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Thursday, March 8, 2007
SXSW Interview: Lauren Lazin, ‘Last Days of Left Eye’
Director: Lauren Lazin
Film: “Last Days of Left Eye”
Category: Documentary Features (North American Premiere)
Sites: SXSW
Screenings: 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 13; 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 14; both at Paramount
Film synopsis from SXSW.com: This 90-minute documentary captures the final month in the life of Lisa Lopes. Lopes rose to fame as the hip-hop voice of TLC, the best-selling female R&B group of all time. She documented her final days in journals and private home movies shot at her mysterious spiritual retreat deep in the jungles of Honduras.
Is this your first time at SXSW? If not, what has your experience been like in previous years?
This is my first time at SXSW.
What do you hope to take away from your time at the festival?
I am looking forward to screening the film at the festival and in Austin, as there seems to be a real appreciation there for music and music-based storytelling.
Why should audiences be excited to see your film?
Audience should be excited to see “Last Days of Left Eye” because it’s a really unusual, deeply personal film. People who have screened it have told me that it has stuck with them for days afterwards. The film has a lot of feeling to it; it creeps up on you in strange ways.
Are there any other films screening that you hope to see?
I am looking forward to seeing some great documentaries (I am on the jury) and also look forward to being inspired by my fellow filmmakers!
When you think of Texas and the movies, what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
When I think of Texas and the movies the first thing that comes to mind is Pee Wee Herman falling asleep at the Alamo while the tour guide is saying “there are 200 ways to make tortillas — all of which I will explain to you right now …” (from “Pee Wee Herman’s Big Adventure”)
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SXSW Interview: Petra Epperlein and Michael Tucker, ‘The Prisoner or: How I Planned to Kill Tony Blair’
Directors: Petra Epperlein and Michael Tucker
Film: “The Prisoner or: How I Planned to Kill Tony Blair”
Category: Documentary Feature (World Premiere)
Site: SXSW
Screenings: 1:30 p.m. Sunday, March 11 at Austin Convention Center; 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 14 at Alamo Downtown
Film synopsis from SXSW.com: On September 23, 2003, filmmaker Michael Tucker followed the U.S. Army on a house raid in Baghdad. U.S. Army intelligence became convinced that a subsequent detainee was plotting to kill British Prime Minister Tony Blair during his visit to Iraq; Abbas’s employment by British TV in Iraq may have raised this suspicion. After his arrest, Abbas, along with his two brothers, was held at Abu Ghraib and other facilities for nine months and subjected to the full menu of U.S. interrogation techniques. Recounting his experiences of fear, pain and anger, Abbas somehow retains a sense of humor. American commanders finally admitted the Abbas brothers had no intelligence value.
Is this your first time at SXSW? If not, what has your experience been like in previous years?
This is our first time at SXSW and we look forward to a new festival experience.
What are your impressions of the festival compared to others of its kind around the country, and of Austin as a film town, in general?
Austin and SXSW have a great reputation as a film town and we think SXSW is probably one of the top 3 places to launch a film in the U.S.
What do you hope to take away from your time at the festival?
At any festival, you hope that the audience connects with your work.
Why should audiences be excited to see your film?
“The Prisoner” tells the story of an Iraqi journalist whose capture by U.S. forces MIke filmed in Baghdad. After his arrest, he was charged with planning to assassinate Tony Blair. The film is uniquely intimate in that Yunis, “The Prisoner”, tells HIS story and by extension, the story of 27 million Iraqis who have suffered during the last four years of war and the decades before. He’s also a great storyteller and has a remarkable sense of irony and humor that won’t be lost on this audience.
Are there any other films screening that you hope to see?
“Fish Kill Flea.”
Any restaurants, parties, tourist locations you want to get to while in town? If you live in Austin, where do you
suggest out-of-towners visit while in town?
We are simply looking forward to sun and warmth. New York is bitterly cold right now.
When you think of Texas and the movies, what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
Obviously, “The Last Picture Show.”
Permalink | | Categories: SXSW Directors Interviews
SXSW Interview: Michael Tully, ‘Silver Jew’
Director: Michael Tully
Film: “Silver Jew”
Category: Documentary Features (World Premiere)
em>Sites: Blog | SXSW
Screenings: 11:30 a.m. Sunday, March 11; 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 14; both at Alamo South
Film synopsis from SXSW.com: Not your typical music documentary, Silver Jew is an intimate portrait of reclusive poet/musician David Berman, the guiding force behind one of indie rock’s most revered bands, the Silver Jews. In the midst of their first ever world tour, Berman, his wife Cassie, and the rest of the group traveled to Israel to play two shows and visit Jerusalem.
