All of a sudden, Philadelphia is the movie capitol of the world, with two major festivals to its credit.
Some back story is in order. A few years ago a group of film fans had a rift with Ray Murray, president of TLA Releasing and the director of the Philadelphia Film Festival, and split apart.
The separation got ugly, with lawsuits and nasty accusations flying in the press. The splinter group started its own film festival in the City of Brotherly Love which took place in the fall.
But Murray and his compadres wanted to maintain their own fest as well. Financial and other problems arose, forcing him to cancel 2010’s festivities.
But now Murray and Company are back with the Philadelphia Cinefest, offering a wide-ranging selection of American independent, documentaries, foreign, international action and horror (labeled “Danger After Dark” and “Action Asia” in their program), and more for a movie lovefest that lasts from April 7 to April 14.
In addition to screenings galore, there will be appearances from stars and directors. John Carpenter will be honored with an award and his new film, The Ward, will be screened. Another notable in attendance will be Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me) who will be presenting his new documentary POM Wonderful Presents the Greatest Movie Ever Sold, which centers on product placement in movies.
There are many other highlights as well, including:
Potiche: The latest from France’s prolific Francois Ozon (Swimming Pool) is a seriocomic look at feminism and politics of the sexual, family and class nature. Fabrice Luchini is the adulterous owner of an umbrella factory whose workers take him hostage after an argument over unionization. As he recovers from the ordeal, oppressed mate Catherine Deneuve—the “Trophy Wife,” which is what the film’s title translates to in English—steps in to run the company and negotiate with the workers. Somewhat lighter than most of the director’s previous work, the mid-1970s-set Potiche often brings a screwball sentiment to the serious proceedings and gives the still-beautiful Deneuve the best role she’s had in a while. The importance—or unimportance—of unions has been in the news on a daily basis in the U.S. of late, and it makes the film even more impactful.
The Human Resources Manager: Israel has been the source for many fine films over the last few years, and the latest from director Eran Riklis (The Syrian Bride) fits right in with the others. When the employee of a large bakery is killed in a suicide bombing, the company finds itself under investigation by the media. To try to curtail potential bad press, an unhappy human resources expert is called on to escort the body back to the victim’s unnamed country. During the journey, the HR specialist encounters lots of bad weather, an annoying reporter, the victim’s husband and rebellious teenage son and a morgue attendant. Despite the solemn story, the films finds time for human drama and social satire, as well as poking fun at bureaucracy, Middle Eastern politics and more.
Ceremony: The Fonz’s son directs! Max Winkler, the son of Henry, writes and helms this quirky rom-com centering on a twentysomething guy (Michael Angarano) who recruits his friend (Reece Thompson) to crash the wedding of an older woman (Uma Thurman) with whom he had an affair. While it’s no (500) Days of Summer, it is smart, snappy and endearing in its own way.
Score: A Hockey Musical: Not sure we need to tell you anymore from this import from Canada that plays like Slap Shot as rendered by Busby Berkeley.
Square Grouper: The Godfathers of Ganja: Billy Corben, who chronicled the world of cocaine dealing in the 1970s with Cocaine Cowboys, goes to pot with this expose of South Florida’s marijuana underworld in that same era through three different segments. Nostalgic, fascinating and scary, mon.
Stake Land: Critically acclaimed horror opus in which a teenager teams with a vampire hunter in hopes of steering clear of the bloodsuckers who overrun the country and land in a safety zone called New Eden. Kelly McGillis and Danielle Harris are featured in the latest from Jim Mickle (Mulberry Street).
Exporting Raymond: This chronicle follows Everybody Loves Raymond creator/producer Phil Rosenthal as he sojourns to Russia in order to oversee the long-running sitcom’s dubbing for Soviet audiences. Pretty much everything goes wrong, because the show doesn’t comform to the culture’s standards, behavior patterns or type of characters it is accustomed to. Rosenthal also directed the film, which has received raves at previous film festivals.
The Troll Hunter: No, it’s not a movie involving Charlie Sheen and creepy long-haired dolls that were popular in the 1960s. It is a mockumentary in which three Norwegian college students seek the truth behind mysterious bear slayings in a forest and discover a hideous monstrosity instead. Early word on this film is sensational, a must-see for horror fans.
Project Nim: From James Marsh, who captured an Oscar for his documentary Man on Wire, comes this compelling look at another forgotten historical figure from the 1970s. The focus is on a chimp named Nim, the subject of a science experiment conducted by a Columbia professor who allowed humans to raise him and attempt to teach him to communicate with sign language. Nim’s experiences turn out to be poignant, sad and often unsettling.
American: The Bill Hicks Story: Although he was only 32 when he died of pancreatic cancer, the legacy of Bill Hicks lives on. This documentary chronicles the acerbic comedian’s life and career, from his rise to standup popularity, the controversy over his act, his run-ins with other show business figures and his takes on religion, politics, society and himself.
One of several events to take place at the new Philadelphia Cinefest is a tribute to Tony Jaa, the Thai martial arts star who retired from acting and fighting to become a Buddhist monk. An outdoor screening of Jaa’s three Ong Bak films is scheduled for Sunday April 10.
For more information about Philadelphia Cinefest, go to www.phillycinefest.com