Hope My Boss Doesn't Read Blogs ...

That's right, I skipped out on work today so I could dig on some of the films I see that are screening at SouthSide Film Festival. I was impressed when I bought the program last night. I pretty much camped out at Packard Auditorium today. My only disappointment with this festival is that they need more people to come and screen these awesome flicks. Are you kidding me... I had read about many of these films, either from Sundance or other Fests. DUDE...

Anyway, my first session was Jeremy Dean's "Dare Not Walk Alone". What a ripping story about civil rights. The imagery was disturbing and yet quite revealing. I was in HEAVEN, as SouthSide seems to "get it". Get off your f***ing couch and get to the Festival on Saturday!

I needed some freaking grub and so I skipped the next film and opted for some pizza at Sal's. A slice and a salad just hit the spot, man.

Fueled and ready for the rest of the day, I caught "Ghosts of Abu Ghraib", preceded by some dance film... "Contrecoup" The short film was remarkable and the final scenes just BLEW me away. "Ghosts of Abu Ghraib" was everything I had read, and I was pissed at our government after that screening.

Met up with some friends (whom I told of Southside last night), and we headed to see "Devil Came on Horseback". This ain't no sissy film, and it certainly ain't for the weak of heart. What an incredible piece of cinema, and if this don't shake things up, there would seem little hope for this World.

We just hung out in our seats and screened the next feature... "War/Dance". This film is a colorful documentary about Ugandan orphans and their hopes and dreams. NO wonder this freaking film won at Sundance, as it is simply a masterful display of filmmaking. Great camera, wonderful direction, and a VERY moving story.

Finally my Packard marathon came to an end, and after some brews it was time to head home.

Hope I have the energy to do another marathon tomorrow, as I need to play "catch-up" after only finding the fest yesterday. Too many great films, and little time to see it all. Do your best and just call it good dude.

later...