ATLFF Filmmaker Julian Higgins Aces the Mix-and-Match Questionnaire
"Winter Light" Director Julian Higgins offers poetry about the importance of a good script and tells us how he really feels about cat people.
Complete this sentence: "If you liked _________ or _________, you'll love my film."
If you liked "No Country for Old Men" or "Winter's Bone," you'll like my film.
Is your film for cat people or dog people? Why?
Cat people, because it's moody, quiet, and intense.
What's the most challenging part of making a film for you? Do you enjoy the challenge or is it something to be avoided?
Writing the script is the most challenging and the most important part of making a film. It's a tough process which I liken to hammering a piece of wrought iron into a razor-sharp blade. And to extend the metaphor: without first going through that long, difficult and painstaking process, the rest of production will be like trying to chop down a tree with a blunt axe. You can't save a bad script, but with a good script, the sky's the limit.
Of the filmmakers working today, whose talent do you want to steal?
Bennett Miller's work is a perennial source of inspiration for me.
Name three films you consider unappreciated and explain their hidden genius.
INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS (The Coen Brothers, 2013) – With humor, pathos, and grace, this gem of an under-appreciated film perfectly captures the cycles of hope and despair that make up the life of an artist.
SINCE OTAR LEFT (Julie Bertucelli, 2003) – A simple story about two sisters caring for their elderly mother... and yet, this film will make you feel EVERYTHING. What a gentle, closely-observed, deeply-felt, and impactful film.
DOGTOOTH (Yorgos Lanthimos, 2009) – It's impossible to describe this movie. Attempting to do so would be foolhardy. Suffice it to say, this kind of tonal, structural, and formal wackiness is only possible in cinema. Hilarious, terrifying, daring, gorgeous, disturbing – this one's a must-see.
What are your three favorite ways to eat potatoes?
1) Fork
2) Chopsticks
3) Mechanical claw
Julian's film, "Winter Light," screens with "Holbrook/Twain: An American Odyssey" to a SOLD OUT Serenbe audience tonight at 8pm. But there are still tickets available to the Encore presentation on Sunday, March 29th at 4:00pm at The Plaza Theatre!
ATLFF Filmmaker Elise Durant Answers Our Mix-and-Match Questionnaire
"Edén" Director Elise Durant speaks about her most challenging part of filmmaking and a favorite 2015 Best Picture Nominee.
Complete this sentence: "If you liked _________ or _________, you'll love my film."
Paris, Texas
Alice in the Cities
(...so I've been told.)
Is your film for cat people or dog people? Why?
Cat people.
What's the most challenging part of making a film for you? Do you enjoy the challenge or is it something to be avoided?
Production. To be avoided. But necessary.
Of the filmmakers working today, whose talent do you want to steal?
Saw Foxcatcher a few days ago. So impressed by the directing, by the telling of the story in the most essential way possible. Sparing use of dialogue, the telling of the story through action, key images. So elegantly done.
Name three films you consider underappreciated and explain their hidden genius.
The Headless Woman by Lucrecia Martel. Total genius.
La Cienaga by Lucrecia Martel
Ruby in Paradise. So simple.
What are your three favorite ways to eat potatoes?
Chips. Covered in hot sauce and lime.
Mashed. Drenched in gravy and butter.
Hash browns. Crispy.
Elise's film, "Edén," screens this Sunday, March 22nd at 4pm at the Woodruff Arts Center! Get your tickets soon!
ATLFF Filmmaker Alexis Irvin Answers Our Mix-and-Match Questionnaire!
"Blood, Sweat, & Beer" Co-Director Alexis Irvin opens up about James Franco's "alien voice" and the hazards of sampling beer at 8am.
Complete this sentence: "If you liked _________ or _________, you'll love my film."
"Beer Wars" or "Indie Game"
Is your film for cat people or dog people? Why?
It seems like a lot of beer drinkers are dog people...maybe because a lot of breweries have areas for people to drink and hang out with their furry friends?
But, I'm a cat person and I love beer :) so I'm going to go with both will like our film. :)
What's the most challenging part of making a film for you? Do you enjoy the challenge or is it something to be avoided?
One of the hazards of making this particular film was all of the beers we were expected to sample before or during interviews...sometimes at 8 a.m...
Of the filmmakers working today, whose talent do you want to steal?
James Swirsky and Lisanne Pajot, the couple behind the documentary Indie Game are my heroes! A self funded production. beautiful cinematrography and a touching story!
Name three films you consider unappreciated and explain their hidden genius.
