Austin 2011: SXSW Film
Plays, films, and novels all enable us to enter imaginatively into other lives and make an empathetic identification with people whose experiences are entirely different from our own. ~Karen Armstrong
I couldn't agree more with Armstrong and this is precisely one of the reasons why I enjoy going for plays, films and read. At the SXSW Film this year I had more than my fair share of great films and my respect for independent film makers increased tremendously. After almost every film, the directors and crew shared snippets of the film-making process and their inspirations. Being the sort who enjoy watching "the making of" as much as the film itself so I was happy for this opportunity to listen firsthand on the motivation and drive behind their arts. Independent film makers in particular are truly impressive people. Very often they have to work with smaller budget and more constraints. From an idea to completion of a film, it could easily take a few years. You need to have immense passion, willingness to work hard and sacrifice for the sake of the message that you want to share with others.
All in all I saw 10 films in the span of 5 days. I'm partial to feature films and that helped me to narrow down my options from tonnes of selection. With the synopsis to guide me I had more hits than misses. It was truly an honour to be among the first in the country to watch these wonderful films. In particular 3 films stood out for me and I like to share more about them here.
Poster for Natural Selection
Q&A with the director of Natural Selection, Robbie Pickering (far right) and the lead actress and actor. They are the winner for the Narrative Feature Competition. Definitely well-deserved.
Natural Selection. I admit that I was drawn to the curious title. If you're thinking this is about the survival of the fittest it is not. Instead it's a beautiful story about the journey of a devout and loving wife when she discovered that her dying husband has a biological son, a grubby 23-year-old whom she knew nothing about. As she tried to help him, a bizarre relationship ensued as they opened up to each other. Beautiful plot, funny conversations and superb acting by both the lead actor and actress. They were so good that both of them received the award for Breakthrough Performance at the festival. Definitely one of my favourites.
Jack, the Santa in Becoming Santa with the director, Jeff Myers. Winner of the Spotlight Premiers award.
This is a wonderful documentary about the process of a man in search of the meaning of Christmas by embarking on the journey of becoming a Santa. Thoroughly enjoyed this film and it was so educational and funny too. Coming from a "culture" where Santa simply puts on a fake beard and don an oversize red suit, I never knew that there is a huge community of dedicated people who embrace the role of Santa with so much passion and heart. The journey to becoming a good Santa is filled with challenges as I followed Jack in the story. The opening scene started with him bleaching his hair and beard which looked really torturous, to him going to Santa School and him doing everything that Santa is asked to do. There were moments when he questioned what he was doing and I appreciate the honesty in the dialogue. It was definitely authentic and real. By the way I had no clue that there is even a Santa School! Man these people mean business! In addition to witnessing his transformation, the documentary offers insights into the history of Santa around the world and there were numerous interviews with those who have answered the call to be Santa. All of them enjoy the opportunity to bring cheer and joy to others and they obviously love being Santa despite the grueling demands. This group of people are seriously hardcore. Most of them even slip into withdrawal and depression on December 26. All in all, Becoming Santa is charming, informative, and, best of all, really funny. I absolutely love it! Here's a snippet of the film. Check it out!
Prior to the screening, there were several gentlemen who looked very much like Santa walking up and down the street. Later I found out that they belong to Lonestar Santa. I had the good fortune of taking a picture with 2 of them. Initially I was just talking their picture and when they saw me, they waved me over to include me in the picture. For some reasons, that simple gesture touched my heart and I was very happy. Yay, a picture with Santa! I can only imagine the abundant joy that they give to children everywhere.
See how big my smile was?
As I thanked and shook their hands, one of them gave me this token. Coincidentally this film was screened on my birthday and it totally made my day. Christmas came early this year for me! Thank you Santa!
Fly Away, a moving portrait of a single mother and her severely autistic daughter.
Ashley Rickards, the lady with the microphone acted as the autistic daughter and she was amazing. My friend and I spoke to her briefly after the show and she was really nice, down-to-earth and polite.
This film was written and directed by Janet Grillo, who shared that she herself has a son who is on the spectrum for Autism. It is no surprise that the film demonstrates a keen understanding of the inter-dependencies that define the bond between the parent and the child, shining its lens on an especially tender and challenging point of awakening for the mother. The story is essentially about love and letting go. It is hard enough to be a parent. The challenge magnifies many folds when you're a single parent with special needs child. I can only imagine how hard this is. We learned from the Q&A that most of the film was actually shot at her house and I find that very impressive. A beautiful story with great acting and strong message.
