THE MAMA SHERPAS (2015, doc)

July 23, 2015

mama sherpas Greetings again from the darkness. If you are not directly involved, it’s easy to underestimate, or even remain oblivious, to the stress involved as an expectant mother makes baby-delivery decisions. In this age of readily available information, women can no longer simply accept what their doctor says. Documentarian Brigid Maher sets out to educate us on the options available to pregnant women.

Ms. Maher opens our eyes to the growing trend of collaboration between doctors and midwives. One of the key factors in this shift is the fact that nearly one in three babies are now delivered via cesarean (C-section), even though the World Health Organization (WHO) says the figure should be closer to 15%. To her credit, Ms. Maher doesn’t attack the medical establishment, but rather focuses on the positive effects of the collaboration. Speaking from her personal experience (as a VBAC – Vaginal Birth After Cesarian), and also presenting numerous actual case studies, she expertly guides us through various birth methods including yoga birth, hypnobirthing, and waterbirthing … each a form of natural birth in a hospital environment.

Viewers should be prepared for some up close and very personal camera work – especially when demonstrating that natural birth is even a possibility (in some cases) with a breech baby, a big baby, babies showing little progress, and extended-labor cases which have always been stressful to mother and child.

Executive Producers Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein have allowed Ms. Maher to expose this little-known network of highly supportive midwives and doctors who firmly believe that Natural childbirth is preferable whenever possible. These folks (not surprisingly almost all women) are committed to the cause of helping the mother and baby through the process.

This will prove informative to some, and inspirational to many … though, of course, many within the traditional medical industry (the industry responsible for 33% c-sections) will argue that this method is unsafe for mother and baby. It doesn’t appear this position holds water, as the collaborative method covers both the medical facilities and the natural (lack of medication) bonding between a mother and child. What a miracle of nature to behold!

watch the trailer:

https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=the+mama+sherpas+trailer

 

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Posted by David Ferguson

CAFFEINATED (2015, doc)

July 15, 2015

caffeinated Greetings again from the darkness. Who better to review a documentary about coffee than someone who has never had a sip of the stuff and who becomes nauseated at the waffling aroma of java in a breakfast diner? For whatever reason, coffee and I have been lifelong enemies, and that makes my appreciation and respect of this documentary that much more surprising. Co-directors Hanh Nguyen and Vishal Solanki provide an interesting and in-depth look at the amazingly complex process that begins with planting seeds, and ends with Starbucks convincing some addict that $6 is reasonable for a morning jolt.

As you are probably aware, coffee is truly an international product with various cultures creating their own customs and flavors. What you might not know is that coffee is best grown in a small tropical longitudinal band and at 4000 to 6000 feet elevation. There are many local farmers in these areas who lovingly work their small plots of land in hopes that the price will allow them to feed their family and pay the current debts. These farms are often mortgaged by this year’s crop or even by the land itself. It’s no shock that the big profits are realized further up the pyramid and not by these farmers who cultivate the plants and pick the cherries.

The film does a terrific job at introducing us to those at each step of the long process. We meet farmers and pickers, roasters, distributors and of course, baristas … the rock stars of the coffee world. We even meet a “World Barista Champ”. Yes, there are competitions … just like for chefs and winemakers. In fact, the laborious and complex process of getting coffee to the cup is not all that dissimilar to the process of going from grape to wine glass. Of course the steps are different, but the intricacies and the importance of equipment and skill align pretty well.

Erna Knudsen and Alfred Peet are two of the coffee legends mentioned, and it’s interesting to hear about the elevation of coffee status from a cheap “fast food” product of the 1980’s and 1990’s to the specialty drink of the new millennium, with an emphasis on innovation and style (and trend).

Coffee lovers should have some concern as we learn about the reticence of youngsters to join in the family coffee farming business, after years of seeing how their elders have struggled … not exactly setting the stage for a preferred career path. The detail presented here is impressive and well-researched, and it’s fascinating to see the impact of coffee on so many different countries from around the globe. The film gives you plenty to consider as you sip your next cup of Jitter Juice.

watch the trailer:

 

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Posted by David Ferguson

BATKID BEGINS (2015, doc)

July 10, 2015

batkid Greetings again from the darkness. Our world is filled with anger and frustration and evil, and should we ever doubt this, a simple click over to the local or national news will prove it so. Even the non-terrorist majority are simply too busy or self-absorbed to show kindness or respect. Subways are jammed with people glued to their smart phones, oblivious to the sea of real humans. Highways are real world video games of dodging the closest road rager. A trip to the shopping mall reveals those too self-centered to simply hold open a door or allow a pedestrian to calmly cross the parking lot. What we need is a Superhero … and in November 2013, we got just that.

