SIFF Sighting: I AM BELFAST (Documentary; Ireland)

Tassoula's review of I AM BELFAST is now available on her blog.

You can access that post here.

I AM BELFAST screened at the 42nd Annual Seattle International Film Festival.

SIFF Sighting: TIG (documentary; USA)

Tassoula reviewed TIG, which screened at the 41st annual Seattle International Film Festival this evening.

You can read the review on her blog.

SIFF Sighting: ALL THINGS MUST PASS (documentary; USA)

Tassoula reviewed the documentary ALL THINGS MUST PASS, which played at the 41st annual Seattle International Film Festival tonight.

The link can be found on her blog.

SIFF Sighting: RACING EXTINCTION (documentary; USA)

Tassoula reviewed the documentary RACING EXTINCTION, which played at the 41st annual Seattle International Film Festival tonight.

The link can be found on her blog.

SIFF sighting: ONE MILLION DUBLINERS (documentary; Ireland)

Tassoula reviewed the documentary ONE MILLION DUBLINERS, which played at the 41st annual Seattle International Film Festival tonight.

The link can be found on her blog.

SIFF Sighting: SEEDS OF TIME (Documentary; USA)

Cary Fowler is an agricultural genius who has dedicated his life to the evolution and preservation of the Global Crop Diversity Trust. This group collects seeds for a vault located in a not-so-vulnerable location in the middle of an ice bank.

For six years, documentarian Sandy McLeod followed his life as he lobbied, fought, worked and studied to progress the vault. This is his story.

In short: There are fewer responsibilities greater than helping ensure the long-term success of human life and this man has taken it on amidst divorce, cancer and whatever else life has thrown at him.

Though the politics can be frustrating and nature isn't always helpful, Fowler and his environmental disciples power through and never give up on their cause.

It's both frightening to watch (because of the scarcity of resources) and inspiring to see (because there is hope).

Fowler deserves a Nobel Peace Prize.

SEEDS OF TIME screened at the 40th Seattle International Film Festival.

SIFF Sighting: DAMNATION (Documentary; USA)

Beginning in the 1930s, America began a love affair with the construction of dams. They brought power (one of America's favorite things), jobs and recreational opportunities, so they were generally hailed as positive developments.

But not by everyone...

Native American tribes that lived on land impacted by dam construction mourned the loss of nature's rhythms and those who fished those waters were devastated by the near-extinction of salmon that the dams caused.

Environmentalists, such as those who were part of the Earth First! movement, began taking action by way of elaborate stunts such as painting cracks down the dams. Decades later some of the dams are coming down, but not all of them.

This film definitely "takes sides" with the environmentalists, pointing out how wind power is wasted, wild salmon runs are in danger, and many of the existing dams aren't providing much for what the taxpayers are shelling out each year to keep them running.

It's hard not to get angry when you see that—yet again—Alaska residents are willing to risk their wildlife for presumed profit.

That said, I would have liked to see a little more balance and exploration of the (agreeably few) dams that have prevented floods, provided a sustainable method of power and helped the economy by employing citizens with long-term jobs.

It's a conversation worth having.

DAMNATION screened at the 40th Seattle International Film Festival.

~~~

SIFF Sighting: A BRONY TALE (Documentary; USA)

When Ashleigh Ball got the job voicing a few of the characters in the television show My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, she had no idea she'd become a cult heroine in the world of fandom.

The show, based on toys that were popular for young girls in the 80s, has oddly attracted a following of straight, adult males. Yes, males.

They have dubbed themselves "Bronies" and created an entire community centered around celebrating the program.

In this film, the crew travels to meet Bronies from all over the country as Ashleigh prepares for her first BronyCon in New York. We see the very definition of "masculine" in a Brony who builds motorcycles; the tender side of an Iraq veteran as he renews his love for art by drawing tributes to the show; an African-American DJ that specializes in Brony parties and a group of students from Northwestern who hold their own Brony meetups.

Though it may seem an odd thing to obsess over, nearly every Brony mentions that positivity is what draws them to the show and the community. These folks don't appear creepy or crazy; they're passionate and sincere. Above all, they're sweet.

Following Ashleigh's acclimation to the community throughout the film gives us a unique perspective of someone who is warming to the group's virtual embrace.

To paraphrase what director Brent Hodge said in the Q &A, it's nice to see a documentary that leaves you feeling good instead of bad.

He certainly achieved that with this fun, lighthearted look at one of our most unique subcultures.

A BRONY TALE screened at the 40th Seattle International Film Festival.