Is this your first time at SXSW? If not, what has your experience been like in previous years?
This is only my second time at SXSW. I was here last year with my debut feature, “Cocaine Angel.” Since I’d never been to Austin and didn’t know if I’d ever make another film, I decided to stay throughout the whole festival. I was skeptical of the music portion of the fest—on Wednesday morning when the sun arose it felt like the indie rock zombies were coming to town—but I had an absolute blast in every possible way.
What are your impressions of the festival compared to others of its kind around the country, and of Austin as a film town, in general?
SXSW is great because the industry attends, but it still feels more organic and casual than forced and stressful (a la Sundance—which I’ve never actually attended, by the way). It rides that delicate line between big and small with refreshing ease. As for Austin, I don’t know if it’s proper to make a judgment about the town based on one week during SXSW, but I know for myself that any Austin filmmakers I met were very cool, down-to-earth people.
What do you hope to take away from your time at the festival?
Having done this before, those nerves of anticipation are no longer stirring inside me. Though I hope they are for Matthew Robison (producer). We simply hope to have two well-attended screenings and perhaps get some buyer interest along the way. Aside from that, I’m personally more excited to see the films of several friends and appreciate the nice weather and have some good old-fashioned fun.
Why should audiences be excited to see your film?
I’m the last person in the world who should answer that question.
Are there any other films screening that you hope to see?
A ton. For starters: Craig Zobel’s “Great World of Sound,” (which is, for my money, the best new American film of 2007); Nate Meyer’s “Pretty in the Face” (playing with Matthew Ross’s “Lola”); Aaron Katz’s “Quiet City”; Joe Swanberg’s “Hannah Takes the Stairs”; Ry Russo-Young’s “Orphans”; David Redmon and Ashley Sabin’s “Kamp Katrina”; and many more!
Any restaurants, parties, tourist locations you want to get to while in town? If you live in Austin, where do you suggest out-of-towners visit while in town?
I plan on visiting Barton Springs this time around.
When you think of Texas and the movies, what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
“The Last Picture Show.” “Slacker.” “Dazed and Confused.”
Permalink | | Categories: SXSW Directors Interviews
SXSW Interview: K. Ryan Jones, ‘Fall from Grace’
Director: K. Ryan Jones
Film: “Fall from Grace”
Category: Documentary Features (World Premiere)
Site: SXSW
Screenings: 4 p.m. Saturday, March 10; 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 12; 9 p.m. Wednesday, March 14; all at Alamo South
Film synopsis from SXSW.com: The first documentary to explore the hate-filled world of Rev. Fred Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, KS. The group has spent the last fifteen years protesting America’s lax attitude toward homosexuality, and has most recently targeted military funerals as a venue to preach. This documentary features interviews with Rev. Phelps and other church members, its dissenters, ministers and theologians, and members of the church that have since left it behind.
Is this your first time at SXSW? If not, what has your experience been like in previous years?
This is my first time at SXSW and it is also my first festival experience.
What do you hope to take away from your time at the festival?
I can’t tell you how excited I am about SXSW. Initially, of course, I was excited about my film screening there, but now I can’t decide if I am looking forward more to that or the opportunity to spend a week seeing great films, sitting in on panels, and meeting other people who share a passion for this art form.
Why should audiences be excited to see your film?
“Fall From Grace” gives the viewer the rare opportunity to see the inner workings of a hate group and what many consider to be a cult. A lot of people have seen these people picketing, but why are they doing it and what are they like outside that arena? The film tries to answer some of these questions, but it also forces us to ask ourselves some tough questions about gay rights, freedom of speech, and the war in Iraq. I can promise you that this is a film that is going to stay with you. In a time when Hollywood is producing remakes and sequels, ‘Fall From Grace’ offers the viewer the rare opportunity of seeing something they’ve never seen before.
Are there any other films screening that you hope to see?
“When a Man Falls in the Forest,” “The Lookout,” “Knocked Up,” just to name a few, but I have a feeling I won’t get to see everything I want to.
Any restaurants, parties, tourist locations you want to get to while in town? If you live in Austin, where do you suggest out-of-towners visit while in town?
I lived in Texas for 7 years, but I have never been to Austin. I plan on just roaming around and discovering the town. I hear it’s a pretty great place!
When you think of Texas and the movies, what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
“Texas Chainsaw Massacre”? “Best Little Whorehouse in Texas”? I don’t know, as a film student, I guess I think about UT and how they have a really great film studies program. I also think of Robert Rodriguez and how much he really seems to be doing to help cultivate the film society down there.
