IFFBoston 2008 Line Up
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Narrative Features
Documentary Features
Short Films
Panel Discussions
Narrative Features
- AUGUST EVENING
- directed by Chris Eska
- Reminiscent of the works of Ozu, August Evening follows an aging undocumented worker, Jaime, and his young widowed daughter-in-law, Lupe, as their lives are thrown into upheaval.
- BALLAST
- directed by Lance Hammer
- In rural Mississippi, 12-year old James’ descent into drug dealing forces the adult members of his family to confront issues in their mutual pasts. Winner of Best Directing and Best Cinematography Awards at Sundance Film Festival 2008.
- BEAVER TRILOGY (Buried Treasure screening)
- directed by Trent Harris
- Cult Classic comprised of short documentary about eccentric performer Groovin’ Gary followed by two separate and unique depictions of him by actors Sean Penn and Crispin Glover.
- BIG MAN JAPAN (DAINIPPONJIN)
- directed by Hitoshi Matsumoto
- Once again, giant monsters are attacking Japan. Their only hope? A hero that you would never suspect.
- BLOOD CAR
- directed by Alex Orr
- When the price of gasoline becomes too steep, mild-mannered vegan Archie Andrews discovers a gory replacement for petrol.
- THE CAKE EATERS
- directed by Mary Stuart Masterson
- When a prodigal son returns, two troubled families in a small town are forced to confront their intertwined histories. Directorial Debut by Mary Stuart Masterson. Score by Duncan Sheik
- FLASH POINT
- directed by Wilson Yip
- Superstar Martial Artist Donnie Yen portrays a ferociously dedicated cop who contends with nefarious Vietnamese gangsters in this Multiple Martial Arts masterpiece.
- FROWNLAND
- directed by Ronnie Bronstein
- Critically-acclaimed, absurd, black comedy about a door-to-door coupon salesman, Keith, and the people he encounters in his odd line of work.
- GOLIATH
- directed by David Zellner & Nathan Zellner
- A man’s marriage crumbles, he is demoted and the worst blow of all, he loses his beloved feline, Goliath.
- JETSAM
- directed by Simon Welsford
- In this taut British thriller, a young woman washes up on a desolate, icy beach along with a man who intends to harm her. She has no memory of him and desperately attempts to piece together the circumstances that brought her to this place
- MEDICINE FOR MELANCHOLY
- directed by Barry Jenkins
- This engaging, lyrical film follows the relationship of two African-American twenty-somethings, in the wake of a one-night stand, against the background of the indie scene in San Francisco.
- MISTER LONELY
- directed by Harmony Korine
- Harmony Korine’s latest film stars Diego Luna as a Michael Jackson impersonator in Paris who is invited by a Marilyn Monroe impersonator (Samantha Morton) to a commune in Scotland run by a Charlie Chaplin imitator.
- MOMMA’S MAN
- directed by Azazel Jacobs
- A man abandons his wage slave job, his wife and his child to live at home with his mother. Latest film from Azazel Jacobs (THE GOODTIMESKID, IFFBoston 2007).
- MONGOL
- directed by Sergei Bodrov
- This sweeping epic follows Temudgin from his perilous childhood to his ascension as the legendary Ghengis Khan. Starring Tadanobu Asano, considered Japan’s Johnny Depp. From director Sergei Bodrov (PRISONER OF THE MOUNTAIN).
- MY EFFORTLESS BRILLIANCE
- directed by Lynn Shelton
- A self-absorbed novelist (Harvey Danger’s lead singer Sean Nelson), dumped by his best friend, takes a side trip from his book tour to repair the rift.
- MY WINNIPEG
- directed by Guy Maddin
- Showcasing his signature use of silent and early sound era cinema, this is Director Guy Maddin’s loving tribute to his hometown in Manitoba.
- NATURAL CAUSES
- directed by Alex Cannon, Paul Cannon, and Michael Lerman
- An intimate and frank portrait of a relationship’s evolution from initial flirtation to a deeper connection to heartbreak.
