After 3 hours of sleep, we headed to the day's "Meet N' Greet" (lots of "N's" over here), where the Roger Ebert's Far Flung Correspondents, his "Ebert Presents" members, and his Ebert Club members could gather for some warm chit-chat to start the day. We don't get a lot of free time once the day's events start going, and Day 2 was definitely a busy one.
It was a family reunion of sorts. I was so happy to see all the familiar faces from last year, as well as new friends this year. With breakfast nearby, Roger asked every attendee to introduce themselves. I spent time with Randy Masters and Tom Dark, two Tweeps whom I come to disagree with sometimes heatedly over politics. But in person, they are very kind souls. Being with them reminded me, how being faceless on the web can be dehumanizing. I'll never let that get in the way of our friendship again.
It was also great to finally meet the movie minds of Roger's show "Ebert Presents." When I found out that Ignaty Vishnevetsky landed the job a few months ago, I felt immensely happy for him, and I was glad to get the chance to share that with him. Yes he's quite tall, and must get tired of all the height comparisons with his cohost Christy Lemire. But he's quite ethusiastic, fun to speak with, and witty. We need more young critics like him.
As many of us were lining up to meet with "the man," I spent some time with Krishna Shenoi and his family. Most of us following the festival know that he is the youngest of Roger's Far Flung Correspondents. What I didn't know and had found out about a day ago is that his father had recently passed away earlier this year. His mother had told my wife that she was doing this for him; for his happiness. There's absolutely no question that while here, he's in bliss.The love circle was ending, and it was off to one the first panels of the day: "Far Flung Correspondents: International Perspectives in Film Criticism." It was moderated by my dear friend and fellow FFC Omer Mozaffar who made the time despite his crazy/hectic teaching schedule. His expertise wasn't in doubt, he was in his element, and he was knocking his punch lines out of the park. If you're reading this Roger, Omer should be a permanent fixture in Ebertfest.
If you're reading this Omer, I'm not trying to bury you with more tasks. :)
Every member was given time to speak and share, as we discussed the perspectives of our film communites in our home/root countries, and the our interconnectedness in today's internet age. Pablo Villaca spoke for Brazil, Ali Arikan for Turkey, myself for the Philippines and a bit of Malaysia, Krishna for Dubai and India, Gerry for Mexico, Olivia Collette for Montreal and much of Quebec, and Anath White for Southern California. We answered a few questions from the audience, which was rapt in attention (thanks to Omer mostly).
Though we enjoyed the panel, Pablo spoke to me about something gnawed at him, which was what I had felt for some time as well. The audience was packed, but it contained hardly any students (kind of shocking being held on University grounds). The younger generation is becoming more and more uninterested in the serious assessment of film today, and it showed. We both plan to talk more about in the next few days, hopefully toss some ideas that might draw more youth into the festivities for the succeeding years. It's something my host Spencer Turkin has been trying to address, as evidenced by his help in organizing the screening of "American Movie" a few days ago. If you have any ideas/suggestions to help out, please comment below or at Roger's blog, or at the Ebertfest website.
Now it was off for lunch. Once our host Jake picked my wife and I at the entrance, he also told us that Ali, Kevin Lee of Doc Films, and Matt Zoller Seitz would coming along. We were already seated inside, and when the rest of the group came, I realized to late that someone would have to sit in the trunk just as I did the day before. Before I could volunteer, Matt hopped in the caboose. Being a fellow trunkster, I introduced myself and chatted away with him. He was more than game and quite gracious as we talked about the comparisons between writing film critique in the US and in South East Asia. Not quite the scenario I imagined when talking with one of the best critics out there, but it was kind of splendid.
We gathered in our usual spots at the Virginia theater (which is neat since you don't have to worry about your seat taken), and soon enough Iggy was introducing the audience to "Umberto D," one of the essantial Italian Neo-realist films. He could barely contain his enthusiasm in trying to prepare the audience. I had seen the film previously so I admit to dozing off several times due to lack of sleep. But don't let that deter you from seeing. Contemporary audiences may find it slow, but it's a film that completely requires empathy. It has an exactness and deliberate style that sometimes gets missed due to its straightforward documentary-like approach in telling its story. But look closely and you'll see a film that was crafted with great craft and precision. And hell, it has a dog that no one can resist.