Director Dana Nachman chronicles the story of young Miles Scott from Tulelake, California. As a toddler, Miles was diagnosed with Leukemia and went through chemotherapy and other cancer treatments. By age 5, he was on the road to recovery and that’s when the Make-A-Wish foundation became involved. It turns out Miles’ greatest wish was to be Batman for a day. And this is where the documentary takes an unexpected turn.

Nachman chooses not to focus on Miles’ illness, but rather on the heroic efforts of Make-A-Wish director Patricia Wilson and her team to make this wish come true for him. This is not the story of gravely ill little boy, but rather it’s the piecing together of a global phenomenon. A challenging wish transformed into a worldwide viral event constructed by countless volunteers, the San Francisco Chief of Police, the Mayor of San Francisco, 25,000 people lining the streets, and millions more watching via social media.

Ms. Wilson’s incredible “can-do” attitude and boundless positive energy are complimented by Eric Johnston, an inventor and stuntman, who dives headfirst into his role as Batman and mentor to Miles the Batkid. Others key to the event were Mike Jutan who stepped into the role of The Penguin, Oscar winning composer Hans Zimmer, and even “Lou Seal”, the mascot of the San Francisco Giants. Are you starting to get the idea? See, it’s the masses that made this happen … the San Francisco Opera contributed costume work, and even a young boy donated the Batsuit for Batkid – it was homemade!  So many offers of help came in that a portion of San Francisco was turned into Gotham City for a day so that Batman and Batkid could fight crime together. Words fail me as it’s an emotional stunner to see this unfold.

Of course the power of social media (Twitter, Facebook, etc) is on full display here – even President Obama tweeted about Batkid! However, what is most awe-inspiring is the massive display of kindness and generosity from so many strangers from so many various backgrounds.  As with everything these days, there were critics. A few wailed about the cost to the city, while others expressed outright disgust that such hoopla was for one kid, rather than hundreds. A generous donor made the city whole by stroking a check, thereby shutting up the first group of complainers. As for the second group, they simply miss the point. It was a-dream-come-true for one boy robbed of childhood years by a cruel disease, and beyond that, it provided a respite from “bad news” and allowed the reporting of “good news”. It was also a much needed reminder that the human spirit is alive and that being kind and courteous is contagious, and creates a virus of feel good and do good.

Some may describe this as a promotional film for the Make A Wish foundation, but it might better be described as a film that promotes the positive impact people can have when they unite for a worthy cause. This wasn’t about politics, race relations, or financial turmoil … it was about people doing something nice for others, and discovering the payback is pure joy. Batkid was the hero we deserved and the one we needed.

watch the trailer:

 

 

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Posted by David Ferguson

AMY (2015, doc)

July 9, 2015

amy Greetings again from the darkness. Some may know Amy Winehouse as the Grammy award winning singer, while others may know of her as the drug-addled target of the paparazzi who died from alcohol poisoning 4 years ago. Still others may be asking “Amy who?”  Director Asif Kapadia (Senna, 2010) delivers a film that doesn’t shy away from the brutally tough “down” times, but also shines a light on the “up” times for this suburban Northern London Jewish kid who was simply unable to manage her rare musical talent, profound personal weaknesses, and the relentless media pressure.

Did you know Amy played guitar? Kapadia includes film of her crafting songs while strumming, and also early performance clips of her on stage with her Stratocaster. It’s these rarely seen film clips … some home movies, some phone videos from fans, and some from other photographers … that provide the leave-no-doubt proof of Amy’s musical genius – both as a vocal artist and a songwriter. Some of the clips provide a glimpse of her charm and sense of humor and desire for normalcy, while others show the bulimic, strung-out party girl mixed up with the wrong guy.  We see her casually hanging out with her childhood friends, and later slurring words and staggering through the strobing flashbulbs. The contrast is heartbreaking.

