Review: Festivus Film Festival 2010
I attended my first film festival this weekend–the third annual Festivus film festival based here in Denver. I really had no idea what to expect; overall I enjoyed it, but it was, well, different than going to a commercial movie theater. I should also mention, I only attended one night of several, so my observations were somewhat limited.
After everyone was seated, one of the promoters stood on stage and did brief introductions of the directors of the movies to be shown. He also talked briefly about the festival. After that, the lights were dimmed and the short film showings began.
Dee The Dinosaur By. Brian Bonz | Tim Duff 2009
A music video with excellent cinematography, nice sound, and interesting story to go along with the lyrics. Kids act out adult roles of domestic married life while adults are found playing in the playground. Well done and interesting to watch!
Little Old Ladies | john varvir 2009
I really enjoyed this cartoon type film about a detective on an intriguing case. The artwork was all black and white with red color accents with only one exception near the end when a blonde is shown with yellow coloring to her hair. The film pulls from the stereotypical archetype detective and long legged female client taking advantage of him. The dialogue had witty and creative jokes and punch lines. It was well done and something I would watch again or show friends.
A Piece Of My Heart | Stephen McKendree 2008
This film just didn’t seem to deliver or make sense to me. A cashier is robbed by a group of thugs and one sexy girl in a red dress. She kisses the cashier and then shoots him in the heart. The remainder of the story is of the guy in the hospital drifting in and out of consciousness as he dreams about the girl who shot him. The cinematography was nice, acting was acceptable, but the story itself lacking.
Touch | Gary Mirabelle 2009
This short film was composed of stop animations about dinosaur type figures. I found the work interesting, but overall I was bored and if it were television I would have changed the channel. I think a lot more work could have gone into developing some sort of story that was at least interesting enough to keep the attention of the audience.
Us The Damned And God Himself | Chuck Michael 2008
A story about five people in a car, one of which murdered a friend of the group. The driver is convinced one of the group has murdered his friend and creates a scare tactic situation to get the truth out of the killer by parking his car directly on the train tracks, refusing to move unless the killer confesses. The acting was not really believable and dialogue was campy. The audience laughed at stupid dialogue and actors tried to deliver it with a straight face. I found the whole short film unbelievable and a waste of time to watch.
• Stoney | Jacob LaMendola 2009
Perhaps the highlight and best film at the festival was Stoney. The cinematography, acting and story was superb!
I walked away from the Festivus Film Festival thinking.. huh. Well, that was interesting. I was amazed at the diversity in subject, and quality of the films presented. I don’t think I would pay to see these, but because I had a media pass, I felt I had nothing to loose.
I’m not a film critic and have no experience in making movies beyond four documentaries that I produced and sold internationally between 2000-2004, so I have no official training to base my opinions on. I’m just a fan of cinema in general and am putting forth my layman’s opinions here, so they shouldn’t be taken too seriously!