~~~

SIFF Sighting: FROM NEURONS TO NIRVANA: THE GREAT MEDICINES (Documentary; Canada)

When we think of psychedelic drugs, most of our minds go directly to the acid-tripping 60s. Timothy Leary, The Beatles, the beat poets—the gang's all there in our instant perceptions of what drugs like LSD can do to the human body.

The doctors and scientists in this film want us to believe otherwise. They're on a mission to re-open the discussion around the potential medical benefits of such drugs.

Though "bad trips" can certainly be a consequence of abusing such substances, they argue that in a controlled environment with an appropriate dosage, great things can come of using them safely. They cite evidence from the jungles of the Amazon and other faraway places where the drugs are used to help alleviate human suffering.

Despite the powerful commentary, and the welcome archive footage, the interview presentation is somewhat cheesy, with psychedelic "effects" framing and interfering with the talking heads.

It would have been easier to take seriously without the theatrics.

FROM NEURONS TO NIRVANA: THE GREAT MEDICINES will be shown at the 40th Seattle International Film Festival May 24 and 25. For tickets, go here.

~~~

SIFF Sighting: BURT'S BUZZ (Documentary; Canada)

"It's important to separate one's wants from one's needs."

Those are the words the iconic co-founder of Burt's Bees, and he faithfully lives by them.

This film shows a man of contradiction: Burt is a hoarder who embraces simplicity; a gun enthusiast that hates war. He started his company by selling honey on the side of the highway; now he's merely the figurehead for the giant brand its become. And that's okay with him.

BURT'S BUZZ will be shown at the 40th Seattle International Film Festival May 26 and 27. For tickets, go here.

~~~

SIFF Sighting: MIRAGE MEN (Documentary; United Kingdom)

In the late 1940s, residents in the U.S. began reporting sightings of flying saucers—what would a few years later be referred to as Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). Some were frightened by them; others fascinated.

A few decades later when World War II Veteran Paul Bennewitz began talking up the things he was seeing from his home in New Mexico, the NSA cruelly began messing with his mind. They sent him "encrypted" messages supposedly from aliens; planted "evidence" of spaceship crashes on land nearby his house and flat out told him that aircrafts which belonged to the military were really vehicles from other planets. Their games drove him crazy, making him such a laughing stock amongst his peers that no one would believe a word he said.

This was all justified because of a "counterintelligence" campaign meant to preserve secret technology that was in development nearby at the USAF base. And of course, the believers think it was an elaborate cover-up of actual alien evidence, but this documentary has several folks from all sides of the fence going on record to share their truths.

Though the presentation is engaging (archive footage spliced in with talking head interviews), the reality that one of our veterans (and who knows who else) was used as a sacrificial lamb in our government's counterintelligence ruse is hard to digest.