While the typical documentary approach of “talking heads” is almost non-existent, we get plenty of insight from sources such as: her two closest friends, producer Mark Ronson, husband and enabler Blake Fielder-Civil, friend and first manager Nick Shymansky, music executive Lucian Grainge, and fellow artist Mos Def/Yasiin Bey. Amy’s longtime keyboardist Sam Beste cuts right to the bone when he says she “needed music”. That insight when combined with her childhood issues really bring into focus what allowed Amy to live, and then what snatched joy right away from her.

Even from a young age … we see her at 16 … Amy was an old soul, seemingly born into the wrong era. The music erupted from a place very few have. The number of performance clips are limited, but there is one when she is 20-21, and when she sings the word “emulate”, it takes on meanings not yet defined by Webster’s. Contrasting that with the legendary Tony Bennett coaxing her through a recording session is painful to watch, while simultaneously providing a front row seat to musical genius.

Director Kapadia shines a certain light on Amy’s dad Mitch, her husband Blake, and others that were close to her. It’s Sam Beste’s frustration at failing on that first attempt at rehab that brings the biggest “what if?” Of course, that failure led to her biggest recording success with “Rehab” (no, no, no), but might it have also cost Amy her happiness and possibly even her life? The final Belgrade concert was one month prior to her joining the 27 Club, and perhaps it’s just further proof that Amy simply “can’t be that thing” that the fans and media tried to turn her into. Whether you are an Amy fan or not, this is a gut-wrenching look at how a talented artist struggled with life and fame … until the struggles won out.

watch the trailer:

 

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Posted by David Ferguson

A MURDER IN THE PARK (2015, doc)

June 28, 2015

a murder in the park Greetings again from the darkness. The concept of “the scales of justice” refers to what is right and just. It’s a lofty and worthy goal, and one that we U.S. citizens grow up learning is the foundation of our legal system.  Sometimes, however, the wheels fall off and the system gets off-track. Co-directors Shawn Rech and Brandon Kinder explore one such quite infamous case.

Here’s a quick synopsis: Cops arrest suspect for a double murder (1982). Suspect found guilty and sentenced to death (1983). Just prior to execution, additional information is submitted and the suspect is freed (1999). Another suspect is charged, found guilty and sent to prison. Fifteen years later, charges against the second man are dropped and he is released from prison. Evidence points to original suspect, who has been pardoned and cannot be re-tried.

The above phrase “additional information” is the key to the film. Northwestern University Professor David Protess and a group of his journalism students, working under the auspice of the “Innocence Project”, set out to cast doubt on the guilt of Anthony Porter – the prisoner just days from execution. The students’ work with Private Investigator Paul Ciolini yields contradictory witnesses and a confession from another man, Alstory Simon. The result of their findings gets Porter released and turns him and themselves into media stars, while also leading to the state of Illinois banning the death penalty.

The film is exceedingly well documented and researched, and provides interviews from detectives, lawyers and Mr. Simon, among others. It’s a procedural documentary that questions the very procedures of the justice system … shooting holes and raising red flags on the steps and a multitude of people involved with the cases over the years. Unfortunately, we don’t get any account directly from Professor Protess (since released by Northwestern), but that’s likely due to the inexcusably shoddy work from his group and his endless grandstanding since getting Porter released.

We all know there are truth-minded journalists, but it’s quite frightening when those on the other end of the spectrum can so easily gain power and influence … especially when teamed up with a less-than-scrupulous private investigator who proudly spouts that the rules don’t apply to him.

This is a very interesting and detailed look at different personality types, legal procedures, media influence and the role of truth and justice. The film begins with a very unusual disclaimer stating the film studio “does not guarantee the accuracy of the content”. The name of the studio? Whole Truth Films.

watch the trailer:

 

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Posted by David Ferguson

A DANGEROUS GAME (2015, doc)

June 24, 2015

a dangerous game Greetings again from the darkness. Donald Trump is the closest thing we have to a real life Snidely Whiplash. He is fascinating and entertaining in his arrogance, and the poster child of evil for the 99-percenters. Documentarian Anthony Baxter delivers a follow-up to his award-winning 2011 documentary You’ve Been Trumped, and this time we get the face-to-face showdown between Trump and Baxter … though it’s quite brief.

