Better Than Something: Jay Reatard
(Southwest Premiere) Dir. Alex Hammond & Ian Markiewicz
Hamm Productions
USA/2011/89 min. www.betterthansomething.com
Tirelessly devoting his entire life to music, Jimmy Lee Lindsey Jr, better known as Jay Reatard, has become a garage rock icon, having created a massive discography spread out over dozens of singles, EPs, and full-length albums. A relentless live performer, Jay toured the world with dozens of bands including The Pixies, Spoon, Beck and many more. A devoted – and oftentimes notorious - fixture in his hometown of Memphis, Jay celebrated and continued the city's long-standing history of American music. In BETTER THAN SOMETHING, filmmakers Alex Hammond and Ian Markiewicz present an intimate portrait, captured just months before Jay's untimely passing, which brings us incredibly close to Jay and his complicated punk-rock world.
Bloodied But Unbowed
(Special Presentation) Dir. Susanne Tabata
Tabata Productions, Inc.
CANADA/2011/75 min. www.thepunkmovie.com
BLOODIED BUT UNBOWED is the first in-depth chronicle of Vancouver's original and groundbreaking punk scene. Told by key participants who helped create this unique musical era, the documentary captures the raw essence of the kids who lived through it (and some who didn't) and the rise and fall of an epic era. Performances by D.O.A., The Subhumans, Pointed Sticks, The Modernettes, Young Canadians and more, as well as interviews with Henry Rollins, Joe Keithley, Ron Reyes, Randy Rampage, Zippy Pinhead and other icons of punk, offer a rare glimpse at a music scene that inspired decades of rock and hard living. Not to be missed.
Kumaré
(Arizona Premiere) Dir. Vikram Gandhi
Future Bliss Films, LLC
USA/2011/83 min. kumaremovie.com
Into a society of people searching for something real to cling to, filmmaker Vikram Gandhi spawned KUMARÉ. Portraying an enlightened guru from the East, Gandhi (as Kumaré) builds a following of loyal disciples in the West. As the social experiment continues, he begins to forge profound, and real, spiritual connections with people from all walks of life. At the same time, in the absurdity of living as an entirely different person, Gandhi is forced to confront difficult questions about his own identity. A fascinating and insightful look at belief and spirituality, Kumaré's ultimate teaching of finding your true self, becomes a revelation for both the filmmaker and his unwitting followers.
OPENING NIGHT
Better Than Something: Jay Reatard
(Southwest Premiere) Dir. Alex Hammond & Ian Markiewicz
Hamm Productions
USA/2011/89 min. www.betterthansomething.com
Tirelessly devoting his entire life to music, Jimmy Lee Lindsey Jr, better known as Jay Reatard, has become a garage rock icon, having created a massive discography spread out over dozens of singles, EPs, and full-length albums. A relentless live performer, Jay toured the world with dozens of bands including The Pixies, Spoon, Beck and many more. A devoted – and oftentimes notorious - fixture in his hometown of Memphis, Jay celebrated and continued the city's long-standing history of American music. In BETTER THAN SOMETHING, filmmakers Alex Hammond and Ian Markiewicz present an intimate portrait, captured just months before Jay's untimely passing, which brings us incredibly close to Jay and his complicated punk-rock world.
Friday, Oct. 7th - 7:30pm
Rialto Theatre
CLOSING NIGHT
Kumaré
(Arizona Premiere) Dir. Vikram Gandhi
Future Bliss Films, LLC
USA/2011/83 min. kumaremovie.com
Into a society of people searching for something real to cling to, filmmaker Vikram Gandhi spawned KUMARÉ. Portraying an enlightened guru from the East, Gandhi (as Kumaré) builds a following of loyal disciples in the West. As the social experiment continues, he begins to forge profound, and real, spiritual connections with people from all walks of life. At the same time, in the absurdity of living as an entirely different person, Gandhi is forced to confront difficult questions about his own identity. A fascinating and insightful look at belief and spirituality, Kumaré's ultimate teaching of finding your true self, becomes a revelation for both the filmmaker and his unwitting followers.
Sunday, Oct. 9th - 7:30pm
Century 20: El Con
CENTERPIECE FILM
Bloodied But Unbowed
(Special Presentation) Dir. Susanne Tabata
Tabata Productions, Inc.
