OAK CLIFF FILM FESTIVAL 2015 recap

June 19, 2015

OCFF15 And they said it wouldn’t last. OK, I don’t think anyone actually said that about The Oak Cliff Film Festival, and we are quite thrilled to report that this fourth year may be the best yet.

One of the (many) things that make this festival unique is the new “theme” each year brings. The 2015 OCFF celebrated the “No Wave Movement” of the late 1970’s/early 1980’s … the perfect tie-in to today’s independent filmmakers who find a way to create their films in spite of Hollywood’s “Blockbusters rule” philosophy. Short films, digital handheld cameras, and now even iPhones are acceptable formats and valuable tools for realizing a filmmaker’s vision.

It’s probably more accurate to describe this as a Film and Party Festival, as the organizers take as much pride in their party-throwing acumen as they do in their film programming … and for good reason. The festival featured no fewer than 8 parties and events – everything from a live performance by The Sonics to a group bike ride through the city.  Panels and workshops were held for filmmakers and those who hope to be, and an actual film was produced during the weekend. These events turn the festival into a participatory event for those who wish to fully engage.

As for movie watching, I caught 8 features and a couple blocks of shorts. The festival’s programming featured 9 narrative features, 4 feature length documentaries, 4 repertory films (homage to the theme), and 36 short films (student, narrative, documentary). Unfortunately, my schedule forced me to miss the festival closing film, but I can report that my favorite narrative film of the festival was Tangerine, a film director Sean Baker shot entirely on iPhones on the streets of Hollywood and Los Angeles.  My favorite documentary was Made in Japan, the story of Tomi Fujiyama (the first female Japanese Country and Western musician to perform on The Grand Ole Opry).  A couple of actresses stood out: Mickey O’Hagan (Tangerine) and Helen Rogers (Body), and I look forward to following as their careers develop.

One last point of difference for this festival must be mentioned. The number and diversity of venues is quite something to behold. At least 9 Oak Cliff venues play a significant role in the festival. The key screening locations include the historic Texas Theatre, The Bishop Arts Center, and the Kessler Theater (normally a music venue), and each bring their own unique viewing experience. Additionally, it’s the smaller venues that really add the local flavor to the festival proceedings.

The festival is highly recommended for lovers of independent film and the creative process, while the large number and highly diverse group of event sponsors exemplify the widespread support and interest in this terrific cultural event. Year 4 is a wrap … can’t wait to see what these folks come up with for next year’s Oak Cliff Film Festival.

http://thetexastheatre.com/

http://oakclifffilmfestival.com/

 

1 Comment | Articles | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

BODY (2015)

June 13, 2015

body Greetings again from the darkness. Positioned as a “thriller”, this Oak Cliff Film Festival entry is more psychological study than fright-fest or whodunit. Co-written and co-directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, the film takes the rare and welcome approach of placing twenty-something females in the role of accidental trouble-makers who must make morally-clouded decisions under stress.

Home for the holidays, three long-time friends are hanging out together on Christmas Eve – just drinking wine, playing Scrabble, smoking pot, and teasing each other. After a “dark” opening featuring a frantic 911 call, the film is allowed to breathe for the next 15- 20 minutes as we get to know the personalities of Holly (Helen Rogers), Cali (Alexandra Turshen), and Mel (Lauren Molina).  Their banter … and the fallout from triple word “satin” … provide us with the insight to connect with each of the ladies.

Seeking a chance to cut loose and enjoy their “girl time”, they head over to a mansion supposedly belonging to an uncle of one of the girls. Booze, video games, laughing and dancing seem innocent enough until Arthur the groundskeeper (Larry Fessenden) enters the house and confronts the girls. While it sounds like the set-up to this week’s horror film, it has more in common with Very Bad Things (1998). A tragic accident forces the girls into discussions and decision-making that’s not usually associated with Christmas Eve.

What keeps our interest isn’t so much the situation, it’s the fact that we are rarely exposed to on screen women in such a mess. The varying female personalities negotiate the next best steps and the alpha in the group may or may not be the smartest (remember Scrabble!). With their own morals pushing and pulling their thoughts, it’s fascinating that a trumped up attempted-rape accusation (and groan inducing evidence tampering) may be their best defense.

After a couple of twists, it’s interesting to see how far one’s moral compass can be adjusted for the sake of self-preservation, and to see how the bond’s of friendship can be either a life preserver or cement boots. Don’t look to this for your Friday night fright … though there is one jump-inducing moment … but rather view it as a chance to ask yourself how you would react in such an accidentally tragic turn of events.

watch the trailer:

 

Leave a Comment » | Drama, Thriller | Tagged: , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson