Oh, I was there and I was glad that I went. One of the reasons you go to Sundance is to expose yourself to films that you might never would have seen otherwise. Below are the two films I saw this year.
Family Portrait in Black and White
In a Ukrainian village, big-hearted, formidable Olga Nenya single-handedly raises 23 foster children. Sixteen are the biracial offspring of visiting African students and Ukrainian women, who, living in a country of blue-eyed blondes that’s racked with endemic racism, often see no choice but to abandon their babies. And that’s where Olga comes in.
Family Portrait in Black and White charts the rhythms of Olga’s hectic household, rife with rambunctious kids and goats. As diverse dramas unfold among the brood—a high-schooler struggling to transcend his plight through education, a boy longing to reunite with his Ugandan father, and a child courted for Italian adoption—Olga reveals herself to be loving and protective, but also narrow-minded and controlling. A product of communist ideology, she favors collective duty over individual freedom. It’s this philosophy that gives the orphans the rich sense of belonging they ache for, as well as cause for rebellion and distrust, in this lyrical, sometimes gut-wrenching tale about the meaning of “Mama,” “family,” and “nation.”
This film made me very grateful to be born and raised in America to a loving family and to have such luxuries like indoor plumbing. It broke my heart that Olga would not let her children be adopted to the loving host families that wanted them or let her children pursue their college education even though the government would pay for it. You wanted to reach out and help these children. The thought then brings me back to what am I doing to help those in my community? I can help here even though I might not be able to help there.
These Amazing Shadows
From Dorothy’s entrance into Oz to the pizza delivery at Ridgemont High, cinematic moments take on iconic levels of meaning in a film lover’s life. As the government-appointed protector of our cinematic legacy, the National Film Registry selects culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant works for preservation in the Library of Congress.
Guided by a true cinephile’s love of the medium and a treasure trove of archival footage, These Amazing Shadows molds a cultural history from pieces of film, offering a microcosm of the work of the National Film Registry and making a powerful case for film preservation.
I am so glad that AJ found this film at the last minute for us to watch. If I had my dream job, I would become a film historian so I really enjoyed this film. I knew the majority of the films they talked about (minus the unknown documentaries and some of the silent films) and it was interesting to hear why they chose these films to be preserved. I could talk about this film for hours because it is a subject that I am passionate about. One thing I do want to share is that did you know that anyone can submit a nomination for a film to be preserved? I’ve been contemplating which film not already preserved should be on that list. Which one would you preserve?
Showing posts with label Festivals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Festivals. Show all posts
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Utah Shakespeare Festival
Why should you go to the Utah Shakespeare Festival? To see Brian Vaughn and David Ivers. The first time I saw them perform was a few years back when they starred in the two man play Stones in His Pocket with them playing all 15 characters. I thought they did a terrific job. Since then anytime I see that they are going to perform in a play I am attending, I know I am in for a treat and this year was no exception.
The last weekend of August AJ, AMM, JR and I headed to Cedar City to the Shakespeare Festival. Just an FYI there are two Best Westerns in Cedar City (yeah, I went to go check in after waiting in line to find out I was off by a few blocks) and if you miss the overpass to get to the west side of the freeway to go eat at the elusive Café Rio you end up on the freeway heading south to Kanarraville (10 miles south) which is the next time you can turn around to head back in the right direction. So after a rushed dinner at Del Taco (order medium because I can’t even imagination how huge their large portions would be) since I took everyone on an adventure we went to the Friday evening performance of The 39 Steps, a hilarious spoof on Hitchcock films using the plot of 39 steps to deliver it.
Once again it was 4 actors playing about 30 roles it seemed with Brian Vaughn and David Ivers stealing the show once again. The best part was David making Brian forget his line because he was trying so hard not to laugh that he came out and said I forgot my line. The props were part of the spoof – the phone still ringing when it was picked up, the birds falling from the sky, everything was made out of luggage. The train chasing scene with its special effects was amazing. I am so impressed who came up with that. It really looked like Brian was on crawling below the train. I laughed so hard and enjoyed the performance so much, I have to say it ranks as one of my favorites.
After the play we headed to our hotel and slept to the noise of everyone’s toilets flushing. The plumbing was so loud you heard water continually running from all the surrounding rooms. Next morning after breakfast we explored Cedar City. We went to a furniture/jewelry/bookstore. Then we took JR to a Cedar City classic the store that has everything it is a drugstore/sporting goods/computer/jewelry/home décor/kitchenware/nick knack collectible store. JR loved it and said it was worth the trip just to go through four different stores without ever walking outside. Then we headed to a clothing store to shop the high fashions but it really lacked. Then we ate at the Pastry Pub. The food is average but the reason you is to eat the Chocolate Tiger Cake. I do not know what they put in it but it really is heaven on earth. I crave it year long.