- THE NEW YEAR PARADE
- directed by Tom Quinn
- A pair of teenage siblings cope with the divorce of their parents in this Altmanesque film.
- PHOEBE IN WONDERLAND
- directed by Daniel Barnz
- A young girl (Elle Fanning) with behavioral issues is mentored by a teacher (Patricia Clarkson) who casts her in a school production of “Alice in Wonderland.”
- PING PONG PLAYA
- directed by Jessica Yu
- Christopher “C-dub” Wang is an irresponsible, swaggering wannabe basketball player that is forced to pick up a paddle when his ping pong champion brother is injured.
- PINK
- directed by Alexander Voulgaris
- Vassilis befriends an unusual, artistic, Ukrainian girl while he is making a documentary about contemporary Greek Musicians in this sublimely photographed, atmospheric indie.
- SAVAGE GRACE
- directed by Tom Kalin
- This film dramatizes the tragic relationship between Barbara Baekeland (Julianne Moore) and her son, Tony, heir to the Bakelite Plastic fortune.
- SEVERED WAYS: THE NORSE DISCOVERY OF AMERICA
- directed by Tony Stone
- In the year 1007, two Vikings stranded in the New World when Native Americans attack their fellow shipmates, struggle to survive.
- STUCK
- directed by Stuart Gordon
- Brandi (Mena Suvari) hits a pedestrian (Stephen Rea) with her car and decides to leave the unfortunate man lodged in her windshield inside her garage till he dies. He plots his escape. From the director of RE-ANIMATOR and FROM BEYOND.
- TIME CRIMES
- directed by Nacho Vigalondo
- Hector accidentally travels two hours into the past unleashing a horrifying ramifications in this thrilling new film from Spain.
- THE TRACEY FRAGMENTS
- directed by Bruce McDonald
- Tracy Berkowitz’s (Ellen Page) dysfunctional life is described in a jagged, stylized collage of sound and images.
- TRANSSIBERIAN (Opening Night Film)
- directed by Brad Anderson
- An American couple chances upon deception and intrigue during a train trip from China to Moscow. From director Brad Anderson (NEXT STOP WONDERLAND, SESSION 9), starring Ben Kingsley, Emily Mortimer, Woody Harrelson.
- TRIANGLE
- directed by Ringo Lam, Johnnie To, and Tsui Hark
- New film from trio of H.K. master directors, Ringo Lam, Tsui Hark and Johnny To.
- TURN THE RIVER
- directed by Chris Eigeman
- Famke Janssen delivers an affecting, gritty portrayal of a hustler using cards and pool to fund a new life with her young son who lives with her former husband. Directorial debut of Chris Eigeman (LAST DAYS OF DISCO).
- TWELVE (World Premiere)
- directed by Scott Masterson, Seanbaker Carter, Andy McCarthy, Garth Donovan, Luke Poling, Noah Lydiard, Megan Summers, Brynmore Williams, Joan Meister, Marc Colucci, Jared Goodman, and Vladmir Minuty
- This eclectic but unified collection of 12 short stories—each about a different month of the year—forms both a love letter both to Boston and an impressive showcase for the area’s burgeoning indie filmmaking scene.
- VEXILLE
- directed by Fumihiko Sori
- Anime. Ten years after a mega biotechnology corporation completely seals Japan’s borders, S.W.O.R.D, a U.S Special Forces unit, is deployed to infiltrate the mysterious nation.
- WOODPECKER
- directed by Alex Karpovsky
- In this new film by Alex Karpovsky (THE HOLE STORY, IFFBoston 2005), amateur birder, Johnny Neander pursues the believed extinct, celebrated Ivory-Billed Woodpecker.
Documentary Features
- AMERICAN TEEN
- directed by Nanette Burnstein
- Documentary about the struggles and concerns of the graduating class of Warsaw, Indiana by director of ON THE ROPES and THE KID STAYS IN THE PICTURE.
- AT THE DEATH HOUSE DOOR
- directed by Steve James and Peter Gilbert
- Documentary about anti-death penalty advocate, Caroll Pickett, a former prison chaplain in Texas who ministered to condemned men in their final days. From the makers of HOOP DREAMS and STEVIE.
