November 24, 2008
Day 11/SLIFF WRAP UP
It was good to see the release of Chinese Democracy did not hinder the masses from coming to the fest yesterday. After all good cinema should trump a new Guns N' Roses album any day of the week.
The theaters were packed with people all day yesterday. It was awesome to see so many interested people showing up.
I saw two films yesterday. The first was the Garrison Keillor documentary. If you missed it fear not, it'll be on PBS next year. The film really did a lot to show the public and private Keillor and how he comes up with his creative radio program every week. The stage manager of his show lives in STL and was on hand for a fun Q&A.
Next up was the Power of the Game by Michael Apted. It was a great doc about soccer and how it is driving sport that unites cultures. Apted took several facets of this and brought them together.
South Africa has been given the World Cup in 2010. Apted goes into detail about their struggle to get the games and change perceptions of their country.
The sports fight against racism was featured as well.
Most interesting though was how in Iran women are not allowed to watch the games in the stadium. With this in mind he profiled a female journalist who has managed to beat back the system and cover men's soccer. Her story was incredible.
Apted was on hand for a Q&A afterwards.
The Wrestler sold out its 6:30 screening and dazzled audiences.
The after party at The Duck Room was a blast. People mingled and actually interacted with each other. It was a really loose and jovial room.
So the 2008 St. Louis International Film Festival is now over. In general it was a smash with more sellouts, more crowds and more new people attending shows. There was a lot of enthusiasm around the programming as well.
My favorite film was Slumdog Millionaire. It is amazing.
I also liked O Horten and The Trap as well. For docs I liked The Wrecking Crew and The Power of the Game.
2008 SLIFF AWARDS
Audience Choice Awards
Best Feature: "Streetballers" directed by Matt Krentz
Best International Feature: "Slumdog Millionaire" directed by Danny Boyle
Best Documentary: "Dear Zachary" directed by Kurt Kuenne
Interfaith Awards
Best Feature: "Days and Clouds" directed by Silvio Soldini
Best Documentary: "Pray the Devil Back to Hell" directed by Gina Reticker
New Filmmakers Forum Emerging Director Award
"Yeast" directed by Mary Bronstein
Indieflix indiefest winners
Best Short: "The Tangent" directed by Vincent Vesco
Best Feature: "Reversion" directed by Mia Trachinger
Short Subject Awards
*They are still voting on the Best International Award (It's like the Minnesota Senate race!)
Best of Fest: "New Boy" directed by Steph Green (Ireland)
Best Live Action: "Next Floor" directed by Denis Villeneuve (Canada)
Best Animated: "Lavatory Lovestory" directed by Konstantin Bronzit (Russia)
Best Short Short: "Codswallop" directed by The Brothers McLeod (UK)
Best Local: "The Ville" directed by Amy Bench
Best Documentary Short: "The Witness" directed by Adam Pertofsky
Thankfully the CSL staff gets a respite now. They get to rest knowing they kicked ass and took names in making this year the best Festival ever.
-Rob Levy