Permalink | | Categories: SXSW Directors Interviews
SXSW Interview: Andrew Garrison, ‘Third Ward TX’
Director: Andrew Garrison
Film: “Third Ward TX”
Category: Documentary Feature (World Premiere)
Sites: Official | SXSW
Screening: 9:30 p.m. Friday; 12 p.m. Thursday, March 15; both at Dobie
Film synopsis from SXSW.com: 1993, a step ahead of city demolition crews, a group of African American artists took over a block of abandoned, condemned, row houses in Houston’s Third Ward. They wanted to bring attention to issues in the neighborhood with a temporary, ‘drive-by’ exhibition. But they set in motion an internationally recognized model for community renewal and personal transformation. ‘Project Row Houses,’ stopped a neighborhood from being a symbol of poverty and hopelessness and made it into a beacon of strength and imagination. After more than a decade of building a community that is safe, livable and desirable, they’ve attracted forces that might destroy what they made — real-estate development and gentrification. Will it survive the blind force of gentrification playing out in Houston and across America?
Is this your first time at SXSW? If not, what has your experience been like in previous years?
Good films. Nice to meet filmmakers. It is always more fun to have a film of one’s own in the festival.
What are your impressions of the festival compared to others of its kind around the country, and of Austin as a film town, in general?
I live here. I can drive to the festival … Which actually makes me a little distracted.
What do you hope to take away from your time at the festival?
Hope that we get strong enough response to “Third Ward TX” that we can build on that to launch the film nationwide. I hope the film gets into some of the other significant doc festivals. But more importantly, I’d like to see word of mouth about the film spread through African American communities, and art circles.
Why should audiences be excited to see your film?
It’s a good doc. I loved shooting the film and being with the people who are the characters in the film. I liked being at Project Row Houses in Houston. It is a powerful experiment in art and community that doesn’t divide the world into elites.
The film has strong characters. It doesn’t preach. It gives you the sense that making stuff, thinking and acting creatively, and in concert with people around you can make your own life more satisfying. I think it speaks to the need we all feel to have connections that we can stay with even if we leave that place geographically. It gets said quietly, even when there is an obvious conflict between the forces of development and the desire to have a connected community that supports and nourishes individuals. But it moves you.
Any restaurants, parties, tourist locations you want to get to while in town? If you live in Austin, where do you suggest out-of-towners visit while in town?
Come to our movie Friday night at 9:30 at the Dobie and then come over to Texas Folklife after for a party.
When you think of Texas and the movies, what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
How big, how vast Texas is —in land and landscapes, in cultures, in people, — even climates it encompasses. There is such a huge potential for telling stories in and about Texas. And the second thing is how iconic Texas is in American culture.
Permalink | | Categories: SXSW Directors Interviews
SXSW Interview: Jason McHugh, ‘Electric Apricot: Quest for Festeroo’
Producer: Jason McHugh
Film: “Electric Apricot: Quest for Festeroo”
Category: Narrative Features Regional Premiere
Sites: Official | SXSW
Screenings: 3:30 p.m. Friday, March 16 at Alamo Downtown
Film synopsis from SXSW.com: In the spring of 2005 a young filmmaker set forth to make a documentary reflecting an element of contemporary music that had yet to be fully examined. Who he found was Electric Apricot and what he achieved was enlightenment. Unexpectedly in searching for enlightenment, the duality of existence was unveiled.
Is this your first time at SXSW? If not, what has your experience been like in previous years?
This is actually my second trip to SXSW, the first was with Trey Parker’s “Cannibal: The Musical” back in 1998. It was really cool to be screening Trey’s directorial debut in the big screen and I feel really lucky to be coming back with a brand new film director on the scene named Les Claypool!
What are your impressions of the festival compared to others of its kind around the country, and of Austin as a film town, in general?
Well obviously were festival whores, our whole film revolves around the very unique festival, Festeroo, which is sort of the Holy Grail of Festivals to us, but SXSW is a very close second! There is no doubt SXSW is the most culturally diverse with its strengths in Music, Film and Technology. As soon as SXSW can add and Art and Book element to its ouevre it will be even that much more ahead of the curve, but Austin may need to build a few more hotels first. And as far as Austin as a film town - there’s no doubt its a major creative oasis for filmmakers that seems to be gaining steam. It certainly helps to have majorly cool directors leading that charge!
What do you hope to take away from your time at the festival?
We’re here to rock and make new friends.
Why should audiences be excited to see your film?
Because it is the Texas Premiere, our director Les Claypool will be on hand for some Q and A and our film won’t be released until the fall.
Are there any other films screening that you hope to see?
I would like to see the film about the Hollywood superheroes, because I live in L.A. and I see those impersonators and street performers all the time and just wonder what it must be like to work that angle in show business.