Then we saw Much Ado About Nothing which is the second time this summer to see this production (Whole Lotta Fussin’ Over Nothin’ being the other). David once again made the performance for me. I wonder if he is just as funny in real life as he is on stage. Then we hung out around campus in a wind storm and finally gave up and decide to go eat dinner and came back for our final evening performance of Pride and Prejudice.
I could write a blog post just on the book Pride and Prejudice and one day I will but let me just get back to the play. I loved Brian’s performance as Mr. Collins. Ellen Crawford did excellent job as Mrs. Bennett as well. I thought it was funny how Mr. Darcy’s character kept ending up in the time out corner it seemed. After the performance we would have headed to the Pastry Pub for dessert but no, they were closed so no chocolate tiger cake for me.
We drove home and right when I pulled into my driveway at 2:45 am I noticed my car was smoking (really steaming) and I was leaking radiator fluid. Luckily I made it home and we were not stranded in the middle of nowhere on our journey. Until next summer, I will dream about that chocolate tiger cake since there is not a fall performance we are going down to see this year.
The last weekend of August AJ, AMM, JR and I headed to Cedar City to the Shakespeare Festival. Just an FYI there are two Best Westerns in Cedar City (yeah, I went to go check in after waiting in line to find out I was off by a few blocks) and if you miss the overpass to get to the west side of the freeway to go eat at the elusive Café Rio you end up on the freeway heading south to Kanarraville (10 miles south) which is the next time you can turn around to head back in the right direction. So after a rushed dinner at Del Taco (order medium because I can’t even imagination how huge their large portions would be) since I took everyone on an adventure we went to the Friday evening performance of The 39 Steps, a hilarious spoof on Hitchcock films using the plot of 39 steps to deliver it.
Once again it was 4 actors playing about 30 roles it seemed with Brian Vaughn and David Ivers stealing the show once again. The best part was David making Brian forget his line because he was trying so hard not to laugh that he came out and said I forgot my line. The props were part of the spoof – the phone still ringing when it was picked up, the birds falling from the sky, everything was made out of luggage. The train chasing scene with its special effects was amazing. I am so impressed who came up with that. It really looked like Brian was on crawling below the train. I laughed so hard and enjoyed the performance so much, I have to say it ranks as one of my favorites.
After the play we headed to our hotel and slept to the noise of everyone’s toilets flushing. The plumbing was so loud you heard water continually running from all the surrounding rooms. Next morning after breakfast we explored Cedar City. We went to a furniture/jewelry/bookstore. Then we took JR to a Cedar City classic the store that has everything it is a drugstore/sporting goods/computer/jewelry/home décor/kitchenware/nick knack collectible store. JR loved it and said it was worth the trip just to go through four different stores without ever walking outside. Then we headed to a clothing store to shop the high fashions but it really lacked. Then we ate at the Pastry Pub. The food is average but the reason you is to eat the Chocolate Tiger Cake. I do not know what they put in it but it really is heaven on earth. I crave it year long.
Then we saw Much Ado About Nothing which is the second time this summer to see this production (Whole Lotta Fussin’ Over Nothin’ being the other). David once again made the performance for me. I wonder if he is just as funny in real life as he is on stage. Then we hung out around campus in a wind storm and finally gave up and decide to go eat dinner and came back for our final evening performance of Pride and Prejudice.
I could write a blog post just on the book Pride and Prejudice and one day I will but let me just get back to the play. I loved Brian’s performance as Mr. Collins. Ellen Crawford did excellent job as Mrs. Bennett as well. I thought it was funny how Mr. Darcy’s character kept ending up in the time out corner it seemed. After the performance we would have headed to the Pastry Pub for dessert but no, they were closed so no chocolate tiger cake for me.
We drove home and right when I pulled into my driveway at 2:45 am I noticed my car was smoking (really steaming) and I was leaking radiator fluid. Luckily I made it home and we were not stranded in the middle of nowhere on our journey. Until next summer, I will dream about that chocolate tiger cake since there is not a fall performance we are going down to see this year.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Demolition Derby
Last night I went to my very first Demolition Derby at the Juab County Fair. Plus it was only my second time to attend a fair. I know when I was really young I went to one and won a stuffed snake. But I was from a big city so country life was not something I really experienced growing up.
AJ, AMM, and I went meeting up with AE and her husband. The adventure started off with AJ accidentally locking her car keys in the trunk. It was early yet and the Juab County Police Department was controlling the parking. She asked one of the officers and he said yes he could help us out (love small town politeness). So he came over and helped us but the car was not cooperating and soon another police officer stops by and than another. Soon we had five hanging around the car helping (yes, the how many joke was mentioned). In the end they rescued the day. During the derby they were giving all the credit to the Fire Department last night for public safety, but it was the Police we would like to thank.
