Are you a movie buff? Interested in unique films not typically seen at mall theaters? Or intrigued by seeing Hollywood stars? Opportunities await during the 2016 San Diego International Film Festival Sept. 28 to Oct. 2. More than 100 films, U.S. and international, will be shown in two separate locations: La Jolla ArcLight and the downtown San Diego Gaslamp district.
Over five days, the San Diego International Film Festival presents the best in independent filmmaking, offering amazing indies, documentaries, and first looks at studio films vying for the Academy Awards, as well as panel discussions with filmmakers. For me, a major benefit of viewing the films is that actors, directors, writers, and producers may be available for Q and A at the end of a showing. The guests speak of the film’s journey and answer questions about the industry.
On Thursday, Sept 29, the Film Festival holds the “Night with the Stars Tribute” held at the La Jolla Museum of Contemporary Art, which will offer star gazing, a red carpet and parties. The Gregory Peck Award for Excellence in Cinema will be presented to four-time Academy Award® nominee, two-time Golden Globe-winner, and two-time recipient of the Screen Actors Guild Award Annette Bening. If you attend, be on the lookout for her spouse, Warren Beatty, and her actor friends. Other honored stars include Kate Beckinsale, Simon Helburg (of “Big Bang Theory” fame), and Jason Mitchell, acclaimed for his role in “Straight Outta Compton,” who will receive a Rising Star Award.
Pedro Almodovar’s “Julieta” has its California premiere at the festival. Spain has selected this drama for Oscar’s Best Foreign Language film. Another featured film, with Rachel Weisz, is “Denial” in its U.S. premiere, a drama regarding the historical British legal battle to prove that the Holocaust did exist. Also highlighted is the comedy/drama “No Pay, Nudity,” with Gabriel Byrne and Nathan Lane, about an aging actor who has lost his way with career, family, and friends.
Themed combinations of short films can be entertaining, with topics such as “When Worlds Collide,” “Illusion,” and “Twisted Humor.”
Go online to view the festival program and the information on individual tickets, festival passes, and entry to special events and parties. http://www.sdfilmfest.com/passes/
The envelope please …
The 2016 San Diego International Film Festival closed last Sunday after a highly satisfying run. Each year the festival improves the quality of films shown to a growing audience. The following competition and audience choice award winners awards were presented on Saturday, Oct. 1.
- Breakthrough Documentary “In Utero”: life in the womb and its impact on human development and the state of the world.
- Best Narrative Feature “So B. It”: a tale of longing, family lies, heartbreak and courage, with a touch of magical whimsy.
- Chairman’s Award “Citizen Soldier”: the true story of a group of young soldiers and their tour of duty in Afghanistan.
- Breakthrough Feature “Po”: challenges of a father and his young special needs child.
- Best International Film “Julieta”: a film by acclaimed Spanish director and writer Pedro Almódovar
- Best Documentary “Political Animals”: story of the gay rights movement through the eyes of four elected women.
- Kumeyaay Eagle Award “Te Ata”: based on the true story of one of the greatest Native American performers of all time.
- Best Military Film “Railway Spine”: the effects of PTSD on a Vietnam veteran.
- Best Comedy “The Late Bloomer”: a young man’s reaction to suddenly reaching puberty after a delay of 15 years.
- Best Narrative Short “ Bon Voyage”
For me, it was a great pleasure to see several powerful and well-crafted movies one after another (seven films in total from Friday through Sunday.)
Here are some of the ones I viewed: “Lion,” the story of a little boy who loses his family in India, shows Dev Patel at the top of his form; “Dead Draw,” a crime thriller thatshould catapult director Xavier Manrique into widespread attention; “American Fable,” a move that could see Oscar recognition with its female director, writer, producers and amazing young actress; “The Sweet Life,” an unconventional dramedy of two people traveling cross-country to jump off the Golden Gate Bridge; and “Opening Night,” a potential cult classic in the making with onstage and backstage numbers sung and danced by noted Broadway stars.
2016 Jury Award Winners:
Best Narrative Feature: So B. It
Best International Film: Julieta
Best Documentary: Political Animals
Best Narrative Short: Bon Voyage
Best Comedy: The Late Bloomer
Kumeyaay Eagle Award: Te Ata
Best Military Film: Railway Spine
Break Through Documentary: In Utero
Break Through Feature: Po
Non-Competition Award Winner:
Chairman’s Award: Citizen Solider
2016 Audience Award Winners:
Best Gala Film: Lion
Best International Film: The Cliff
Best Narrative Short: Mine
Best Narrative Feature: Dead Draw
Best Documentary: Seed: The Untold Story
In addition, the Night of the Stars Tribute award winners included Annette Bening (Gregory Peck Award), Kate Beckinsale (Cinema Vanguard Award), Simon Helberg (Auteur Award), Jason Mitchell (Rising Star Award) and Anne Hamilton (Chris Brinker Award).
