Austin 2012: SXSW Film
It's pretty amazing that I had an even better experience at the SXSW Film compared to last year. I watched a total of 12 films out of which nine were documentaries. I enjoy documentaries very much because the stories are real and very often they are so inspiring.
One of the films, Bay of All Saints that deservedly won the Documentary Audience Award was filmed over a period of five years. It gave me a great insight into the lives of the very poor families who live in palafitas, which are shacks built over the ocean bay in Bahia, Brazil. What left the deepest impression is how the people continued to live a fulfilling life despite the poverty they experience. The cinematography was excellent as well.
To preserve my memory for some of the films that I've enjoyed, I'm going to jot down the salient points that struck me.
1. Twittamentary (Documentary about Twitter)
Twittamentary is a fascinating and creative exploration of the use and power of Twitter to connect and affect lives. Directed by a Singaporean filmmaker and Tweeter, Tan Siok Siok, the film was powerful and engaging - you are encouraged to tweet during the screening - and I appreciate her vision. It provokes me to consider how I am using Twitter and how else I can harness its power to reach out to others.
A picture with Siok Siok who was really down-to-earth. We had a lovely discussion.
2. Decoding Deepak
Decoding Deepak is a documentary by Gotham Chopra who followed his father, the spiritual icon Deepak Chopra for a year. It showcases his search of who his father really is as he accompanied his dad to different countries. The film was honest and candid. There were many lighthearted and warm moments between the father and son. I was really thrilled when Deepak Chopra made a special appearance during the Q&A. What an honour.
Father and Son.
3. The Central Park Effect
I love Central Park and this film is such a lovely treat for fans of Central Park. What I have not known prior to this is that this beautiful park attracts an extraordinary array of wild birds who are migrating and the number of hardcore birders who schedule their lives around the rhythms of migration. Listening to the interviews of these birders clearly revealed their passion and love for birds and nature. In particular, an elderly lady who suffers from cancer has been leading bird watching sessions for many years. Like all the others who were interviewed, her face lights up with joy when she talks about the birds. It was infectious and I was inspired to engage in this fascinating hobby. I have always loved birds but never really had a chance to participate in it formally. Perhaps I should give it a try. Beautifully shot and there were many close-up views of the most incredible-looking birds. Loved it.
4. Seeking Asian Female
This is a modern love story about Steven and Sandy who met through the internet. Steven is an aging man with "yellow fever" who is obsessed with marrying any Asian woman. Sandy is from China and looking for a life partner and a better life. Shot from the perspective of the director, Debbie this film reflects that challenges that they face in dealing with the culture shocks and their expectations about what marriage means. It was filled with raw emotions and interesting content.
5. Scarlet Road
I was deeply touched by this documentary that shows the effort and work of a sex worker, Rachel Wotton who works with a highly specialized sector of the society - clients with disability. Her warmth, passion and desire to increase awareness and access to sexual expression was so apparent. It's truly an eye-opener and changes the way I see sex workers.
Rachel and the director.
6. Bays of All Saints
This beautiful documentary shows me what it means to be happy, the importance of community spirit and relationships and human resilience.
7. Dreams of a Life
A 38-year-old attractive woman lied dead and undiscovered for almost 3 years. Dreams of a life is the creative and beautiful work of Carol Morley who was curious about the life and dreams of this young lady and how she ended up dead and undiscovered for so long. Even though the story is very sad and tragic, the message is strong. I had a surprise gift when the director gave me a warm hug when I told her how much I enjoyed the film. This is definitely a first and something that I cherish.
The lovely and warm director.
8. Brooklyn Castle
Yet another inspiring and powerful film about I.S. 318 - an inner-city school where more than 65 percent of students are from homes with incomes below the federal poverty level - that also happens to have the best, most winning junior high school chess team in the country. I think it's great that such program exists to transform the lives of these children. It gives tremendous hope and makes me curious about chess.
