Film Fan Flips over Flicks ...

did I say WOW? I will keep repeating that word as I describe SouthSide Film Festival. his Festival is truly AMAZING. It's just a shame that more people weren't here to see the masterpieces presented during the fest. With pass and program in my mitts I rushed to South Bethlehem before noon, found a parking space (without a meter) and started today's "tour".

I started the day watching this really cool "cityscape" by Vladin Nikolic: "The City". It was thought provoking fodder for the eyes and the mind. The filmmaker followed an eclectic, somewhat bitter old codger as he explored "his" New York experience. We weren't seeing stories of cops and big business, but rather the gritty side which makes New York NEW YORK! I especially dug on the FX guy and the dominatrix stories. GREAT film. Bravo.

I rushed to catch the Short Dance Block, filled with some incredible stuff. After really grooving on the short "Cornered" which preceded "Veritas" on Thursday night, I had to check out a bit more. There was an interesting mix of films, some stronger and more appealing: "ing", "Cargo", and "Perceptions" being my favorites. Don't get me wrong dude, I enjoyed them all. "Caught in Paint" left me with mixed emotions, as I loved the dance and the camera work, but the painter was a bit grating, On to another film block...

This freakin "All Access" Pass is the greatest, just flash the pass and do and see anything at SouthSide. Unlike some of the weighty Film Fests I've attended this pass was CHEAP at $75. Truly a GREAT value. I hope to have the energy to do it all today, including the closing night bash at the Portuguese American Club. To pace myself, I took a break, grabbed some grub, and just sat on the beautiful campus of Lehigh. You can't do that at Sundance baby.

Next on my film list was "Samba Poet". What an incredible film. The story was touching, the cinematography was exquisite, and the acting was over the top. I was torn between "Samba" and "Mambo", but chose "Samba" as it first ties in with the fest's theme of South America, but more important was that it is a foreign film and may never see the light of day with American Distribution. And the buzz on "From Mambo to Hip Hop" is that it is awesome, is screening at various fests, and will most likely get an distribution deal. "Poet" did NOT disappoint, but instead just BLEW me away. Touching, revealing, and educational. I knew little about the Samba before the film, and now I have some respect for the art form.

The last film for today and for the festival was pure indulgence: "Drained". I have read in the trades about this flick, it's awards, and its run at Sundance. The film reveals the judgmental idealism of one man, a pawn broker. But he ain't just trading object for cash, he's judgmental and has a twisted mind for justice. Externally he exudes confidence and a god-like evaluation system, but inside he's weak, wounded, and vulnerable... and is infatuated with the ASS of his favorite waitress, and WHAT AN ASS! And on top pf all that, he struggles throughout the film with the reality of "shit" literally oozing from the floor drain. It becomes his alter-obsession. Is this a metaphor for his life, that no mater how he masks his feelings or how superior he pretends to be, in the end it's all "shit"? The audience laughed when it needed to laugh, though again why aren't there more people here to see this stuff?

I did stop into the party, met some of the visiting filmmakers, as well as some of the organizers. they all seemed genuine and friendly. This ain't Hollywood, this ain't Tribeca, this ain't Cannes. This is SouthSide and this is just COOOOOL! Great food and a cash bar, though the music wasn't my thing, though I understand their selection because of this year's theme. I began to feel the burn of a long day in the dark theater. It was beautiful outside today, but there'd be more days to enjoy this year, while today was the FINAL day of the Festival.

I am glad I found the SouthSide Film Festival. It's obvious that these cats work their asses off, and from what I've read it's all volunteerism. WOW. and again WOW. I never ran into this "Filmolina", or at least nobody resembling her head shot. Maybe that isn't really her in the picture... SIGH! I won't miss ANY of this festival next year, and also hope to see some of their year-long events, including their intriguing Third Thursday Film event, where they screen thought-provoking, topical docs for FREE. How can they DO that? I love this group and hope they stay around for years to come. The Lehigh Valley needs more quality events and organizations like SouthSide. My hat off to them all, and to the films and filmmakers that made this experience special.

Maybe I'll try to continue this blogging shit, as it IS kind of fun.