FLEFF

Hey everyone, for my blog this week I thought it might be cool to show you all the films for the FLEFF Festival this weekend! There are a tone of very well made films from all over the worked and if you can you should try and make it to some! The one that I am looking forward to the most is a prison film called "15 to Life Kenneth's Story". 

100,000

100,000 stray dogs live on the island of Puerto Rico. When 80 were dropped off a bridge, outrage ensued; w/director Juan Agustin Marquez

The Amazing Catfish

A young woman connects with the family of an older woman who she meets in a hospital. Pathos and humor ensue; w Cinema Tropical's Carlos Gutierrez.

Backyard

The effects of fracking on the lives of five people, who live in five different states; w/filmmaker Deia Schlosberg.

Bad Hair

A young man, living in a Caracus tenement, decides to straighten his curly hair, causing his mother to panic; w/Cinema Tropical's Carlos Gutiérrez.

Big Men

Global capitalism and the unrelenting quest for oil in the poorest places on earth.

Brazilian Short Films

A program of cutting edge Brazilian short films, programmed by Kino Lorber's Rodrigo Brandao.

Brunello Cucinelli: A New Philosophy of Clothes

What can a contemporary, profit-driven, luxury, Italian fashion brand learn from the luminaries of European philosophy? w/filmmaker David LaRocca.

Concerning Violence

The writings of Frantz Fanon as narration to newly uncovered archival footage of 1960s and 70s anti colonial struggles.

Constance Cook: A Woman Ahead of Her Time

Biopic of the Republican Assemblywoman who led the fight to decriminalize abortion in New York State in 1970; w/filmmaker Sue Perlgut.

Cornell Lab of Ornithology: The Sagebrush Sea

w/ members of production team.

Cotton

Chinese independent film about cotton production in Xinjiang Province; w dGenerate film's Karin Chien.

The Crowd

The life of a man and woman bound together in a large, impersonal metropolis--their hopes and struggles; w/live music by Cloud Chamber Orchestra.

15 to Life: Kenneth's Story

In 2000, 14 year Kenneth Young was sentenced to life without parole for his part in four armed robberies, guaranteeing that he would die in prison.

Finding Fela

A big-hearted film about the musical creator of Afrobeat and his revolutionary politics, by Academy Award winning director Alex Gibney.

Floating

The difficult life of an internal Chinese migrant, who makes his living as a busker on streets and in subways; w/Karin Chien from dGenerate Films

The Gas Weapon - NORTH AMERICAN PREMIER

An examination of Ukraine and the rest of Europe's dependance on natural gas from Russia, and the political and economic consequences.

Gueros

A witty and charming dramedy about the 1999 Mexico City student demonstrations and Bob Dylan's tears.

Hollywood Habitats

A panel of invited guests: filmmakers, distributors, and other friends of the fest. Moderated by Steve Ginsberg.

Hurt: An Award Winning Short Play

A disgruntled Balkan-born adjunct professor who lost his job is at the end of his rope. Can he be saved by two women? w/playwright and cast talkback

Inhabit

Sumptuous film, tracks a journey across the US, which explored the ecological design concept of permaculture; w/the filmmaker & special guests.

Just Eat It

Award winning film about food waste, guaranteed to shock and awe. Sponsored by Tompkins County Solid Waste Management Division.

L Word Mississippi: Hate the Sin

Difficulties faced by gay women in the deep south; w/fimmaker Lauren Lazin.

The Last Colony

Puerto Rico became a U.S. colony after an 1898 invasion, and it remains one to this day. What should its status be? w/filmmaker Juan Agustín Márquez.

Miners Shot Down

South African police used live ammunition to brutally suppress a miners strike killing 34 and injuring many more.

Naturalist Outreach Films

Scientifically accurate engaging, and beautiful shorts to inspire young scientists to understand nature;w/ Dr. Linda Rayor, Carol Jennings, & students

Source - PREMIER

Three performers explore human and animal movement in the lush waterscapes of Six Mile Creek to reveal the intricate ecology of Ithaca's water source.

