels the countryside celebrating magic, humanity, happiness and courage.

In this award-winning documentary, a team of filmmakers follows this remarkable, enchanting circus as it charms audiences.

PLAYING COLUMBINE

[PLAYI]
(USA, 2008, 94 mins)

A videogame that allows players to reenact the Columbine massacre is slammed in the press ,opening a wave of anti-gaming repercussions.

This provocative documentary follows the controversy, asking questions about gaming culture, free speech and the media's role in fanning the flames.

SHAKESPEARE AND VICTOR HUGO'S INTIMACIES

[INTIM]
(Mexico, 2008, 83 mins)

A filmmaker uncovers the true tale of her grandmother Rose Elena's friendship with Jorge, the strange transsexual (and perhaps schizophrenic man) who rented a room from her.

Could Jorge, Rose Elena's close companion, have been responsible for a string of unsolved murders in Mexico City?

UNTIL THE LIGHT TAKES US

[UNTIL]
(United States, 2008, 93 mins)

Blurring the line between performance, art, activism and terror, a group of "black metal" musicians recorded albums, burned churches and even killed each other.

This film examines the movement's birth and explosive growth, asking:

“Is violence a viable artistic response to our destructive consumption-mad culture?”

WITCH HUNT

[WITCH]
(USA, 2008, 91 mins)

Who wouldn't want a legal system that was tough on crime?

Unfortunately, as this startling documentary reminds us, the rush to punish the guilty often has devastating effects on the innocent, including the several fathers and mothers sent to prison by Bakersfield's overzealous DA.