- CRAWFORD
- directed by David Modigliani
- Details the transformation of this small Texas community of 700 people in the wake of George Bush’s famous residency.
- DREAMS WITH SHARP TEETH
- directed by Erik Nelson
- Portrait of outspoken and influential Speculative Fiction writer, Harlan Ellison.
- ELEVEN MINUTES
- directed by Michael Selditch & Rob Tate
- This painfully raw and humorous documentary chronicles the year-long journey of Jay McCarroll (Project Runway Season 1 champion) designing and preparing his first independent runway show for New York’s Fashion Week in Bryant Park.
- ENCOUNTERS AT THE END OF THE WORLD (Closing Night Film)
- directed by Werner Herzog
- Werner Herzog documents the residents of McMurdo Station on Ross Island, Antarctica during austral summer and the icy depths that surround them.
- FRONTRUNNER
- directed by Virginia Williams
- Dr. Massouda Jalal wages a courageous campaign as a pacifist and woman in Afghanistan’s first democratic election.
- THE GREENING OF SOUTHIE
- directed by Ian Cheney
- Chronicles the epic construction of the Macallen Building, Boston’s first “green” residential structure.
- INTIMIDAD
- directed by David Redmon and Ashley Sabin
- Filmmakers Ashley Sabin and David Redmon’s (KAMP KATRINA, IFFBoston 2007) revealing documentary about Cecy and Camilo Ramirez, a young couple struggling to make ends meet in Mexico to bring their young daughter to live with them.
- JOY DIVISION
- directed by Grant Gee
- Revealing portrait of the legendary band focusing on recollections of charismatic lead singer, Ian Curtis, by key figures.
- JUMP!
- directed by Helen Hood Scheer
- Explores the high-intensity, entertaining world of competitive jump roping.
- LIFE. SUPPORT. MUSIC.
- directed by Eric Metzgar
- Uplifting account of musician, Jason Crigler’s recovery from a devastating brain hemorrhage with support from family and fellow musicians, Norah Jones and Marshall Crenshaw.
- THE LINGUISTS
- directed by Seth Kramer, Daniel A. Miller and Jeremy Newberger
- Linguists David Harrison and Gregory Anderson scour the world recording languages on the brink of extinction and salvaging the cultures they represent.
- LIONESS
- directed Meg McLagan and Daria Sommers
- In violation of Pentagon policy, five female soldiers engage in direct ground combat during Iraq War.
- MEADOWLARK (World Premiere)
- directed by Taylor Greeson
- An autobiographical documentary that follows Taylor Greeson, who at the age of twelve was ordained with priesthood in the Mormon faith, lost his virginity to an older man, and endured his brother’s death by stabbing.
- NERDCORE RISING
- directed by Negin Farsad
- Investigates the often-amusing genre of Nerdcore Hip-Hop. Includes interviews with MC Frontalot, artist/producer Prince Paul, Jello Biafra, comedian Brian Posehn, Tycho and Gabe of Penny Arcade, and Weird Al Yankovic.
- NOT YOUR TYPICAL BIGFOOT MOVIE
- directed by Jay Delaney
- Amateur Bigfoot researchers, Wayne and Dallas, share a powerful friendship and aspiration that transcends the reality of living in a fading steel town.
- PUBLIC ENEMY: WELCOME TO THE TERRORDOME
- directed by Robert Patton-Spruill
- Documentary about the influential, controversial, formidable rap group by Boston director Robert Patton Spruill.
- SAVIOURS
- directed by Ross Whitaker and Liam Nolan
- Chronicles the struggle of three pugilists from Dublin’s St. Saviours Olympic Boxing Academy both in and outside the ring.
- SECOND SKIN
- directed by Juan Carlos Pineiro Escoriaza
- Entertaining documentary follows enthusiasts of Everquest and World of Warcraft known as MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games).
- SECRECY
- directed by Robb Moss and Peter Galison
- Compelling doc explores the vast, invisible world of government secrets and our ability to maintain both national security and a functioning democracy.