Baxter revisits Trump’s Menie Estate development in Aberdeenshire, Scotland and in the process catches up any viewer who missed the first film, while also exploring planned development on the last remaining natural state land in the area. The film’s best segment focuses on an unrelated planned development (golf and luxury homes) in the Heritage area of Dubrovnik in Croatia. We see the real struggle of the “little guys” as they fight back against corporate greed and civic corruption. The third segment involves New Jersey, and the key point seems to be that Don Trump Jr is every bit as annoying and arrogant as his father.

Baxter’s film is loosely structured, but certainly raises some interesting points about how the wealthy can abuse their power at the expense of ecology, history, and the huddled masses. Drought conditions on SRD in Dubrovnik? No worries … we will just buy enough water to keep the fairways green and putting surfaces plush. One of the local farms not quaint enough?  No worries … we will just berm the perimeter and cutoff the resident’s access to the seashore. We also see the corruption of local leaders and local government. It’s especially disheartening in Dubrovnik as the locals gain 11,000 signatures to force a referendum, only to be steamrolled by the Mayor.

The sit down interview with Trump and Baxter is somewhat of a letdown, but it does feature two men who believe strongly in their views. One could walk away from the film with a feeling of helplessness, but in reality, it provides a hopeful message for strength in numbers and fighting for what one believes in.

watch the trailer:

 

 

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Posted by David Ferguson

MADE IN JAPAN (2015, doc)

June 14, 2015

made in japan Greetings again from the darkness. My favorite documentary at this year’s Oak Cliff Film Festival introduced me to the world’s first female Japanese Country and Western music star: Tomi Fujiyama. She made a historic appearance at the 39th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry in 1964 and director Josh Bishop follows her efforts at realizing a dream of a return performance.

The first thing we notice about Tomi is her effervescent personality and zest for life. Her smile lights up any room she enters, and her observations are often laugh-out-loud funny. The next thing we notice is that she is incredibly talented as a guitar player and singer. She is no circus act, but instead a world class musical talent … not just in 1964 when she followed Johnny Cash onto the Opry stage, but even today as she belts out “The Tennessee Waltz”.

Filmmaker Bishop does nice work in allowing us to learn Tomi’s history, beginning with the destruction of her family home in Japan during WWII, and her later trip to the United States with her father. Her early career was spent performing for the U.S. military – this during a time when female performers in Japan were rare, and those that toured the world were nearly non-existent.

The filmmaking process began in 2005 and the early scenes blend seamlessly with more recent footage. It’s pretty interesting to watch as Tomi and her husband re-trace her early time in Las Vegas, New York City and Nashville. It’s especially touching and entertaining as she meets up with 91 year old Oscar, who was part of the “Lonzo & Oscar” duo who pushed to get Tomi some of her early gigs. Watching them play together is watching two people who truly love what they do – two people born to make music. And that’s the overriding feeling of the entire movie. Tomi dreams of standing on the Opry stage again, but she never misses a chance to perform … anywhere, anytime.

The historical aspects of this story are impressive – multicultural and multigenerational facets play a role, and the enthusiasm shown by Tomi make her so much fun to pull for. Mr. Bishop noted in the post-screening Q&A that the final cut of the film will be different from this version, thanks to recent developments involving SXSW, Jimmy Kimmel, and yes, the Grand Ole Opry. It’s a story of history, music, perseverance and attitude; and it’s a story more of us should know.

watch the trailer:

 

 

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Posted by David Ferguson

DANNY SAYS (2015, doc)

June 14, 2015

danny says Greetings again from the darkness. Tying in nicely with the repertory showing of Rock ‘n Roll High School (1979) at the Oak Cliff Film Festival, this documentary from Brendan Toller aims to give credit to one of the unsung (and mostly unknown) influencers of cultural and music changes in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Danny Fields was the behind-the-scenes “mover and shaker” who helped shine the light on bands such as The Doors, Velvet Underground, The Stooges, MC5 and The Ramones.

Fields is described as having his pulse on the underground music scene, and this is meant to be a compliment … he knew what the “cool” people were listening to. More than just a keen social observer, Fields finished 6th in his class at Penn – as the youngest graduate – and went on to drop out of Harvard Law School in order to be on the front line of the cultural changes occurring in the 60’s.