Spring Breakers. One of my missions in life to hear James Franco say something in his Alien voice - ATLFF could make my dreams come true!
SOMM. This documentary about four guys studying to become master sommeliers was touching and surprisingly emotional.
Adventureland. One of my favorite coming of age stories of all time! Plus, we found out during filming- the theme park where Adventureland was filmed (Kennywood) overlooks Braddock, PA - you can see the roller coasters from The Brew Gentlemen's taproom!
What are your three favorite ways to eat potatoes?
mashed
fried
CHIP. What's better in life than salt and vinegar chips and a delicious, hand-crafted beer, fresh off the tap?
Alexis's film, "Blood, Sweat, & Beer," screens Sunday, March 22nd at 12:00pm at The Plaza Theatre! Each ticket includes access to our Food on Film afterparty, which will showcase a smorgasbord of local food and craft beer! Get your tickets now:
ATLFF Filmmaker Tom Gasek Masters the Mix-and-Match Questionnaire
"Ain't No Fish" Director and Animator Tom Gasek navigates our hardball questionnaire with ease. His film plays TOMORROW as part of our Saturday Morning Cartoons!
Complete this sentence: "If you liked _________ or _________, you'll love my film."
Flipper or Jacque Cousteau specials.
Is your film for cat people or dog people? Why?
It's for FISH people (for obvious reasons)
What's the most challenging part of making a film for you? Do you enjoy the challenge or is it something to be avoided?
Staying on course and completing the film. I enjoy the challenge and find little distractions related to the film to keep me engaged.
Of the filmmakers working today, whose talent do you want to steal?
Jan Svankmajer
Name three films you consider underappreciated and explain their hidden genius.
"Toys in Attic" (Jiri Barta) - It's textural, terrifying and touching.
"Song of the Sea" (Tomm Moore) - visually stunning, great movement and the "selkie myth"
"George Stevens- D Day to Berlin" (George Stevens Jr.) - great history (WW2) - amazing color - great anti-war statement
What are your three favorite ways to eat potatoes?
baked
jacketed
in my mouth
Tom's film, "Ain't No Fish," screens in the Saturday Morning Cartoons animated short film block on Saturday, March 21st at 11:00am in The Plaza Theatre. You still have time to reserve your seat!
ATLFF Filmmaker Nathalie Cools Tackles Our Mix-and-Match Questionnaire
"Trans: A Documentary About Transboys" Director Nathalie Cools tells us which films she thinks are underrated and her favorite way to eat potatoes.
Complete this sentence: "If you liked _________ or _________, you'll love my film."
"If you liked 'Her' or 'Unbroken', you'll like my film."
Is your film for cat people or dog people? Why?
Good question! I always wanted a dog as a kid, but I ended up with a cat... So I guess the movie is for both of them!
What's the most challenging part of making a film for you? Do you enjoy the challenge or is it something to be avoided?
I'm shy with the camera, while I often choose places and situations that are not easy to film. This part is hard, but once I install the camera and look at the frame, I can forget the uncomfortable feeling. I really like editing, and the better my images are, the better the editing goes.
Of the filmmakers working today, whose talent do you want to steal?
Recently I enjoyed the movies from François Ozon, Spike Jonze, Angelina Jolie, Richard Linklater and Jonathan Glazer. Last years some movies that really blew me were "We need to talk about Kevin" from Lynne Ramsay, "Elève libre" from Joachim Lafosse and "Tomboy" from Céline Sciamma. And I am also a real fan from Paul Verhoeven!
Name three films you consider unappreciated and explain their hidden genius.
Mmmm... Makes me think of some oldies... Like "Marnie" from Hitchcock - I've known this film since I was little, and when I later found out it flopped, I rewachted it... In some way the story is dated, but his attraction for her, her dislike for hem, and their struggling with responsibility... It intrigued me and still does. And two horror movies: "Prince of Darkness" from John Carpenter, that really scared me to death! I rememberd I paused the movie because I was too scared to look. As well as a Dutch movie "De lift" from 1983, which saddled me up with a phobia for elevators for years!
What are your three favorite ways to eat potatoes?
French fries, french fries, French fries!
Nathalie's film, "Trans: A Documentary About Transboys," screens TOMORROW, Saturday March 21st at 11:15am at The Plaza Theatre! Get tickets while you can!
WonderRoot's Local Film Series Will Kickoff ATLFF '15!
WonderRoot's Generally Local, Mostly Independent Film Series takes place on March 19th, the day before ATLFF Opening Night 2015! Special guest jurors Reel Georgia.