I couldn't agree more with Armstrong and this is precisely one of the reasons why I enjoy going for plays, films and read. At the SXSW Film this year I had more than my fair share of great films and my respect for independent film makers increased tremendously. After almost every film, the directors and crew shared snippets of the film-making process and their inspirations. Being the sort who enjoy watching "the making of" as much as the film itself so I was happy for this opportunity to listen firsthand on the motivation and drive behind their arts. Independent film makers in particular are truly impressive people. Very often they have to work with smaller budget and more constraints. From an idea to completion of a film, it could easily take a few years. You need to have immense passion, willingness to work hard and sacrifice for the sake of the message that you want to share with others.
All in all I saw 10 films in the span of 5 days. I'm partial to feature films and that helped me to narrow down my options from tonnes of selection. With the synopsis to guide me I had more hits than misses. It was truly an honour to be among the first in the country to watch these wonderful films. In particular 3 films stood out for me and I like to share more about them here.
Poster for Natural Selection
Q&A with the director of Natural Selection, Robbie Pickering (far right) and the lead actress and actor. They are the winner for the Narrative Feature Competition. Definitely well-deserved.
Natural Selection. I admit that I was drawn to the curious title. If you're thinking this is about the survival of the fittest it is not. Instead it's a beautiful story about the journey of a devout and loving wife when she discovered that her dying husband has a biological son, a grubby 23-year-old whom she knew nothing about. As she tried to help him, a bizarre relationship ensued as they opened up to each other. Beautiful plot, funny conversations and superb acting by both the lead actor and actress. They were so good that both of them received the award for Breakthrough Performance at the festival. Definitely one of my favourites.
Jack, the Santa in Becoming Santa with the director, Jeff Myers. Winner of the Spotlight Premiers award.
This is a wonderful documentary about the process of a man in search of the meaning of Christmas by embarking on the journey of becoming a Santa. Thoroughly enjoyed this film and it was so educational and funny too. Coming from a "culture" where Santa simply puts on a fake beard and don an oversize red suit, I never knew that there is a huge community of dedicated people who embrace the role of Santa with so much passion and heart. The journey to becoming a good Santa is filled with challenges as I followed Jack in the story. The opening scene started with him bleaching his hair and beard which looked really torturous, to him going to Santa School and him doing everything that Santa is asked to do. There were moments when he questioned what he was doing and I appreciate the honesty in the dialogue. It was definitely authentic and real. By the way I had no clue that there is even a Santa School! Man these people mean business! In addition to witnessing his transformation, the documentary offers insights into the history of Santa around the world and there were numerous interviews with those who have answered the call to be Santa. All of them enjoy the opportunity to bring cheer and joy to others and they obviously love being Santa despite the grueling demands. This group of people are seriously hardcore. Most of them even slip into withdrawal and depression on December 26. All in all, Becoming Santa is charming, informative, and, best of all, really funny. I absolutely love it! Here's a snippet of the film. Check it out!
Click to viewPrior to the screening, there were several gentlemen who looked very much like Santa walking up and down the street. Later I found out that they belong to Lonestar Santa. I had the good fortune of taking a picture with 2 of them. Initially I was just talking their picture and when they saw me, they waved me over to include me in the picture. For some reasons, that simple gesture touched my heart and I was very happy. Yay, a picture with Santa! I can only imagine the abundant joy that they give to children everywhere.
See how big my smile was?
As I thanked and shook their hands, one of them gave me this token. Coincidentally this film was screened on my birthday and it totally made my day. Christmas came early this year for me! Thank you Santa!
Fly Away, a moving portrait of a single mother and her severely autistic daughter.
Ashley Rickards, the lady with the microphone acted as the autistic daughter and she was amazing. My friend and I spoke to her briefly after the show and she was really nice, down-to-earth and polite.
This film was written and directed by Janet Grillo, who shared that she herself has a son who is on the spectrum for Autism. It is no surprise that the film demonstrates a keen understanding of the inter-dependencies that define the bond between the parent and the child, shining its lens on an especially tender and challenging point of awakening for the mother. The story is essentially about love and letting go. It is hard enough to be a parent. The challenge magnifies many folds when you're a single parent with special needs child. I can only imagine how hard this is. We learned from the Q&A that most of the film was actually shot at her house and I find that very impressive. A beautiful story with great acting and strong message.