Any restaurants, parties, tourist locations you want to get to while in town? If you live in Austin, where do you suggest out-of-towners visit while in town?
I am psyched to hit that one restaurant bar that serves the really good chips and salsa and has Abita beer on tap.
When you think of Texas and the movies, what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
“Dazed and Confused.”
Permalink | | Categories: SXSW Directors Interviews
SXSW Interview: Elizabeth Harrison, ‘Love and Mary’
Director: Elizabeth Harrison
Film: “Love and Mary”
Category: Narrative Features (World Premiere)
Sites: Official | SXSW
Screening: 10 p.m. Sunday, March 11; 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 15; 11:15 a.m.; both at Dobie
Film synopsis from SXSW.com: Pastry Chef, Mary Wilson, has spent many years trying to live a normal life away from her unconventional family back in Texas. But, with no customers in her bakery, a horrible review and an eviction notice hanging over her head, Mary reluctantly decides to return back home with her fiance, Brent, and collect an engagement gift she hopes will be substantial enough to bail her out of her situation.
Is this your first time at SXSW? If not, what has your experience been like in previous years?
Yes, this is my first time as a filmmaker. “Love and Mary”, our movie, takes place in Texas and was filmed there, so we think Austin is the perfect place to premiere it.
What are your impressions of the festival compared to others of its kind around the country, and of Austin as a film town, in general?
I attended the SXSW film festival in 2005. I was blown away at the size of the festival, the spirit the city takes on around the fest, and the quality of movies that were showcased. Austin has a great creative spirit and the people seem to really embrace filmmaking and filmmakers.
What do you hope to take away from your time at the festival?
The festival offers an opportunity to showcase “Love and Mary” with peers, Texans, critics, and distributors. It is our goal to share what we think is a great movie with the city and festival goers. If you haven’t heard of “Love and Mary” before the screening, we hope you’ll be talking about it afterward and tell your friends to come to our other screening.
Why should audiences be excited to see your film?
“Love and Mary” is an entertaining, witty, heartfelt romantic comedy. It is for anyone who has ever been in love, anyone who has suffered from unrequited love, and anyone who has ever been embarrassed by their family. Texas audiences will be excited to see a movie about Texans who are not stereotypical clichés. The movie is inspired by and pays tribute to comedies grounded in the reality of relationship woes, those that recreated the blueprint for the genre like Woody Allen’s “Annie Hall” and Neil Simon’s “The Goodbye Girl”. It makes you laugh and cry and engages you in the fate of Mary and her lessons in love.
Are there any other films screening that you hope to see?
Yes, there are tons of films I hope to see. I’m sure when I get to the festival I will want to see more, but so far I want to see “The Lookout,” “Big Rig,” “All the Boys Love Mandy Lane” and “American Zombie”.
Any restaurants, parties, tourist locations you want to get to while in town? If you live in Austin, where do you suggest out-of-towners visit while in town?
Having grown up in Texas, I love coming back for Mexican food, socializing, and pecan pie.
When you think of Texas and the movies, what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
When I think about Texas and movies, the first thing that comes to mind for me is that I’d like to make more there. Texas has so many interesting characters, and it only seems appropriate to tell their stories there. The first movie that comes to mind is “Giant”. This movie is amazing and it is over 50 years old now. It was shot in Marfa, a city I recently visited and it still looks the same. Well, a few modernizations, but for the most part it hasn’t changed. Of course, the next would be two of my favorite movies, “Terms of Endearment” and “Rushmore” both shot in Houston.
Permalink | | Categories: SXSW Directors Interviews
SXSW Interview: Naveen Singh, ‘27,000 Days’
Director: Naveen Singh
Film: “27,000 Days”
Category: Experimental Shorts
Sites: Official | SXSW
Screening: 5 p.m. Monday; 2 p.m. Friday, March 16; both at Dobie
Film synopsis from SXSW.com: A dying man confronts his estranged family and the remnants of his religion within the confines of his mind.
Is this your first time at SXSW? If not, what has your experience been like in previous years?
This is my first time here at SXSW. I’ve heard nothing but great things about the festival and needless to say, I’m very much looking forward to the experience.
What are your impressions of the festival compared to others of its kind around the country, and of Austin as a film town, in general?
My impressions have come both first hand from filmmaker friends who have attended, as well as through the press; Chris Gore’s book “The Ultimate Film Festival Survival Guide” comes to mind as an example of the latter. I get the sense that the festival has a certain kind of energy around it that may not be as present (or is altogether nonexistent) at other festivals because SXSW celebrates not only film and music, but interactive media as well. To me, that creative triumvirate lends itself to a uniqueness that I feel is both cutting-edge and very relaxed at the same time. But perhaps that’s just my perception of Austin as a creative hotbed based on Richard Linklater films and the languid music of Stars of the Lid.