MIRAGE MEN will be shown at the 40th Seattle International Film Festival May 20 and 21. For tickets, go here.

~~~

SIFF is Almost Here

The 40th Seattle International Film Festival begins two weeks from tonight.

Here's a sneak peek of some of the presentations I'm most excited about:

 

Richard Linklater's Boyhood, playing May 31

The One I Love, starring Elisabeth Moss and Mark Duplass, playing June 8

They Came Together, starring Paul Rudd and Amy Poehler, playing June 7 & 8

1,000 Times Goodnight, starring Juliette Binoche with Larry Mullen, Jr. of U2, playing May 23 & 25

Niall Heery's Gold, playing May 20

4-Minute Mile, playing June 5, FUN FACT: Tassoula is an extra in this film!

And of course, I have a whole host of documentaries I'm thrilled to get the opportunity to see, so stay tuned for my most-anticipated list from that genre.

Cinebanter #128 - Nebraska

The mp3 of this show is here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula are underwhelmed by NEBRASKA. In The Last Five®, Michael attempts to turn his daughter into a film snob, while Tassoula sees several flicks in honor of her own birthday. The final segment features the hosts responding to listener feedback about their show on 12 YEARS A SLAVE, and announcing January's show. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro

• 00:32 Review of NEBRASKA

• Break

• 20:04 To Sum It Up

• Break

• 22:49 The Last Five®
• Break

• 53: 07 Listener Feedback (Jordan in Boston)
• 1:02:34 Credits & Outtakes

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: DOLPHINS; WHISPER OF THE HEART; TOY STORY 3; LIFE ACCORDING TO SAM and STORIES WE TELL. Tassoula's Last Five were: DELIVERY MAN; GREMLINS; THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE; REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE and SAVING MR. BANKS.

Want to contribute to the show and help with production costs and server fees? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

Special thanks to Brad Daane, Mark Cummins and Vincent Do for providing the original music in this episode.

Tassoula has reviews, musings and movie-related product links at Tassoula's Movie Review Blog.

Reviews and/or notes of movies Michael sees can be found at his MichaelVox website.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!

CInebanter #124 - FRUITVALE STATION and BLACKFISH

The mp3 of this show is here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula provide a double header of reviews: FRUITVALE STATION and BLACKFISH. In the Last Five®, Michael gets to a few new indies, while Tassoula continues her bender of HBO documentaries. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro

• 00:32 Review of FRUITVALE STATION

• Break

• 19:38 To Sum It Up

• Break

• 20:16 Review of BLACKFISH

• Break

• 44:33 To Sum It Up

• Break

• 45:00 The Last Five®

• 1:01:47 Credits

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: BEHIND THE CANDLEABRA; THE CRASH REEL;  GASLAND; SYMPATHY FOR MR. VENGEANCE and CLEAR HISTORY. Tassoula's Last Five were: THE CHESHIRE MURDERS; MISS YOU CAN DO IT; THE DREAMERS; BLUE JASMINE and FORREST GUMP.

Want to contribute to the show and help with production costs and server fees? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

Special thanks to Brad Daane and Mark Cummins for providing the original music in this episode.

Tassoula has reviews, musings and movie-related product links at Tassoula's Movie Review Blog.

Reviews and/or notes of movies Michael sees can be found at his MichaelVox website.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!

Cinebanter #123 - THE HEAT

The mp3 of this show is here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula clash over the humor of THE HEAT. In the Last Five®, Michael dives into some HBO documentaries, while Tassoula takes in a mediocre horror flick. The two also respond to Listener Feedback about their BEFORE MIDNIGHT episode. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro

• 00:32 Review of THE HEAT

• Break

• 21:27 To Sum It Up

• Break

• 22:15 The Last Five®

• Break

• 57:06 Listener Feedback

• Break

• 1:07:27 Credits

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: UNTOLD SCANDAL; HANNAH ARENDT; BEHIND THE CANDLEABRA; THE CRASH REEL and GASLAND. Tassoula's Last Five were: LOLA VERSUS; LOVE, MARYLIN; MORE THAN HONEY; CHERNOBYL DIARIES and THE EAST.

Want to contribute to the show and help with production costs and server fees? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

Special thanks to Brad Daane and Mark Cummins for providing the original music in this episode.

Tassoula has reviews, musings and movie-related product links at Tassoula's Movie Review Blog.

Reviews and/or notes of movies Michael sees can be found at his MichaelVox website.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!

SIFF Sighting: THE LAST OCEAN (documentary; New Zealand)

Each year that I cover the Seattle International Film Festival, there is always one environmental documentary that gives me pause for the future of mankind. This year, that film is The Last Ocean.

This work serves as a plea to preserve the Ross Sea—a.k.a. the last perfect ocean ecosystem in existence.

The land around this arctic paradise is protected, but the water is not; and without the clean water providing life for the hundreds of fish and mammals that make their life there, significant climate change will result.

The approach of the film is not preachy or propaganda-like, it's calm and productive just like the area it's hoping so desperately to save. If the world stops the commercial fishing currently happening there and declare the sea a Marine Protected Area (MPA), all of the bad things that are happening can be reversed.

Some may wonder why this specific part of the water is so important to preserve? Well, unlike every other major body of water on earth, this portion has not been compromised by pollution or external forces, which makes it a living laboratory for scientists worldwide to study how perfect ecosystems should function. The Ross Sea is also the most productive area in the Southern Ocean—it is home to an abundance of populations of wildlife, some of which are native to the area and can only be found there.