Sunday Ball

An annual favela soccer championship takes place in the shadow of 2014 World Cup's Maracana Stadium, marked by precise play and infectious enthusiasm

The Torrent

Greta Garbo's American silent film debut in a role that launched her storied career; w/live music performed by Fe Nunn and friends.

Tupac Resurrection

Academy Award winning biopic of the legendary 1990s rapper Tupac Shakur; w/filmmaker Lauren Lazin.

Upstate Filmmakers Showcase

A selection of films from upstate New York's finest filmmakers.

2014 Ithaca International Fantastic Fest

Just a short post this week, but it's on a very relevant topic. This weekend, Cinemapolis and Cornell Cinema will be hosting Ithaca's 3rd Annual International Fantastic Film Festival. Halloween may have been two weeks ago, but this encompasses all things horror anyway. New films from around the world as well as recognized classics will be screening, with a special focus put on the theme of witchcraft.

I've never been to a film festival of any kind and despite this being a far cry from the likes of Cannes, Venice, Sundance or TIFF, it remains a reason for excitement. The occasion aligns with a weekend of relatively little work, so there will be plenty of time check out what the fest has to offer, retrospectives and unreleased works alike.

As for a schedule, my plans are not set in stone, but here's what it looks like at the moment:

 First up is Cold in July. It's not exactly a horror film, more like a crime thriller, but a second chance to see it is very welcome. The film had a far too brief release this summer and I've heard good word across the board. Tension, violence and a terrific trio of performances by Michael C. Hall, Sam Shepard and Don Johnson is expected. The film screens Friday at Cornell Cinema.

 Saturday will be throw-back day, with a double feature of The Wicker Man (the original of course!) and The Exorcist at Cornell Cinema. Somehow I've never gotten around to seeing either of these. Exorcist is less excusable, but blindspots are blindspots. Two horror classics released in 1973, one concerning cults and the other, possession. Should make for a spooky evening of viewing!

On Sunday, the festival closes, and I plan on being there for two new releases: the zany documentary of  a project gone bad, Lost Soul: The Doomed Journey of Richard Stanley's Island of Dr. Moreau and the New Zealand vampire comedy, What We Do in the Shadows. Both will be screening at Cinemapolis.

To have a local film festival, no matter how small, is such a gift. A wide exposure to a variety of films allows for the free-flowing exchange of perspectives and ideas from around the world and it ought to yield at least a handful of hidden gems. While most of the titles may be unknown, it's an environment where you're encouraged to explore and dig for little films with big riches. With Cortaca rapidly approaching, I don't expect the majority of students to pay particular attention to this cultural event. Drinks will be spilling and parties will be bumping for sure. As for me, you can keep your football game...I'll be digging for buried treasure at the cinema.

Film Challenge

The Sundance Institute Short Film Challenge is a competition in search for people who demonstrate “an optimistic story about individuals and communities who are overcoming poverty and, hunger, combating diseases, or improving health.” It’s an organization in partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in hopes to start a conversation about the affects of poverty and hunger around the globe. This article particularly peaked my interest, as it should yours (I’m talking to all you film and T.V. people out there) because it combines filmmaking and world issues.

As you advance through what ever you wish to pursue in life, you should never be closed off to what is going on outside of your personal bubble. What this competition is to me is a way to use my passion for the bettering of the world.
There will be five chosen films which will premiere at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival, and each of which will receive a $10,000 grand prize, as well as a trip the film festival as a guest of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

As an Ithaca college student, it is very easy to be cut off, or not care, about the harsh realities outside of our “bubble”, or the subjugated communities in which so many reside.

This challenge is one that every filmmaker should take part in at one point or another, whether you are a freshman film student or an accomplished director like Scorsese.

You have till July 1^st, 2014 to submit a short of your interested!

It is our obligation as human beings to utilize the opportunities you have been given, achieve your most optimal version of success, and share you prosperity with those who are not as fortunate as you.