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recommended boston area events

thursday, september 2nd

lou barlow + the missingmen

wye oak

the unfamiliars

@ the middle east upstairs


saturday, september 4th

mg lederman (ex-victory at sea)

cd release show with

the wrong reasons

the beat awfuls

brant deatley

@ the plough & stars


sunday, september 5th

sweet apple

(w/j mascis on drums)

black helicopter

zombie radio

@ the middle east downstairs


sunday, september 5th

the milling gowns

what time is it, mr. fox?

faux ox

jaggery

@ harper's ferry


monday, september 6th

wallcreeper

@ charlie's kitchen


monday, september 6th

shellac

helen money

@ the middle east downstairs


tuesday, september 7th

tortoise

greg davis

ben vidas

@ the paradise


tuesday, september 7th

someone still loves you boris yeltsin

telekinesis

golden bloom

@ tt the bears


tuesday, september 7th

kele (from bloc party)

does it offend you, yeah?

@ the royale boston


wednesday, september 8th

hot hot heat

22-20s

hey rosetta!

@ the middle east downstairs


wednesday, september 8th

airborne toxic event (acoustic)

with the calder string quartet

@ the somerville theatre


thursday, september 9th

apple betty

this blue heaven

the backup factor

apollo run

@ tt the bears


friday, september 10th

i, pistol

black fortress of opium

the crushing low

@ precinct


friday, september 10th

the charlatans uk

sherlock's daughter

@ the royale boston


saturday, september 11th

school of seven bells

active child

@ the middle east downstairs


saturday, september 11th

neutral uke hotel (nmh covers on ukelele)

the michael j. epstein memorial library

@ cafe 939, berklee


saturday, september 11th

28 degrees taurus

magic shoppe (record release!)

@ the rosebud


saturday, september 11th

jamie lidell

@ the royale boston


friday + saturday

september 11th + 12th

the life is good festival

lots of bands, raising money for kids

over 2 days in canton, ma


sunday, september 12th

jarrod gorbel

(of the honorary title)

air traffic controller

@ great scott


sunday, september 12th

blondie

@ the house of blues


sunday, september 12th

vampire weekend

beach house

dum dum girls

@ the boa pavilion


monday, september 13th

dirty projectors

owen pallett (final fantasy)

@ the wilbur theatre


monday, september 13th

isobel campbell

mark lanegan

willy mason

@ the middle east downstairs


tuesday, september 14th

rush

@ the td garden


wednesday, september 15th

laura veirs + the hall of flames

the watson twins

led to sea

@ tt the bears


thursday, september 16th

of montreal

janelle monae

@ the house of blues boston


friday, september 17th

one happy island

kevin dunn

cotton candy

7:30pm @ the lily pad, cambridge


friday, september 17th

broken social scene

@ the house of blues


friday & saturday

september 17th & 18th

the 5th annual

viva la vinal festival!

with live performances from

audrey ryan, kingsley flood,

this blue heaven, bridget + the squares,

the international string trio, & justin shorey

6-10pm on friday + 12-9 on saturday

@ somerville community growing center

on vinal ave. in somerville's union square


saturday, september 18th

pavement

jenny (lewis) + johnny (rice)

@ agganis arena


saturday, september 18th

wavves

@ brandeis university, waltham


sunday, september 19th

thee oh sees

the human tail

thick shakes

@ the magic room gallery, brighton


sunday, september 19th

caribou

holy fuck

emeralds

@ the paradise


monday, september 20th

girlfriends

carnivores

weekend dads

@ o'brien's


tuesday, september 21st

superchunk

versus

@ royale boston


tuesday, september 21st

basia bulat

the acorn

john shade

@ tt the bears


tuesday, september 21st

sea wolf (alex acoustic)

sera cahoone

patrick park

@ the middle east upstairs


wednesday, september 22nd

phantogram

railbird

@ the paradise


wednesday, september 22nd

david bazan

the mynabirds

@ tt the bears


wednesday, september 22nd

field music

@ great scott


thursday, september 23rd

aloud (album release party!)

st. claire

old jack

with special emcee

poet/author james caroline

@ church of boston


thursday, september 23rd

stars

wild nothing

@ the house of blues


thursday, september 23rd

!!! (chk chk chk)

fol chen

@ the royale boston


thursday, september 23rd

bettie serveert

meandjoancollins

the painted lights

@ tt the bears


friday, september 24th

eels

@ the royale boston


saturday, september 25th

teenage fanclub

@ the royale boston


saturday, september 25th

james

ed harcourt

@ the paradise


sunday, september 26th

come (reunited!)

