ATLFF Filmmaker Sam Carter Kills the Mix-and-Match Questionnaire
"Good Grief Suicide Hotline" Director Sam Carter offers opinions on post-production and vodka-distilled potatoes.
Complete this sentence: "If you liked _________ or _________, you'll love my film."
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia or Very Bad Things
Is your film for cat people or dog people? Why?
Cat People, because cats are @$$holes.
What's the most challenging part of making a film for you? Do you enjoy the challenge or is it something to be avoided?
Post Production. I greatly prefer writing or being on the set. But, it is nice to eventually see how the movie comes together in post.
Of the filmmakers working today, whose talent do you want to steal?
Edgar Wright! The man fuses style and substance so effortlessly.
Name three films you consider unappreciated and explain their hidden genius.
I'm a big fan of dark comedy and satire, so...
1) "Death to Smoochy"- Brilliantly cartoonish film that showcases the late great Robin Williams talent for over the top lunacy.
2) "Bamboozled" - I've always loved "Network" and "A Face in the Crowd" and thought that Spike Lee did a great job taking those stories, fusing them together, and making them his own.
3) "The Ladykillers" (Coen Bros. version) - I still quote this movie with my friends. A really fun and twisted caper that you can see that the Coens had a blast making. Never have been able to figure out why it's so widely panned.
What are your three favorite ways to eat potatoes?
Baked, mashed, and distilled into vodka.
Sam's film, "Good Grief Suicide Hotline," plays TONIGHT at The Plaza at 9:30pm! There are still tickets left for this comic feature from a GA-based featured Creative Conference panelist.
ATLFF Filmmaker Russell Sheaffer Waltzes With the Mix-and-Match Questionnaire
"Masculinity/Femininity" Director Russell Sheaffer touches on his catlike film and what "Hammertime" means to him.
Complete this sentence: "If you liked _________ or _________, you'll love my film."
"Portrait of Jason" or Derek Jarman's short, super 8 films
Is your film for cat people or dog people? Why?
I suppose it's for cat people -- it takes its time and wanders toward you while demanding your attention.
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 really love making films that wholeheartedly commit to their own aesthetic and logic. Taking that risk can be definitely a challenge; you have to totally buy into what you are doing and it doesn't always work, but when it does it's glorious.
Of the filmmakers working today, whose talent do you want to steal?
I am endlessly impressed by Barbara Hammer. Her ability to create new visions that brilliantly explore history and bodily representation is something of which I am always in awe.
Name three films you consider unappreciated and explain their hidden genius.
I love films that push on the lines of documentary -- exploring the space between fiction and nonfiction. Shirley Clarke's Portrait of Jason, although it has certainly been canonical in some circles, brilliantly explores the limits of film as a time-based medium. John Greyson's Uncut manages to take on seemingly unrelated subjects and forms to beautifully tell it's story. Len Lye's A Colour Box (although also canonical for some) has been really inspirational for me, too. The film manages to blend color and sound in ways that are so emotional (for me, anyway) and yet totally abstract -- and it's watchable online.
What are your three favorite ways to eat potatoes?
I love roasting root vegetables with some soy sauce and olive oil -- they get so soft and salty. Truffle mashed potatoes can be pretty stellar, too.
Russell's filmstravaganza begins TONGIHT with his short film "Broken Jaw," screening with the "Experiments in Cinema" block at 7 Stages at 7pm! Then get back to The Plaza for "Masculinity/Femininity" TONIGHT, March 23rd at 9:15pm! Get your tickets to this controversial cinematic experiment for your chance to meet Russell himself!
"Experiments in Cinema" tickets:
"Masculinity/Femininity" tickets:
KURT COBAIN: MONTAGE OF HECK added as the last film of ATLFF '15!
Screening as the last programmed film of the 2015 festival, Brett Morgen's authorized "Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck," an HBO documentary film, will play at the Plaza Theatre on Sunday, March 29th at 9:30 PM.
While the 39th annual Atlanta Film Festival already kicked off on Friday, March 20th, film screenings and festivities run through Sunday, March 29th, showcasing an exceptional lineup of features, short films, television programs and more—including a sneak preview of the season 6 premiere of HBO's hit show "Game of Thrones."
Now, ATLFF is excited to announce one last addition to the lineup. Screening as the last programmed film of the 2015 festival, Brett Morgen's authorized "Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck," an HBO documentary film, will play at the Plaza Theatre on Sunday, March 29th at 9:30 PM. The highly-buzzed documentary premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January and will air on HBO in early May.
Tickets will go fast for this!
directed by Brett Morgen
USA, 2015, English, 132 minutes
An authorized documentary on the late musician Kurt Cobain, from his early days in Aberdeen, Washington to his success and downfall with the grunge band Nirvana.