After the key incident we went and look at two of the exhibits- Arts/Food and small farm animals I guess you would call it (chickens, rabbits, etc). When the exhibits closed we listened to the Juab County American Idol show and then the action started.
I have to say I was really surprised how much I enjoyed the derby. It really is not my thing but I enjoyed it enough I will probably make it an annual event. Though most of the cars I picked never made it to the next round it was a good race. I enjoyed the Powder Puff, Grunge, and the Championship rounds the best. Unfortunately (which sounds bad to say) no cars caught on fire. I just heard that they do occasionally at derbies that I wanted to see it. I guess I have become a true Utahan to enjoy an event like demolition derby.
AJ, AMM, and I went meeting up with AE and her husband. The adventure started off with AJ accidentally locking her car keys in the trunk. It was early yet and the Juab County Police Department was controlling the parking. She asked one of the officers and he said yes he could help us out (love small town politeness). So he came over and helped us but the car was not cooperating and soon another police officer stops by and than another. Soon we had five hanging around the car helping (yes, the how many joke was mentioned). In the end they rescued the day. During the derby they were giving all the credit to the Fire Department last night for public safety, but it was the Police we would like to thank.
After the key incident we went and look at two of the exhibits- Arts/Food and small farm animals I guess you would call it (chickens, rabbits, etc). When the exhibits closed we listened to the Juab County American Idol show and then the action started.
I have to say I was really surprised how much I enjoyed the derby. It really is not my thing but I enjoyed it enough I will probably make it an annual event. Though most of the cars I picked never made it to the next round it was a good race. I enjoyed the Powder Puff, Grunge, and the Championship rounds the best. Unfortunately (which sounds bad to say) no cars caught on fire. I just heard that they do occasionally at derbies that I wanted to see it. I guess I have become a true Utahan to enjoy an event like demolition derby.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Sundance Film Festival
Last night AJ, AMM and I went to the Sundance Film Festival up in Park City. This has been my fourth year attending the event. This year my ticket purchase time was not the best so we ended up getting our 8th choice. First you have to be selective of what you really can watch at Sundance since the films tend to be edgier (to put it mildly) and there is no rating on them so you have to go by clues in the synopsis if it will be “clean enough”. Then it is battle over finding a time that fits everyone’s schedule. In the end I was not disappointed in film of our choice “Kick in Iran.” This is the synopsis from Sundance Film Guide:
“Sarah Khoshjamal, a 20-year-old Taekwondo superstar, is the first female professional athlete from Iran to qualify for the Olympics. This skillful vérité portrait follows the unassuming Khoshjamal in the nine months leading up to the 2008 Beijing games. Living in an Islamic country, she is required to wear a hijab at all times and, unlike her fellow competitors around the world, cannot train with men; however, the power in her fighting resoundingly breaks down stereotypical barriers.”
A very interesting documentary that made for a good Q and A afterwards with the director and film staff (the perk of going to Sundance is to hear from the film makers). I just wish it had tighter editing, less random shots and not letting the camera linger too long after the person is finished talking.
Kudos to the Park City Sundance Shuttle system this year. They have worked out a lot their kinks and it ran smoothly with lots of volunteers helping to direct which bus to go on. Did you know they now charge $20 to park your car up there? Luckily in the outskirts they had a designated shuttle stop at an LDS church parking lot that was free. I wonder where we parked.
The only complaint I had was that it was snowing up in the canyons so I was driving probably too slow for everyone. I blame it on my growing up that when it snows you have snow days and you don’t drive in it. Plus Provo canyon can be pretty dangerous in the winter, I have seen the newspapers.
No celebrity sighting to report this year.
“Sarah Khoshjamal, a 20-year-old Taekwondo superstar, is the first female professional athlete from Iran to qualify for the Olympics. This skillful vérité portrait follows the unassuming Khoshjamal in the nine months leading up to the 2008 Beijing games. Living in an Islamic country, she is required to wear a hijab at all times and, unlike her fellow competitors around the world, cannot train with men; however, the power in her fighting resoundingly breaks down stereotypical barriers.”
A very interesting documentary that made for a good Q and A afterwards with the director and film staff (the perk of going to Sundance is to hear from the film makers). I just wish it had tighter editing, less random shots and not letting the camera linger too long after the person is finished talking.
Kudos to the Park City Sundance Shuttle system this year. They have worked out a lot their kinks and it ran smoothly with lots of volunteers helping to direct which bus to go on. Did you know they now charge $20 to park your car up there? Luckily in the outskirts they had a designated shuttle stop at an LDS church parking lot that was free. I wonder where we parked.
The only complaint I had was that it was snowing up in the canyons so I was driving probably too slow for everyone. I blame it on my growing up that when it snows you have snow days and you don’t drive in it. Plus Provo canyon can be pretty dangerous in the winter, I have seen the newspapers.
No celebrity sighting to report this year.
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