CANADA/2011/75 min. www.thepunkmovie.com
BLOODIED BUT UNBOWED is the first in-depth chronicle of Vancouver's original and groundbreaking punk scene. Told by key participants who helped create this unique musical era, the documentary captures the raw essence of the kids who lived through it (and some who didn't) and the rise and fall of an epic era. Performances by D.O.A., The Subhumans, Pointed Sticks, The Modernettes, Young Canadians and more, as well as interviews with Henry Rollins, Joe Keithley, Ron Reyes, Randy Rampage, Zippy Pinhead and other icons of punk, offer a rare glimpse at a music scene that inspired decades of rock and hard living. Not to be missed.
Saturday, Oct. 8th - 7:30pm
Century 20: El Con
DOCUMENTARY FEATURES:
Barbershop Punk
(Southwest Premiere) Director/Writer. Georgia Archer
Co-Dir. Kristin Armfield
This End Up Films
USA/2011/77 min. www.barbershoppunk.com
With the simple act of swapping music files, one humble man finds himself at ground zero of a landmark case whose outcome will affect the rights of every American citizen. BARBERSHOP PUNK examines the critical issues surrounding the future of the Internet and what it takes to challenge the status quo.
When Robb Topolski - music fan, barbershop quartet baritone and computer network engineer – discovered his Internet connection slowing down, he ran some tests and made a surprising discovery -- his internet service provider was monitoring the web use of its customers and using software to slow connections for certain activities and certain websites. Topolski took his ISP to court and has become a passionate spokesman for Net Neutrality. This fascinating documentary explores how a small number of powerful corporations have the power to control the Web, and what ordinary people can do to promote the free exchange of information in cyberspace.
Featuring interviews with Ian MacKaye, Janeane Garofalo, Damian Kulash of OK Go, Henry Rollins and many more.
Thursday, Oct. 6th - 7:30pm
Loft Cinema
Blood, Sweat + Vinyl: DIY in the 21st Century
(Southwest Premiere) Dir. Kenneth Thomas
The Scourge Productions
USA/2011/90 min. www.bloodsweatvinyl.com
BLOOD, SWEAT + VINYL: DIY IN THE 21ST CENTURY tracks the progress of three unique and artist-driven record labels: Hydrahead Records, Neurot Recordings and Constellation. These labels support and foster the music of hard-to-define rock bands that have enraptured fans worldwide, yet remain under the radar of popular airplay. The documentary explores what it means to be successful in a society where so much art has become commodified. Can a band find an audience and gain a large loyal following without sacrificing artistic integrity? The documentary features Neurosis, Isis, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Oxbow, Evangelista, and others
Saturday, Oct. 8th - 9:30pm
Century 20: El Con
Color Me Obsessed: A Film About The Replacements
(Regional Premiere) Dir. Gorman Bechard
What Were We Thinking Films
USA/2011/123 min. www.WWWTfilms.com
Their fans are unwaveringly faithful. As critic's darlings, their albums were wrought with angry guitars and passionate lyrics that hinted at potential commercial success. To many, they are the greatest rock band of all time. Yet, somehow, The Replacements managed to continually shoot themselves in the foot.
COLOR ME OBSESSED is the first documentary on the influential '80s indie-rock band told through the eyes of fans, critics, and contemporaries including Colin Meloy of The Decemberists, Tommy Ramone, Grant Hart and Greg Norton of Husker Du, Goo Goo Dolls, and journalists Robert Christgau, Ira Robbins, Greg Kot, and Jim DeRogatis.
Saturday, Oct. 8th - 12:30pm
Century 20: El Con
Made a Machine by Describing the Landscape
(World Premiere) Dir. Solan Jensen & Joshua Marie Wilkinson
Basement Light Pictures
USA/2011/68 min. www.basementlightpictures.com
Follow along with the critically acclaimed Chicago-based band Califone as they travel on a 35-city tour from Bologna to Belgium, Seattle to Chicago. MADE A MACHINE BY DESCRIBING THE LANDSCAPE provides an insider's look at this experimental rock band through insightful interviews and live performances.