I feel really blessed to have the chance to watch all these great films. I will highly recommend any of them so if you ever get the chance, go for it.
One of the films, Bay of All Saints that deservedly won the Documentary Audience Award was filmed over a period of five years. It gave me a great insight into the lives of the very poor families who live in palafitas, which are shacks built over the ocean bay in Bahia, Brazil. What left the deepest impression is how the people continued to live a fulfilling life despite the poverty they experience. The cinematography was excellent as well.
To preserve my memory for some of the films that I've enjoyed, I'm going to jot down the salient points that struck me.
1. Twittamentary (Documentary about Twitter)
Twittamentary is a fascinating and creative exploration of the use and power of Twitter to connect and affect lives. Directed by a Singaporean filmmaker and Tweeter, Tan Siok Siok, the film was powerful and engaging - you are encouraged to tweet during the screening - and I appreciate her vision. It provokes me to consider how I am using Twitter and how else I can harness its power to reach out to others.
A picture with Siok Siok who was really down-to-earth. We had a lovely discussion.
2. Decoding Deepak
Decoding Deepak is a documentary by Gotham Chopra who followed his father, the spiritual icon Deepak Chopra for a year. It showcases his search of who his father really is as he accompanied his dad to different countries. The film was honest and candid. There were many lighthearted and warm moments between the father and son. I was really thrilled when Deepak Chopra made a special appearance during the Q&A. What an honour.
Father and Son.
3. The Central Park Effect
I love Central Park and this film is such a lovely treat for fans of Central Park. What I have not known prior to this is that this beautiful park attracts an extraordinary array of wild birds who are migrating and the number of hardcore birders who schedule their lives around the rhythms of migration. Listening to the interviews of these birders clearly revealed their passion and love for birds and nature. In particular, an elderly lady who suffers from cancer has been leading bird watching sessions for many years. Like all the others who were interviewed, her face lights up with joy when she talks about the birds. It was infectious and I was inspired to engage in this fascinating hobby. I have always loved birds but never really had a chance to participate in it formally. Perhaps I should give it a try. Beautifully shot and there were many close-up views of the most incredible-looking birds. Loved it.
4. Seeking Asian Female
This is a modern love story about Steven and Sandy who met through the internet. Steven is an aging man with "yellow fever" who is obsessed with marrying any Asian woman. Sandy is from China and looking for a life partner and a better life. Shot from the perspective of the director, Debbie this film reflects that challenges that they face in dealing with the culture shocks and their expectations about what marriage means. It was filled with raw emotions and interesting content.
5. Scarlet Road
I was deeply touched by this documentary that shows the effort and work of a sex worker, Rachel Wotton who works with a highly specialized sector of the society - clients with disability. Her warmth, passion and desire to increase awareness and access to sexual expression was so apparent. It's truly an eye-opener and changes the way I see sex workers.
Rachel and the director.
6. Bays of All Saints
This beautiful documentary shows me what it means to be happy, the importance of community spirit and relationships and human resilience.
7. Dreams of a Life
A 38-year-old attractive woman lied dead and undiscovered for almost 3 years. Dreams of a life is the creative and beautiful work of Carol Morley who was curious about the life and dreams of this young lady and how she ended up dead and undiscovered for so long. Even though the story is very sad and tragic, the message is strong. I had a surprise gift when the director gave me a warm hug when I told her how much I enjoyed the film. This is definitely a first and something that I cherish.
The lovely and warm director.
8. Brooklyn Castle
Yet another inspiring and powerful film about I.S. 318 - an inner-city school where more than 65 percent of students are from homes with incomes below the federal poverty level - that also happens to have the best, most winning junior high school chess team in the country. I think it's great that such program exists to transform the lives of these children. It gives tremendous hope and makes me curious about chess.
I feel really blessed to have the chance to watch all these great films. I will highly recommend any of them so if you ever get the chance, go for it.