What do you hope to take away from your time at the festival?
Here’s my cheeseball answer: I just want to soak in the experience. That’s an awful cliché, but it’s true. I don’t know if I’ll ever have a chance to attend SXSW again (at least not as an invited filmmaker), so I want my initial experience here to be as memorable (and as low stress) as possible. In addition to the great film and music lineup, I’m looking forward to the seminars and panels, and, of course, there’ll be a lot of people to meet. I’m sure it’ll be chaotic — but of the good kind.
Why should audiences be excited to see your film?
I think “27,000 Days” gives people a different way to experience a story in a meaningful way, especially in the short form. I know there’s an audience out there for a film that merges influences as diverse as Stan Brakhage, Werner Herzog, Bruce Conner, George Lucas and countless others, and blends them into something that is at once fresh — and if I did my job right — emotional, too.
Are there any other films screening that you hope to see?
There’s a ton of ’em! In no particular order: “The Lookout”, “638 Ways to Kill Castro”, “Smiley Face”, “Confessions of a Superhero”, “The King of Kong”, “All the Boys Love Mandy Lane”, whatever little tidbit of info I can get about “Grindhouse” … there are several other movies, but I don’t think it’s feasible to write them all down … Oh, I’m also excited to check out what Deco Dawson has cooked up for us in the Experimental Shorts section.
Any restaurants, parties, tourist locations you want to get to while in town? If you live in Austin, where do you suggest out-of-towners visit while in town?
Hoo boy. That’s a tough question. I’m open to suggestions. I guess my modest sightseeing goals are to catch a movie in the famed Alamo Drafthouse.
When you think of Texas and the movies, what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
Here’s a random assortment of things (only some of which might be related to Texas and/or the movies): I think of Terrence Malick writing “Badlands” in some cloistered room (even though the movie takes place in the Dakotas); Richard Linklater in “Slacker;” people with chainsaws; Spielberg’s forgotten classic “The Sugarland Express”; I think of Westerns, Dubya, NASA’s mission control, and the old-school Houston Rockets team with Hakeem “the Dream” Olajuwon schoolin’ Shaq and the Orlando Magic in the 1995 NBA Finals. There’s always more, but it’s getting late …
Permalink | | Categories: SXSW Directors Interviews
SXSW Interview: Leland Orser, ‘Morning’
Director: Leland Orser
Film: “Morning”
Category: Narrative Shorts (World Premiere)
Sites: Official | SXSW
Screening: 11 a.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. Monday; 11 a.m. Thursday, March 15; all at Alamo South
Film synopsis from SXSW.com: Four mornings in the life of a man experiencing great loss.
Is this your first time at SXSW? If not, what has your experience been like in previous years?
First time at SXSW. My brother-in-law Jason Ferguson plays regularly at the SXSW music festival though. He’s in the bands Experimental Aircraft and Magnet School, and is one of the best drummers you’ll ever hear.
What are your impressions of the festival compared to others of its kind around the country, and of Austin as a film town, in general?
SXSW appears to have a decidedly un-Hollywood vibe. And I get the strong impression that these Austin people like to party.
What do you hope to take away from your time at the festival?
The audience reaction will stay with me for a long time I’m sure. To be with them as they experience the 14 minutes of our film for the first time will be a very moving thing. The film now belongs to them and I’m sure they will teach me a lot. This is my first time at a film festival as a director, and not an actor. I am eager to spend time with other filmmakers, see their films, talk about their processes and learn from them too.
Why should audiences be excited to see your film?
I don’t think audiences should be excited to see my film. My film is very quiet and very sad.
Are there any other films screening that you hope to see?
I want to see the other short films. I want to see Ryan Eslinger’s “When a Man Falls in the Forest” and Taika Waititi’s “Eagle vs. Shark.” I watched both of them develop their films at the Sundance Institute
Any restaurants, parties, tourist locations you want to get to while in town? If you live in Austin, where do you suggest out-of-towners visit while in town?
I want to go back to that swimming hole in the river. I forget what it’s called but it’s a very unusual place. Very retro. I also want to eat fried pies at Jo’s.
When you think of Texas and the movies, what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
“The Last Picture Show”, “Dazed and Confused,” the “Dazed and Confused” soundtrack, Harry Dean Stanton, “Paris, Texas”, “Lone Star”, “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure”, James Dean and “Giant.”
Permalink | | Categories: SXSW Directors Interviews