Sunday, March 29, 2015, 9:30 PM — The Plaza Theatre, Main Theatre
ATLFF Filmmaker Kristjan Knigge Breezes Through the Mix-and-Match Questionnaire
"Resting Place" Director Kristjan Knigge expresses his thoughts on his biggest filmmaking challenge, "Cloud Atlas," and potatoes.
Complete this sentence: "If you liked _________ or _________, you'll love my film."
If you liked "Audition" or "The Royal Tannenbaums," you'll like my film.
Is your film for cat people or dog people? Why?
My film is definitely for cat people. Dogs aren't evil (generally).
What's the most challenging part of making a film for you? Do you enjoy the challenge or is it something to be avoided?
For me, the most challenging part of filmmaking is stopping. There comes a time when you have to leave the edit alone, and stop tweaking the comps, and be satisfied with the colour, and just enjoy the music and the soundmix, and just stop. Let it be. I love to fiddle and tweak and play and improve and adjust and correct and.... I have to just stop. Usually that means getting on and making something new... but I have been known to go back to a film years later and play with it some more...
Of the filmmakers working today, whose talent do you want to steal?
Soderbergh. Without a doubt.
Name three films you consider unappreciated and explain their hidden genius.
The Butcher Boy. Harrowing, moving, brilliantly told story. Amazing performance by the young lead. And Sinead O'Connor as Virgin Mary!
Cloud Atlas. Much maligned but I thought it was a triumph. A film of truly epic proportions that had me entranced for every minute of it's almost three hours. Hale Berry in the performance of a lifetime.
Moon. Watch it. Just watch it. Then watch it again. Pure storytelling, one of the best bit of acting you will ever see (Sam Rockwell). If you haven't seen it... just watch it.
What are your three favorite ways to eat potatoes?
Mashed, pureed or creamed.
Kristjan's film, "Resting Place," screens in the Other Worlds block of shorts this Sunday, March 22nd at 4:30pm at The Plaza Theatre! Get your tickets for this magical segment while you can!
ATLFF Filmmaker Jennifer Harlow Answers the Mix-and-Match Questionnaire
"The Sideways Light" Director Jennifer Harlow answers our Mix-and-Match Questionnaire on her way to catch an Atlanta-bound plane!
Complete this sentence: "If you liked _________ or _________, you'll love my film."
If you liked Rosemary's Baby or Persona, you'll like my film. At least those are the comparisons I've gotten.
Is your film for cat people or dog people? Why?
As a dog person, I reluctantly say cat people. It's just doesn't wag it's tail much, this 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?
Lots and lots of verbal communication. I prefer to write or type than talk.It's more precise. Alas, that can't fly on a film set, or in the editing room. It's a good challenge.
Of the filmmakers working today, whose talent do you want to steal?
One of the Duplass brothers. I love those guys, and they are just so darn good, and so darn successful.
Name three films you consider unappreciated and explain their hidden genius.
It seems like a lot of horror/genre films are underrated...Maybe because many are made without regard for quality filmmaking or storytelling, the really beautiful and amazing ones are lumped in with the bad ones? Pan's Labyrinth comes to mind.
What are your three favorite ways to eat potatoes?
I'm a potato purist. No fancy flavorings. Mashed with cream, butter and salt. Plain potato chips. A good french fry, like Pomme Frites in New York.
Jennifer's film, "The Sideways Light," screens TONIGHT, Saturday March 21st at 9:30pm at The Plaza Theatre! There are still tickets available!
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:
James Franco Forced to Reschedule ATLFF Appearance
Due to unexpected changes in his production schedule, Franco won't be able to attend our opening night presentation of "I Am Michael." He is still scheduled to attend the World Premiere of "The Heyday of the Insensitive Bastards" on Wednesday 3/25 at The Rialto.
Due to unexpected changes in his production schedule, Franco won't be able to attend our opening night presentation of "I Am Michael." He is still scheduled to attend the World Premiere of "The Heyday of the Insensitive Bastards" on Wednesday 3/25 at 9:45 PM at The Rialto, where he will walk the red carpet and stay for a Q&A following the film.
Producer Vince Jolivette is still scheduled to attend tonight's screening of "I Am Michael" for a Q&A after the film. Actress Abigail Spencer (TV's "Rectify," "Mad Men," ATLFF '15 Official Selection "Winter Light") will walk the red carpet prior to introducing the film alongside ATLFF Executive Director Christopher Escobar.
We are willing to refund anyone who purchased a ticket to opening night in the hopes of seeing Mr. Franco. However, if you still come out to The Plaza and celebrate the launch of the 2015 Atlanta Film Festival with us by watching "I Am Michael," you will receive a FREE TICKET to see "The Heyday of the Insensitive Bastards" on Wednesday night.
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!