The film's Q&A had an inspired panel member selection. It featured Paul Fierlinger, the famed animated filmmaker behind "My Dog Tulip," another great movie involving a dog. The panel was highlighted by a debate (mainly between Ali and Paul) whether the film's setting was during World War 2 or its postwar period (regardless whether it was made in the 1950s). Ali made the final convincing arguments in the end, which would result in inside jokes extending to later screenings that night, and I suspect long into today's as well.
The next screening was the film I just mentioned: "My Dog Tulip" an animated memoir inspired by the book of the same name written by J. R. Ackerly. Directed by husband and wife animated team of Paul and Sandra Fierlinger, it depicts a colorful, thoughtful and surprisingly poignant document on a man's relationship with his dog. If any, it might be THE dog lover movie. With its rough sketches and pastels, it feels like a loving sketchbook exploding into life. I wouldn't mind calling it the best animated film of last year.
If we were grading which Q&A panel was the best at this year's festival, this one with Paul and Sandra was clearly the best, as he gave his thoughts about his films, recalled his hilarious first meetings with Christopher Plumber (who narrates the film from start to finish), or from his experiences with his own dogs throughout his life. Some people might think it was too much information. Sure, but they were great stories.
Off to dinner right before the last screening, and it was here that I got to know Russell, Olivia's "husband unit," a lot better. He's a fun chap in every sense of the word. He's British without any of the pretense, and like Olivia, he's kind of a joy to talk to. I also became closer with Pablo, especially when I discovered our common passion for the work of Satoshi Kon. He is remarkably intelligent and passionate when it comes to films, and knows how to make you laugh quite well. This was a great moment with new friends.
Back to the Virginia we went. And just when I thought we wouldn't be surprised anymore, we were. Chaz told us that all of the Far Flung Correspondents, as well as the staff of "Ebert Presents" would be introduced upon our return, and introduce us she did. It was nice seeing the newbies experience for the first time. It's funny how that stage has become a "familiar place" though it's probably the only stage I'll know about for some time.
The last screening of the night, which was "Tiny Furniture," a much talked about indie film ever since its screening at the South By Southwest Film Festival. For all of the positive buzz it seems to be receiving, I couldn't help but dislike it intensely. Oh I did recognize its merits: its rich and genuine characters, it authentic feel with its New Yorker milieu, its newly college graduate sensibilities and filmmaking style which is precise and well framed.
But it was boring. Deadly boring. It's characters are aimless, which is rightly so because the film is exactly about the aimless state many young people feel at a certain point in there lives. As one coming from my background in South East Asia, the entire exercise feels like a pointless churning out of trivial "White People Problems." It is a very American, very indie, and on that level it can be admired. It feels entirely authentic and is carefully constructed, especially in its final scene. But for me, it's characters and methods are too effective in making me feel how repulsive such shallowness is, regardless of its truth. I suspect that for many non-Americans it will be viewed as trite.
The screenings were at last over, but the night was not. Olivia made the fantastic suggestion of going out to a karaoke bar, as she and Russell spotted one the day before. Word soon spread, and soon enough, almost every Ebertfest guest was at Bentley's.
Everyone had their humiliating and humorous moments. Robbie Pickering, the director of "Natural Selection" can rap like there is no tomorrow. Spencer and his friends kept the vibe bouncing through each performances. Ali's went "Footloose." And even Chaz got into the act with "Rapper's Delight." More unforgettable moments. I pray there'll be more to come.
Your reaction on "Tiny Furniture" reminds me of mine on "The New Age"(1994), which was shown to us in last year. I admired its several aspects, but I could not be involved in the movie, probably due to the reason similar to yours. I have not watched the movie yet, so I cannot say about the movie, but thanks for your opinion.
By the way, I watched Far Flung Correspondents panel at last night. The audio condition was worse than last year, but it was very nice to see our friends and others having good time.
Wonderful...what a wonderful day. I'm glad you're meeting more people and making more friends. Ebertfest is so heartwarming when you think about how much film fans it brings together.
I watched the panel discussion live and think you guys were splendid. Great job as usual. You were both insightful and entertaining. Now update this page with the your karaoke performance caught on tape :P
I thought Rachael did a great job with "Whatta Man," as well, but I'm surprised you didn't mention the song you sang. ;-)