Instead of using a film festival as a way to see films a few weeks before their wide releases use the opportunity to check out films that might not get regular showings on a big screen. Here are what we deem to be some of the can't miss movies of the festival.
Aaaaaaaah!
We recently gave this film Editor's Choice, Steve Oram's depiction of humans who act like apes is a completely unique experience and will make you excited about the potential of film again. If you see one film during the festival, we highly recommend you choose this one.
Friday, November 6, 11:30 pm; Wednesday, November 11, 9:00 pm; Sie FilmCenter.
Theory of Obscurity: A Film About the Residents
For fans, this documentary gives us great access with recent concert footage and Cryptic Corporation members being interviewed. And for newcomers you really need to expose yourself to your friendly neighborhood experimental group.
Thursday, November 12, 4:00 pm; Sie FilmCenter. Saturday, November 14, 9:00 pm; Sunday, November 15, 6:30 pm; UA Pavilions.
The World of Kanako
Granted this is going to be released by Drafthouse Films in the next month, Tetsuya Nakashima's follow up to his previous Oscar shortlisted revenge film Confessions is described by our Jason Suzuki as, "a world that is beautiful in its absence of hope." Doesn't that make you want to see it sooner than later?
Friday, November 6, 6:45 pm; Saturday, November 7, 8:30pm; Tuesday, November 10, 9:00 pm; UA Pavilions.
India's Daughter
Part of BBC's Storyville program this documentary has been censored in India, its television broadcast cancelled and those in India unable to access it on YouTube. The film takes the story of the gang rape/murder of a 23 year old girl and from there examines the society the crime took place in. The interview segments with one of the convicted rapists recall the uncomfortable access seen in some of Herzog's documentaries.
Sunday, November 8, 11:30 am @ Sie FilmCenter; Monday, November 9, 4:30 pm; Tuesday, November 10, 7:00 pm; UA Pavilions.
Cemetery of Splendor
The latest film from Apichatpong Weerasethakul. His films are required viewing for the big screen in order to let the flow of his imagery and pacing wash over you. For the best experience of this Thai's master's latest work, try and get out to see it.
Tuesday, November 10, 6:15 pm; Wednesday, November 11, 3:45 pm; Thursday, November 12, 3:45 pm; UA Pavilions.
Decay
In the tradition of films like Nekromantik and Roman this locally filmed story of a reclusive man who finds a the body of a dead girl in his basement and decides to keep it.
Saturday, November 7, 9:15pm; Monday, November 9, 9:00 pm; Sie FilmCenter.
Emelie
If you enjoyed the strong female performances in genre films seen last year with pictures like The Babadook and Starry Eyes, then Sarah Bolger's turn as a sinister babysitter should be on your radar. Our review describes it as "Funny Games meets Adventures in Babysitting with a dash of Home Alone."
Thursday, November 12, 9:30 pm; Friday, November 13, 11:30 pm; Sie FilmCenter.
Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation + Raiders! The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made
This looks to be a great double feature about the three friends who remade Raiders of the Lost Ark over the course of the time between when they were kids to finally finishing it in their 40s. See the story about the film and then see the film itself.
Friday, November 6, 6:30 pm & 9:00 pm; Sunday, November 8, 11:15 am & 1:45 pm; Sie FilmCenter.
Lucifer
Filmed in what's been called Tondoscope, in which the film plays out in an iris, this allegory follows fallen angel Lucifer and his effect on a small rural village when he comes and goes.
Friday, November 6, 3:45 pm; Sunday, November 8, 1:00 pm; Monday, November 9, 6:15 pm; UV Pavilions.