Director Toller’s respect and admiration for Fields is on full display, and we are treated to interviews from the likes of Alice Cooper and Iggy Pop, to multiple sit downs with Fields himself … the highlights of the film. The stories about “16” Magazine, Jim Morrison, Nico and Edie Sedgwick are all interesting, but it’s watching as Fields personally recalls his involvement that offer us something we’ve never before seen.

Fields’ time at Elektra Records is chronicled, as is his fallout with The Ramones … whose song provides the title of the movie (also covered by Tom Waits and Foo Fighters). It’s also noted that Fields decision to take The Ramones on a UK tour, helped drive the popularity of The Sex Pistols and The Clash … the foundation of the new Punk era. It’s always refreshing when accolades and credit find the proper target – even when delayed by a few decades.

 

 

 

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Posted by David Ferguson

20 YEARS OF MADNESS (2015, doc)

June 13, 2015

20 years of madness Greetings again from the darkness. If you haven’t figured out that life is much different at age 38 than at age 18, this Oak Cliff Film Festival documentary will be shocking to you. Jerry White, Jr attempts to recapture the boundless creativity that fueled the mid-1990’s public access TV show that he and his friends so enjoyed – “30 Minutes of Madness”. The main obstacle to his plan: two decades have passed since the unhappy ending, and some members of the group haven’t spoken in years.

The film is directed by Jeremy Ross, but the commanding force here is Jerry White, Jr. He was and remains the dominant (and domineering) personality of the group, though the quick-tempered teenager has transitioned into a manipulative megalomaniac adult. To say that he is unpleasant to watch is a bit of an understatement. Having recently graduated from USC film school, he has no job and no prospects, so the idea of “going home” to Michigan to see if lightning can strike twice makes as much sense as any other strategy.

What he discovers in his old Rochester, Michigan stomping grounds is that most of his childhood friends are pretty unhappy and unfulfilled as adults. By pretty unhappy, I mean depressed, drug addicted, and even struggling with mental illness. It seems most of the group still lives locally, and only a couple have found any amount of happiness.

It would be pretty easy (and understandable) to dismiss this as two hours of watching miserable grown-ups who haven’t accepted life’s responsibilities and long for the creative freedom afforded to carefree teenagers. However, the psychological analysis afforded by this group makes it the ultimate character study. Contrasting the dictatorial traits of Mr. White with the near child-like approach of some of the group members – those so desperate for just a hint of respect – is both painful and fascinating to watch. It begs the question … how can those so fearless in youth be so unsuccessful in finding meaning in later life?

watch the trailer:

 

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Posted by David Ferguson

STATION TO STATION (2015)

June 13, 2015

station Greetings again from the darkness. Day two of the 4th annual Oak Cliff Film Festival reminded me why I so enjoy this “rogue” festival … it always provides a completely new cinematic experience.  How does a movie consisting of 62 one minute movies strike you? That’s precisely what filmmaker Doug Aitken delivers in what could be called experimental or high-concept film. However you label it, when the ride ended, I was ready for 62 more.

The project involves a 24 day, 4000 mile cross-country train ride between New York and San Francisco. Director Aitken’s introductory segment provides somewhat of an overview for his vision, and the subsequent one-minute blips blend seamlessly with the feel of the scattered views out the window of our own train car.

Some familiar faces pop up on the trip, including Patti Smith, Jackson Browne, Beck, Thurston Moore, Cat Power, and Mavis Staples. There are also flamenco dancers, marching bands, a self-described husker, and the kinetic drawing machine/apparatus of artist Olafur Eliasson – allowing the train itself to organically create art.

Taken as a celebration of art, the film is a work of art (and/or 62 separate pieces of art), that reminds us individual expression comes in various forms. Many will find joy in exposure (albeit it brief) to new bands and new music, while also taking in the 10 “happenings” along the way. These happenings actually take us off the train and into a location for an event.

While there is no traditional plot, the segments come so quickly, that we are engaged from the beginning, and in no way prepared for number 62 to derail the ride. Whether art is individual expression or a form of freedom really isn’t the point … let’s just be thankful that Doug Aitken and so many others are willing (maybe driven?) to share their creative force.

watch the trailer:

 

 

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Posted by David Ferguson

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