Sunday, Oct. 9th - 9:30pm
Century 20: El Con
Mark Kozelek: On Tour
(Southwest Premiere) Prod. Mark Kozelek
Caldo Verde Records
USA/2011/116 min www.markkozelek.com
For 19 years, critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Mark Kozelek has toured solo and as a front man of both Red House Painters and Sun Kil Moon. Shot in black and white, this dynamic concert film captures the fast paced travel of a singer on a solo-acoustic journey, giving viewers and inspirational look at its high points and also a stark view of its mundane realities. This is a rare glimpse into Mark's life on the road.
Monday, Oct. 10th - 7:30pm
The Hut
Songs of the Colorado
(World Premiere) Dir. Daniel Golding
Hokan Media Productions
USA/2011/52 min. www.hokanmedia.com
The Native American tribes along the Colorado River have called the lands of the Southwest home since the time of creation. Over thousands of years, these Yuman tribes have developed a complex set of spiritual beliefs that are retold in songs, creating a unique form of oral tradition that is different from other Native American tribes in North America.
But today, the language is being forgotten, creating a crisis of seemingly insurmountable proportion. SONGS OF THE COLORADO takes you to the place on the lower Colorado River to share the songs of the tribes, the people who sing them, and the struggle to keep this tradition alive today.
Sunday, Oct. 9th - 3:30pm
Century 20: El Con
The Anatomy Of Vince Guaraldi
(Southwest Premiere) Dir. Andrew Thomas
Thomas & Friends Productions| Jazz Casual Productions
USA/2010/118 min. www.anatomyofvinceguaraldi.com
THE ANATOMY OF VINCE GUARALDI is a musical journey through the brief life and times of the celebrated composer who pioneered the crossover of jazz and pop music -- from his scores for the Peanuts animations, to his mega-hit "Cast Your Fate To The Wind", his nights in San Francisco's North Beach at the hungry i, and his ground breaking Jazz Mass at Grace Cathedral. Including recently discovered and restored footage of Guaraldi's appearances and recording sessions (captured by noted jazz writer and Rolling Stone co-founder Ralph J. Gleason), the film features new performances and insights from Dave Brubeck, Dick Gregory, George Winston, Jon Hendricks, Paul Krassner, Paul Mazursky and many more.
TOTAL BADASS takes you on an outrageous and hilariously seedy adventure into the Austin underground music and arts scene via local maniac Chad Holt; a wild man-about-town, social deviant, musical/stunt performer, notorious sex fiend, Guinea pig enthusiast, writer-publisher, father, weed dealing felon, hip-hop impresario and trashcan jumper. Exploiting life as his unwitting canvas, Chad's take-no-prisoners artistry assaults funny bones, political correctness and common decency as he strives to leave a creative scar on the planet. Strap in for the riotous ride and follow this icon of the Austin counterculture as he blazes through his final year of felony probation, living his own brand of civil disobedience while manning the helm of a life-altering family crisis. Texas filmmaker Bob Ray catapults the Austin subculture onto the big screen, reveling in its inspiring, unique and deliriously offbeat glory.
Monday, Oct. 10th - 9:30pm
The Hut
NARRATIVE FEATURES:
Pleasant People
(Southwest Premiere) Dir. David Bonawits
East Main Video
USA/2011/70 min. www.pleasantpeoplemovie.com
This quirky narrative feature from first-time filmmaker David Bonawits follows Jiyoung, a frustrated singer-songwriter who finds herself at odds with friends and coworkers over the most minor of issues. Although she struggles to connect with people, she is happiest when playing and recording music, but even this gives her angst. Ultimately, it all leads to a confrontation which only the PLEASANT PEOPLE will survive.
Saturday, Oct. 8th - 5:30pm
Century 20: El Con
Take Me Home
(Arizona Premiere) Dir. Sam Jaeger
Take Me Home Productions
USA/2010/97 min. www.takemehomemovie.com
With her life falling apart, a woman convinces a down-and-out New York City cabbie to take her to see her estranged father… in California. This romantic road-trip comedy was written, directed by and stars Sam Jaeger (NBC's Parenthood) along with Amber Jaeger, Victor Garber, Bree Turner and Lin Shaye.
