PRINTExperience Matters
Movies to See at this year's True/False Film Festival
February 25, 2010 | 12:00 a.m. CST
Unless you snag the DeLorean from the Back to the Future trilogy, you won’t have enough time to catch all 40 films in this year’s True/False lineup. To ensure you pick the documentary that’s right for you, co-founder David Wilson and associate programmer Chris Boeckmann have selected the two films ideal for every experience level.
Newbie:
Documentaries aren’t just for the experienced — these films are perfect for those who just want to be entertained with a subject that isn’t too intense.
Courtesy of Wolfgang Held
Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m., Forrest Theater; Feb. 27, 3 p.m., Missouri Theatre
Shifting into gear, director Marshall Curry’s latest film, Racing Dreams, follows three tweens on their journey to win the World Karting Association’s championship, a go-kart competition for kids who aspire to be their generation’s Jeff Gordon.
Feb. 25, 8 p.m., Ragtag Cinema; Feb. 27, 10 a.m., Missouri Theatre; Feb. 28, 12:30 p.m., Forrest Theater
Does anyone remember the 1985 Welsh mythology film The Black Cauldron? Yeah, we didn’t think so. Waking Sleeping Beauty, which Wilson says is “an incredibly well-crafted story,” investigates how Disney managed to come out on top after such devastating failures. The feel-good nature of the Disney topic makes it perfect for beginners.
Traditional Moviegoer:
These documentaries still use mainstream elements, such as sound, establishing shots and style, but allow for a more critical look into their subjects.
Courtesy of Fastnet Films
Feb. 26, 3 p.m., Ragtag Cinema; Feb. 27, 5:30 p.m., Missouri Theatre; Feb. 28, 1 p.m., The Hive
Co-director’s Carter Gunn and Ross McDonnell examine the disappearing phenomenon of honeybees while providing amazing cinematography on a seemingly basic subject. “It’s the best of both worlds for documentaries and entertainment,” Boeckmann says. “It’s very easy to digest.”
Courtesy of La Sombra del Guaybo
Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m., The Chapel; Feb. 28, 3 p.m., Missouri Theatre
A look at what happens when men flee to the U.S. to better their families’ financial situations. With beautiful views of Mexico’s landscape, this film, according to Boeckmann, if widely seen, “would actually change the immigration debate.”
Veteran:
OK, so you say you’ve seen every documentary film to date, but how about these, wiseguy?
Courtesy of True/False
Feb. 26, 7 p.m., Windsor Cinema; Feb. 27, 5:30 p.m., The Hive; Feb. 28, 5:30 p.m., Windsor Auditorium
When an Israeli teenage girl commits suicide, a battle between Israel’s orthodox emergency cleanup service and the girl’s mother, Lilith, unfolds. “It’s not an easy film to watch,” says Andrew Orozco, press liaison for the festival. “You want to defend the mother, but there is some shady business going on with her.” Eytan Harris’ cinematography and perfect timing make this ideal for any documentary vet.
Courtesy of Månharen Film & TV
Feb. 27, 10 a.m., The Chapel; Feb 27, 5 p.m., Ragtag Cinema; Feb. 28, 3 p.m., Ragtag Cinema
Intimately capturing the lives of a single Peruvian family, Familia, directed by Mikael Wiström and Alberto Herskovits, is crafted so beautifully that the audience is bound to feel every emotion faced by the title characters.
Cinephile:
These documentaries are for the the movie lover who just wants to celebrate the beauty of skillful filmmaking.
Courtesy of Lixin Fan
Feb. 27, 1 p.m., Windsor Auditorium; Feb. 28, 7 p.m., Missouri Theatre
China’s recent industrialization has made headlines.Spotlighting the arrival of thousands at local train stations, this film takes a personal stance on the migration issue that affects industrial cities and interior villages. According to Boeckmann, director Lixin Fan presents jaw-dropping cinematography in this emotional documentary.
Courtesy of Laura Poitras
Feb. 27, 2:30 p.m., The Chapel; Feb. 27, 8 p.m., Missouri Theatre; Feb. 28, 12:30 p.m., The Chapel
One of the more controversial films of this year’s festival, The Oath, directed by Laura Poitras, profiles Abu Jandal, former bodyguard to Bin Laden and a man America wants to hate. “It’s some of the strongest editing I’ve seen this year,” Boeckmann says.
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