Original art by ATLFF's own Alex Watson
Voted Best Local Film Series by Creative Loafing Atlanta for three years running, WonderRoot's Generally Local, Mostly Independent Film Series is locked and ready! Thursday, March 19th at 8pm, join us at The Plaza Theatre for this quarter's installment of winning submissions. Enjoy nine featured shorts along with an ATLFF Official Selection and the Critics' Pick from the Creative Loafing Short Cuts Film Contest! Check out the agenda:
- "‘Short Little Summer Love Song’- Baby Baby" directed by Deon Kay
- "Wallace" directed by David Over
- "Blades of Grass" directed by Jason Fernandes
- "Nonut Donut" directed by Joshua Winters
- "God Fetish" directed by Alex Zhuravlov
- "+" directed by David Nobles
- "Postcard Boredom" directed by John Dierre
- "Silent Kid" directed by Nastasia Humphries
- "Prosopon" directed by Thomas Thoma
screens with "Ir/Reconcilable" directed by Gabrielle Fulton (ATLFF 2015 Official Selection)
screens with "Something Made" directed by Tahno DeBurr (CL Short Cuts Contest Critics' Pick)
Gear up for this veritable short film smorgasbord with a FREE Sponsor screening of "Altered" at 5pm at The Plaza before enjoying drinks and conversation with other industry enthusiasts at this month's Eat, Drink, B-Indie. Our Guest Jurors—the team behind homegrown #GAfilm resource Reel Georgia—will be happy to meet you as well!
Arguably the best part: tickets cost a paltry ten bucks! But if you're ready to take your filmlove to the next level, become a member and attend both this event and everything else on the ATLFF '15 schedule for FREE.
ATLFF '15: Would You Like A Concert With That?
The Rialto Center for the Arts will host two ATLFF selections, "Imba Means Sing" and "Sound of Redemption: the Frank Morgan Story," each with a live musical performance to follow!
The Atlanta Film Festival has been positioned at the intersection of art, culture, and commerce for almost forty years. ATLFF is especially excited to exemplify this in 2015 with two multi-faceted screenings; both "Imba Means Sing" and "Sound of Redemption: The Frank Morgan Story" will lead in to live music performances. It's the mission of The Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University, an intimate, cultural centerpiece of downtown Atlanta, that makes it the ideal venue for these ATLFF productions: "to inspire, educate and entertain diverse audiences by presenting innovative and exceptional arts programming and cultivating community partnerships."
The Rialto's purpose reflects both the Festival's themes and the themes of the selections they're hosting. Tuesday, March 24th at 7:30pm, Yacht Rock Revue and the Atlanta Music Project Choir will perform in conjunction with the World Premiere of "Imba Means Sing," a feature documentary about the Grammy-nominated African Children's Choir from Uganda. Both musical acts are well known in the area and will elevate the premiere's fun factor to almost unthinkable heights! Watch the official film trailer here and jump on the opportunity to buy one film ticket and see two concerts for FREE!
The next evening, on Wednesday, March 25th at 7:30pm, the Rialto will screen "Sound of Redemption: the Frank Morgan Story." Frank Morgan was a legendary jazz saxophonist until heroin took hold and found him in prison. Featuring live footage of Morgan's solos and a San Quentin-staged six-piece band tribute show, this documentary traces Morgan's storied trail from jazz royalty to incarceration and back again. Stay seated once the credits roll—saxophonist Grace Kelly and pianist George Cables, two band members from the film, will be ready to play for you live! Check out the trailer and then get your tickets for this one-time opportunity!
So the Squid and the Whale Walk Into The Plaza...
It's not too late to become a part of Growing Up Baumbach! Join us in our second screening, "The Squid and the Whale," TOMORROW at 7pm!
Phase two of Growing Up Baumbach, a celebration of Noah Baumbach's twenty years in cinema, graces our screen tomorrow! This week, it's "The Squid and the Whale" (2005). Jeff Daniels, Laura Linney, and a young Jesse Eisenberg star in Baumbach's fourth feature film, a semi-autobiographical comedy-drama about his experience with his parents' divorce. Watch the trailer now:
This film is our second-to-last installment before Baumbach's latest release, "While We're Young," screens at the 39th annual Atlanta Film Festival. Report to The Plaza Theater by 7:00pm on Wednesday, March 11th to grow up with Baumbach!
See "The Squid and the Whale" for just $7, or become a member and enjoy this blast from the past—along with "Frances Ha" and "While We're Young"—for FREE!