Sunday, Oct. 9th - 5:30pm
Century 20: El Con
DOCUMENTARY SHORTS:
Guru
(Southwest Premiere) Dir. Jonathan VanBallenberghe
Open Lens Productions
USA/2011/24 min. www.gurudocumentary.com
Peter Scott is a charismatic motivational speaker and life-skills guru. On stage in front of hundreds of people, he has boundless energy. In his private life, he struggles with chronic depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. These two sides of Peter and the ways they collide form the subject of this unique documentary short.
Sunday, Oct. 9th - 3:30pm
Century 20: El Con
My Caddy Won't Let Me
(Southwest Premiere) Dir. David Urbanic
Hyde Park Records
USA/2011/34 min. www.daveurbanic.com
Noah Engh is a 23-year-old musician who books, promotes, performs, and travels to shows almost 365 days a year. MY CADDY WON'T LET ME showcases Engh – a literal one-man-band, who is chasing his dream of rock stardom across the country.
Sunday, Oct. 9th - 9:30pm
Century 20: El Con
SHORT FILMS:
After-School Special
(Southwest Premiere) Dir. Jacob Chase
Andrew Carlberg| Jon Huertas and Neil LaBute
USA/2010/9 min. www.afterschoolspecialfilm.com
A man and a woman have an awkward encounter at an indoor playground in this Neil LaBute penned slice-of-life starring Sarah Paulson and Wes Bentley.
Saturday, Oct. 8th - 3:00pm
Century 20: El Con
Fatakra
(Arizona Premiere) Dir. Soham Mehta
Natkhat Films
USA/2011/19 min. www.sohammehta.com
Sparks fly as a family reunites. Naveen left India to chase his dreams in America. Today, three years and a recession later, his wife and son join him.
Saturday, Oct. 8th - 3:00pm
Century 20: El Con
Morning Boy
(Tucson Premiere) Dir. Joshua Steven Gonzales
Minus Mitchell Films
USA/2011/5 min. www.minusmitchell.com
An awakening.
Saturday, Oct. 8th - 3:00pm
Century 20: El Con
Sati
(Southwest Premiere) Dir. Heather de Michele
Off-Chance Productions
USA/2011/8 min. www.satithefilm.com
On the verge of being sacrificed on her husband's funeral pyre, Dhumavati makes the bold and dangerous choice to flee her fate, in turn, discovering her self-worth.
Saturday, Oct. 8th - 3:00pm
Century 20: El Con
Slant
(Regional Premiere) Dir. Stephen Soucy
Modernist Film/Upstairs Film
USA/2011/14 min. www.modernistfilm.com
A gay man in his early 50s is looking for a romance long after the loss of his partner to AIDS. He sets his sights on a much younger prospect, but ultimately finds a more meaningful connection with an acquaintance who shares a similar history.
Saturday, Oct. 8th - 3:00pm
Century 20: El Con
Surprise
(Southwest Premiere) Dir. Chad Hartigan
600 West Productions, Inc.
USA/2010/9 min. www.chadhartigan.com
Don and Dixie confront their relationship issues at the beach.
Saturday, Oct. 8th - 3:00pm
Century 20: El Con
Ti-Minou Gros-Minet
(US Premiere) Dir. Mathieu Cyr
La Guérilla
CANADA/2010/10 min. www.laguerilla.com
Ti-Minou is a woman who has trouble expressing her true emotions. Gros-Minet is a man confused by love who is trying to understand without listening. Together, they are lost in a vague wordless relationship. Tonight they reach a breaking point.
Saturday, Oct. 8th - 3:00pm
Century 20: El Con
MUSIC VIDEO-RAMA:
"Backyard" by Copacabana Club
(North American Premiere) Dir. Thales Quadros
Banzai Studio
BRAZIL/2011/7 min. www.banzaistudio.com.br
A girl must travel through her unconscious to get the strength to overcome a loss.
Sunday, Oct. 9th - 2:00pm
Century 20: El Con
"Billy Shannon" ft. Jonny Mahaffey
(Arizona Premiere) Prod/Dir. Elizabeth "BJ" Allen
iDEAlab, Western New Mexico University
USA/2011/3 min www.jellyfishmandala.com
Love, betrayal, revenge, and death are on tap as a woman must face the inevitable consequences of her actions.
