Final Thoughts on the fest
March 5, 2007 at 12:03 p.m.
The first time I attended the True/False festival was in 2005 and I only saw one film: Bradley Beesley’s Fearless Freaks, about the band, The Flaming Lips. That was my only experience with the festival, probably because I knew little about it, but I really enjoyed the film. Unknowingly, Beesley called the lead singer of the band, Wayne Coyne, after the film and talked to him while holding the phone to the microphone—I had no idea the directors attended the festival; this made me ecstatic.
The next year in 2006, I again saw only one film: Bradley Beesley and Sarah Price’s Untitled Camp Film. Although this was the only event I attended from the festival, my interest in documentary films grew even more. I loved the idea of documenting real life that I otherwise might not have known about because of a special passion that drives filmmakers.
This year’s festival seemed to sneak up on me as I was going to experience it from a new angle: with an all-access pass sent to write about the events. I felt like I could go and do anything that the festival offered.
I saw two emotionally moving films—Enemies of Happiness and Buddha’s Lost Children—that made me want to buy a pass to next year’s festival. I loved the intimate feelings these films gave me because I felt the emotions of the characters involved. I was especially interested in Buddha’s Lost Children because of the remote village and countryside it was set in that granted the director a rare opportunity that was both educational and very real.
Outside of these two films, the events I attended were all different. The Filmmaker Fête put me most out of my comfort zone (although as a reporter, this is what is most strived for) because all the filmmakers seemed to be in their own world and it was hard to mix my words in with theirs. The fête was rare for me though and the opportunity was much appreciated. The Gimme Truth! game show was the most fun with its charismatic host and interesting mix of local short films. If you want a good laugh, this game show is a must! The closing night reception was busy and bustling with people excited about Columbia’s own film, American Shopper. Unfortunately, I was unable to stay for the film due to academic obligations but I especially enjoyed watching the “Pine Hill Hanits”—an Alabama band that produced an eclectic sound.
Overall, my experience with the 2007 True/False Film Festival was exceptionally positive. I felt I was a part of the festival and my love for documentary films grew even more. Next year, I’m getting a pass!
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