ATLFF and The Goat Farm Arts Center Unite Again for SOUND & VISION; Music Video Lineup Revealed
SOUND & VISION is back! Presented by The Goat Farm Arts Center, this one-of-a-kind event is a festival highlight. Come see our Music Video competition, watch experimental films, listen to live music and grab some food from your favorite trucks on Thursday, March 26th!
The Goat Farm Arts Center presents SOUND & VISION is back by popular demand for its fourth year. Destined to be one of ATLFF '15’s most memorable nights, this event features some of Atlanta's hottest bands, tastiest food trucks, most daring experimental films and music videos. Sponsored by Revolt and MailChimp, this is a true festival highlight!
Thursday, March 26, 2015, 7:00 PM
The Goat Farm Arts Center
Tickets - $10
Headling Acts:
DIP
J-LIVE
Red Sea
Hello Ocho
The Ghosts Project
SOUND & VISION Short Films:
DVA - No Survi by Andrej Kolencik, Peter Skala
AUCHRE - WayBack by Yaya Xu
WangKe - Revelation by FanZhenqi
//LADYBUG by Flatsitter (Jax Deluca & Kyle Marler)
New Topia - This Will Destroy You by Victoria Cook
Installation Pieces:
New Radiant by Anna Spence
Puppy - #4 by Guillaume Vallée
Single # Double # Triple by APOTROPIA (Antonella Mignone + Cristiano Panepuccia)
Music Video Competition:
Apex Martin - “$HIT” by David Latreille
Barbatuques - “Cheiro Verde” by Antonio Vicentini
“CARPE JUGULAR” by Kai Stänicke
Club America (feat. Da Deputy) - “All The Things I've Done” by Daniel Bruson
Eva & The Heartmaker - “Told You” by Kenneth Karlstad
Future - “Coupe” by Daniel Garcia
Gunpowder Gray – “Saints” by Video Rahim
J.K. The Reaper – “Exodia” by Yates
Jack Kovacs (feat. Huxlee) - “The Empty House” by Anna Zlokovic
Kaja Gunnufsen - “Au” by Kenneth Karlstad
Kat Vinter - “Sooner or Later” by Daniel Bartels
Line Kåsa – “PATIENCE” by Jonas Grimeland
Lordencih – “Propaganda” by Ariel Belziti
“Malcolm's Magic Stick” by Nathan Honnold
Pablo Nouvelle - “You Don't Understand” by Maximilian Speidel
Rich Aucoin - “Yelling in Sleep” by Joel MacKenzie
Sandro Joyeux - “Elmando” by Anton Octavian
Scram Jones - “Fork in the Road” by Konee Rok
Silk Duck - “The Horse You Rode In On” by Yates
Today the Moon, Tomorrow the Sun – “Powerline” by Chris Downs
Willie Hyn - “80's ROK” by Michael Andre
Zoxea - “All in my Mind” by Arthur Jeanroy
Noah Baumbach Knows You.
Director Noah Baumbach's been making movies about you for 20 years. Check out his first feature Wednesday night at The Plaza at 7 PM.
“Movie time is like college time."
“Days are slow and months are fast?”
“If you had a test on Thursday, Friday felt so far away.”
--Noah Baumbach & Greta Gerwig in The New Yorker
Noah Baumbach's movies don't make much money. Adjusted for inflation, no feature film in his twenty year directorial catalogue has grossed more than $10 million.
His most recent projects might break this streak ("While We're Young," "Mistress America"), but they might not. And Baumbach is 100% okay with that. This fact is responsible for the air of autobiography in every film he writes; much like his witty, existentially concerned, perpetually adrift characters chug along in—admit it—relatable stagnance, Baumbach doesn't require box office chart fame, or any fame for that matter, to validate his continued exploration of what the heck he's doing here, anyway.
Sound familiar? More so than, say, any film he's released?
We're here to help.
For less than a third of what Criterion wants from you, our premiere venue will screen Baumbach's directorial debut, "Kicking and Screaming," as the first of three weekly installments in Growing Up Baumbach: a retrospective tribute to his twenty years in cinema. Released in 1995, Baumbach's timeless portrait of post-grad friends who struggle to find the Real World Freedom in what feels like Real World Quicksand will strike a chord that leaves you echoing one of their own. "I've begun reminiscing events before they even occur. I'm reminiscing this right now."
Don't miss out as we prepare you to find yourself once more in ATLFF Official Selection "While We're Young," which screens Wednesday, March 25th as part of our 39th Annual lineup months before its theatrical release. See one retrospective selection for $7, all three for $15, or all three PLUS his brand new film for free when you become a member!
"Kicking and Screaming" screens TOMORROW, March 4th, at The Plaza at 7pm. See you there!