Sunday, Oct. 9th - 2:00pm
Century 20: El Con
"Black Keys" by Brianna Carpenter
(North American Premiere) Dir. Øyvind Welle
AUSTRALIA/2010/4 min. www.briannacarpenter.com
When Brianna and a boy simultaneously play the same key while practicing on different pianos, she is transported to a magical room, with three doors as the only way out. Brianna needs to find the right key, and with the help of the boy, she can get back to reality.
Sunday, Oct. 9th - 2:00pm
Century 20: El Con
Boy In A Dress
(Southwest Premiere) Dir. Dean Hamer & Joe Wilson
Qwaves
USA/2011/4 min. www.namolibrennet.com
For transcendent singer-songwriter Namoli Brennet, changing gender was just the first step in finding her voice. A musical short doc about a remarkable Tucson musician.
One director attempts to make a statement. In a dress.
Sunday, Oct. 9th - 2:00pm
Century 20: El Con
Escape Of The Gingerbread Man!!!
(Arizona Premiere) Dir. Tod Polson
The Monk Studio / The Animation Workshop
DENMARK / THAILAND/2011/12 min. www.themonkstudio.com
A young storyteller challenges the old master in a pub on the Irish west coast. When things take an unexpected turn. Brought to life by veteran Irish comedian Jon Kenny, with original music by traditional Irish band 'Rattle the boards'. 'Escape of the Gingerbread Man' is a mad romp through the Irish countryside, and a subtle commentary on the changes in traditions, and culture that is happening through the Emerald Isle.
Sunday, Oct. 9th - 2:00pm
Century 20: El Con
"Free the Toronto Nine" by Sylvan Street
(US Premiere) Dir. John Sears
John Sears Media
USA/2011/6 min. www.sylvanstreetjazz.com
Tucson's own Sylvan Street are featured in this stylized, rhythmically oriented performance video.
Sunday, Oct. 9th - 2:00pm
Century 20: El Con
"Goliath" by Vansen Tiger
(Southwest Premiere) Dir. Jaime Fidalgo
Mailuki Films
MEXICO/2010/6 min. www.mailukifilms.blogspot.com
When singer Leika Mochan starts preparing a soup, the kitchen comes alive, setting the stage for adventure and romance between a carrot and her suitors, a pair of cucumbers.
Sunday, Oct. 9th - 2:00pm
Century 20: El Con
"Just Another Thing" by The Grayces
(Southwest Premiere) Dir. Jon Reno
Bring Chase Productions
USA/2011/3 min. www.bringchase.com www.thegrayces.com
The all-original rock band, The Grayces, traverse through various realities while jamming out to their single 'Just Another Thing'.
Sunday, Oct. 9th - 2:00pm
Century 20: El Con
"Red Lake Shore" by Southeast Engine
(Southwest Premiere) Dir. Thomas Britt
USA/2011/5 min. southeastengine.com
'Red Lake Shore' tells two parallel stories: One in which a group of men seeks the truth that eludes them, and another in which a family experiences birth, death and reunion. Both stories converge at the red lake shore.
Sunday, Oct. 9th - 2:00pm
Century 20: El Con
Rumbleseat
(Southwest Premiere) Dir. Mike Roberts
Bravo!FACT
CANADA/2011/6 min. www.rumbleseatfilm.com
A man wakes to find himself riding in the back of a demonic hot-rod driven by a group of mysterious ghouls who force him to examine the events that led him to this strange and unfamiliar world. Featuring music from The Sadies.
Sunday, Oct. 9th - 2:00pm
Century 20: El Con
"Shine From The Valley" by Mitzi Cowell
(World Premiere)
Dir. Beverly Seckinger
University of Arizona| School of Theatre, Film & Television
USA/2011/5 min. www.mitzicowell.com
Tucson musician Mitzi Cowell enlisted a who's who of local musicians (including lead singer Sabra Faulk) to record her song in response to the tragic Tucson shootings of January 8th 2011 involving Gabriella Giffords. A crew of University of Arizona Media Arts students shot principal photography in May, featuring the band along with dozens of community members.