- SEX POSITIVE
- directed by Daryl Wein
- The subject of this doc is controversial, outspoken former S&M hustler turned AIDS activist, Richard Berkowitz, who spearheaded the safe sex movement over 25 years ago.
- SONG SUNG BLUE
- directed by Greg Kohs
- Captures the unexpected victories and tragedies beset upon Milwaukee’s favorite Neil Diamond and Patsy Cline tribute band,” Lightning and Thunder”.
- VERY YOUNG GIRLS
- directed by David Schisgall
- Harrowing account of girls (average age 13) involved in the New York sex trade industry.
- WE ARE WIZARDS
- directed by Josh Koury
- Examines the fascinating subculture that is inspired from the Harry Potter phenomenon.
- WILD BLUE YONDER
- directed by Celia Maysles
- Celia Maysles father, David, died when she was only eight years old. Unaware of his importance, along with his brother Albert, as a pioneering documentarian, she uses his brand of filmmaking to better understand his legacy.
Short Films
- APOCALYPSE OZ
- directed by Ewan Telford
- Dorothy travels up the yellow road to exterminate the wizard with extreme prejudice.
- AQUARIUM
- directed by Rob Meyer
- Lyrical coming-of-age film about David, one of the youngest members of the Boston Aquarium Society, his crush on the new girl next door, and the sad secret he holds.
- A CATALOG OF ANTICIPATIONS
- directed by David Lowery
- A young girl’s morbidity changes when she makes an unsettling discovery in her backyard.
- CHIEF
- directed by Brett Wagner
- Semu, once a highly ranked Samoan chief, lives in Honolulu working as a cab driver. When a tsunami threatens the island, he is presented with an opportunity to redeem past regrets.
- DOXOLOGY
- directed by Michael Langan
- This animated film offers a meditation on terrestrial and celestial realms with the intonations of bouncing tennis balls.
- THE DRIFT
- directed by Kelly Sears
- Obsessively collected images found in thrift stores and flea markets are animated to create an alternate American aeronautical and cultural history.
- THE EUROPEAN KID
- directed by Ian Martin
- Neil Adamski’s problems with gambling and infidelity come to a head at a family dinner party.
- THE EXECUTION OF SOLOMON HARRIS
- directed by Wyatt Garfield and Ed Yonaitis
- A prison warden must deal with a botched prisoner execution.
- FILM MAKES US HAPPY
- directed by Bryan Wizemann
- Depicts a filmmaker and his wife’s final argument over his choice to be a filmmaker.
- GLORY AT SEA
- directed by Ben Zeitlin
- A group of survivors construct a boat from the wreckage of New Orleans to find their love ones lost at sea.
- HEARTBEATS
- directed by Vincent Coen
- Before leaving home, Fannie reflects on key moments of her life spent with her family.
- IF A BODY MEET A BODY
- directed by Brian Davis
- Short documentary about three people who are employed at the world’s busiest coroner’s office.
- I HAVE SEEN THE FUTURE
- directed by Cam Christiansen
- Singer-songwriter, Kris Demeanor’s humorous tune about the cultural and generational gap is the basis of this animated short.
- I LOVE SARAH JANE
- directed by Spencer Susser
- Threats of violence, bullies and zombies will not deter 13 year-old Jimbo from reaching the love of his life.
- JACKSON WARD
- directed by Matt Petock
- Aaron, a young small-town cop walks a moral tightrope when he befriends Ali, a neighborhood drug dealer.
- KIDS + MONEY
- directed by Lauren Greenfield
- Award-winning filmmaker and photographer, Lauren Greenfield’s (THIN, IFFBoston 2006) portrait of kids in Los Angeles and the effect of money and materialism on their perception and priorities.
- LA CORONA (THE CROWN)
- directed by Amanda Micheli and Isabel Vega
- Gripping, provocative short doc about an annual beauty pageant held in a Colombian woman’s prison. 2008 Academy Award nominee.
- LARRY (THE ACTOR)
- directed by Eric Poydar
- After an audition, Larry waits for the phone to ring. As days go by, he questions whether he should stay in the game, or move back home.
- THE LONELY BLISS OF CANNONBALL LUKE
- directed by Levi Abrino
- Luke, a human cannonball, returns to his hometown to launch back into the lives of his ex and her daughter.
- MAN
- directed by Myna Joseph
- The nature of Maggie’s relationship with her sister alters when her sister sets up a covert tryst with a man she met online.
- MAYBE IN THE SPRINGTIME
- directed by Mai Sato
- A hard-working mother begins to understand her daughter’s love life.
- MR.P
- directed by Jake Vaughan
- A student provides his tutor with the finer points of crisis management.
- PEPPER
- directed by Harry McCoy
- A young man holds a terrible secret that threatens to upturn his entire life starting with his relationship with his mother.
- PRIMITIVE TECHNOLOGY
- directed by Bo Price
- When a new member joins the ranks of a small inventors society, his invention is so magnificent it threatens to destroy the movement.
- THE PULL
- directed by Andy Blubaugh
- Analysis of a relationship with a predetermined, and agreed upon, expiration date.
- THE RAMBLER
- directed by Calvin Reeder
- A hitchhiker encounters a strange set of folks at an isolated outpost where even stranger experiments occur. The sudden arrival of a young woman proves the oddest part of it all.
- REORDER
- directed by Sean Garrity
- Kyle copes with the betrayal of his fiancé by rearranging every object in their household.
- SAFARI
- directed by Catherine Chalmers
- Dramatic encounters of creatures conventionally considered pests, namely cockroaches, beetles, amphibians and reptiles.
- SANGPIT SENYOR (LOOK AT US SENOR)
- directed by Alan Lyddiard
- Rose, a sex worker in the Philippines begins to feel a moral conflict when she realizes some of the girls working in her club are the same age as her 14-year-old daughter.
- SAVE THE WORLD
- directed by David Casals-Roma
- Richard is a marketing adviser who decides to quit his job, leave his girlfriend and family, and focus on a more serious task like saving the world.
- SIKUMI (ON THE ICE)
- directed by Andrew Okpeaha MacLean
- Apuna, an Inuit Hunter, inadvertently witnesses a murder. The victim and perpetrator are both members of his small, close-knit community and he is forced to choose whether to honor the dead or protect his friend.
- SPIDER
- directed by Nash Edgerton
- Jack hastily purchases items at a convenience store in an attempt to apologize to his irritated girlfriend. Misfortune ensues.
- 34x25x36
- directed by Jesse Epstein
- An intimate look at the Patina V Mannequin Factory in Industry City, outside of LA.
- TONY ZOREIL (TONY ZEAR)
- directed by Valentin Potier
- When a physical oddity prevents Tony from finding love, his only hope is a blind date that his parents have set up for him without his consent.
- WELL-FOUNDED CONCERNS
- directed by Tim Cawley
- Nathan Weller, an unapologetic germophobe lives in total isolation until a devastating plague hits and a knock on his hermetically sealed window changes everything.
- WOMAN IN BURKA
- directed by Jonathan Lisecki
- This scathing comedy unveils the cultural insensitivity of the entertainment industry. Sarita, has been cast in the role of an Iraqi rape victim’s ghost. Everyone insists she’s perfect for it, though no one has read the script or knows the nature of the project.
Panel Discussions
- Collaborative Screenwriting Presented by Zhura.com
- A discussion with screenwriters and other industry professionals on the benefits of collaboration featuring Amy Fox (HEIGHTS) and Will Conroy (TRANSSIBERIAN)
- Distribution 2.0
- A discussion with some of the companies on the cutting edge of film distribution featuring representatives of Spout.com, Current.com, Indiepix, and Ourstage. Moderated by Amy Dotson of the Independent Feature Project (IFP).
- Comics to Film/ Film to Comics
- A presentation by ROBOT STORIES writer/director and writer of the hit comics The X-Men and World War Hulk, Greg Pak.
- Breaking Into The Boston Film Industry
- With some of top working professionals in the Boston area including IATSE Local 481 Business Manager Chris O'Donnell.