The argument against protecting this ocean comes, of course, from the fishing communities that insist they take every precaution to do so responsibly. In some cases, they are telling the truth, but the limits on such fishing cannot be completely contained and the nature of the climate there make it an incredibly dangerous place to fish. Furthermore, their aggressive removal of Chilean sea bass is threatening to throw the ecosystem completely off balance.

Even if you're not an ocean activist, you should see this film if not to enjoy the stunning images of underwater life that may only continue to exist for a short amount of time.

THE LAST OCEAN will screen at the 39th Annual Seattle International Film Festival on June 7 & 8. For tickets, click here.

SIFF Sighting: SAND FISHERS (documentary; Mali)

When a changing atmosphere and commerce collide, and demand outweighs supply, new ways of making ends meet must be found.

This is the case for a community of Bozo fisherman in Mali, who instead of spending days on the water for fish, now devote their time to compact sand and gravel. They deliver it to construction sites in town the way they once delivered fish to market.

Climate change is to blame for the shift, and resources being slim as they are make this a surprisingly dangerous, competitive industry.  There is money to be made from the sand and gravel, but the capitalist landscape is fierce.

The story of men who work in this field is told here in an often slow documentary, made harder to swallow with typos in the subtitles and unnecessarily long shots of scenery.

Though they profile a variety of sand fishers and their families, the audience isn't given much of a chance to get to know them or develop any attachment to them.

Perhaps an intro that shared more of their life before sand fishing emerged would have helped so we could see the contrast in their responsibilities and hardships. Or just more balance between the "daily life" shots and the actual adventures they faced.

SAND FISHERS screened at the 39th Annual Seattle International Film Festival.

SIFF Sighting: TITO ON ICE (documentary; Germany)

A bizarre road trip of a film, Tito on Ice, chronicles the journey of Max Andersson and Lars Sjunnesson as they travel across former Yugoslavia to promote their new comic book: Bosnian Flat Dog. 

The difference between this and any other typical travel is that they make the trip with a mummified Tito Marshall along for the ride.

Presenting this story, the filmmakers not only use footage of their experiences touring buildings hit by snipers, souvenir stores that sell grenade shells, etc.—they also combine the narrative with artistic representations of the tale made from paper, garbage and other materials. This produces a unique animation that somehow feels right at home in the midst of everything else going on.

This documentary won't be for everyone, but it will at the very least make its audience wonder where their eyes will end up next.

TITO ON ICE will screen May 26 & 28 at the 39th Annual Seattle International Film Festival. For tickets, click here.

SIFF Sighting: OUT OF PRINT (documentary; USA)

What type of format do you read?

This is a question that comes up in the new documentary, narrated by Meryl Streep, which examines the slow death of the printed word. And it's a question that wouldn't have made a lot of sense, even ten years ago.

Bigwigs in the publishing industry weigh in on how the trend of reading has rapidly changed. The way the advent of mp3s encouraged an a la carte listening pattern for music; social media and eReaders have produced a smaller attention span for books. Instead of sitting down in a traditional way and devouring chapters of a lengthy novel, we as a collective society are now reading shorter stanzas of text and bouncing around between multiple items when we do read.

Libraries have also significantly changed—young kids appearing in the film admit they'd rather "just Google" whatever information they're seeking; independent bookstores are closing at alarming rates.

There are also concerns of data rot. DVDs, CDs and hard drives have a finite shelf life (no pun intended); yet paper books can last forever.

All of the points raised here are valid and somewhat numbing when one contemplates what lies ahead for the future of publishing (and literacy), but there is still hope that the pendulum will swing back at some point and bookcases will erupt with title after title of intelligent, thoughtful works.

People who are so/so on books in general may not find this documentary as riveting as I did, but I also have the perspective of someone who has made a living as a writer for over 15 years. It's scary to think the construction of paragraphs and information is losing its value with the dawn of each new day.

What seems to be agreed upon by all the talking heads in this film is that education is the key to the future of reading. If children are taught to develop critical thinking, words and text arranged in meaningful ways will always have a place in our world. And that's a great comfort.

OUT OF PRINT will screen at the 39th Annual Seattle International Film Festival on May 20 & 21. For tickets, click here.

SIFF Sighting: MUSSELS IN LOVE (documentary; Netherlands)

Who ever thought a tiny, slimy substance inside a shell, that most of us regard as merely an appetizer, would have such a romantic story to tell?

In this oddly refreshing documentary, many different aspects of the life of mussels are examined.

There are debates about whether mussels harvested in a hatchery are as good as those left to nature at sea; there are love/hate relationships with chefs who have prepared mussels for consumption for decades; there are doctors who have discovered that using mussels' natural glue can help seal wounds following medical procedures. The scientists even show us exactly how mussels mate, with delicate puffy plumes of white emerging as they become aroused.

Many will probably ask, "Why mussels?" for the subject of a film, but the more appropriate question would be, "Why not?"

Works like this just prove that there are livelihoods and traditions dependent on the simple circle of life. Instead of disrupting that, when we see an appealing perspective such as this, we can do nothing more than embrace it.

MUSSELS IN LOVE will screen June 3 and 8 at the 39th Annual Seattle International Film Festival.  For tickets, click here.