wussy

@ tt the bears


sunday, september 26th

mr. sister (debut album release!)

coyote kolb

tallahassee

@ great scott


sunday, september 26th

mates of state

@ the paradise


monday, september 27th

rogue wave

midlake

peter wolf crier

@ royale boston


tuesday, september 28th

lcd soundsystem

sleigh bells

@ the orpheum


tuesday, september 28th

best coast

male bonding

@ the middle east downstairs


wednesday, september 29th

quilt

paper castles

toothache

@ the lilypad


wednesday, september 29th

foals

esben + the witch

@ the paradise


thursday, september 30th

mc frontalot

@ tt the bears


thursday, september 30th

menomena

suckers

@ the royale boston


thursday + friday

sept 30th + oct 1st

built to spill

revolt revolt

pretty & nice

@ the paradise


friday, october 1st

the tallest man on earth

s. carey (of bon iver's band)

@ the somerville theatre


friday, october 1st

ra ra riot

chikita violenta

we barbarians

@ the royale boston


saturday, october 2nd

gayngs

(with bon iver's justin vernon)

glasser

@ the paradise


saturday, october 2nd

film school

the depreciation guild

static of the gods

night fruit

@ tt the bears


sunday, october 3rd

the xx

@ the orpheum


sunday, october 3rd

tom tom club

caravan of thieves

tony castles

@ the paradise


sunday, october 3rd

lost in the trees

@ tt the bears


tuesday, october 5th

the vaselines

jeffrey lewis

@ the paradise


tuesday, october 5th

chapterhouse

ulrich schnauss

@ the middle east downstairs


tuesday, october 5th

ratatat

dom

@ the house of blues boston


wednesday, october 6th

gorillaz

@ agganis arena


wednesday, october 6th

the hold steady

wintersleep

@ the royale boston


thursday, october 7th

the walkmen

a.a. bondy

blood feathers

@ the royale boston


friday, october 8th

death

@ the middle east downstairs


friday, october 8th

fountains of wayne

marshall crenshaw (solo)

@ the paradise


friday, october 8th

bell x1 (acoustic)

@ the brattle theatre


saturday, october 9th

paul f. tompkins

@ the brattle theatre


sunday, october 10th

deerhoof

xiu xiu

father murphy

first show @ the paramount!


sunday, october 10th

miike snow

@ the house of blues


sunday, october 10th

primus

mucca pazza

@ the orpheum


tuesday, october 12th

ingrid michaelson

@ the house of blues


wednesday, october 13th

dead kennedys

@ the paradise


thursday, october 14th

the thermals

cymbals eat guitars

@ the paradise


thursday, october 14th

the morning after girls

the lovetones

the december sound

ghost box orchestra

@ tt the bears


friday, october 15th

nick lowe + his band

graham parker (solo acoustic)

@ the somerville theatre


friday, october 15th

jimmy eat world

@ the house of blues


friday, october 15th

bowerbirds

death vessel

@ tt the bears


friday, october 15th

belle + sebastian

@ the wang theatre / citi center


saturday, october 16th

deerhunter

real estate

casino vs. japan

@ royale boston


sunday, october 17th

the henry clay people

the dig

@ tt the bears


monday, october 18th

greg dulli

(afghan whigs/twilight singers)

first-ever solo tour

with opener craig wedren

(of shudder to think)

@ the brattle theatre


monday, october 18th

bad religion

the bouncing souls

@ the house of blues


monday, october 18th

the drums

the hairs

@ the paradise


monday, october 18th

phoenix

two door cinema club

wavves

@ agganis arena


tuesday, october 19th

massive attack

thievery corporation

@ the orpheum


wednesday, october 20th

the pains of being pure at heart

yuck

eternal summers

@ the paradise


wednesday, october 20th

helmet

@ the middle east downstairs


sunday, october 22nd

gary numan

rasputina

playing 'the pleasure principle'

@ the paradise


saturday, october 23rd

local natives

the ruby suns

union line

@ the house of blues


sunday, october 24th

woven bones

frankie rose & the outs

@ tt the bears


monday, october 25th

the corin tucker band

hungry ghost

darren hanlon

@ the paradise


wednesday, october 27th

a sunny day in glasgow

candy claws

@ great scott


wednesday, october 27th

black prairie

(members of the decemberists)

sarah jarosz

@ the middle east upstairs


thursday, october 28th

the tt's halloween bash

with members of mean creek + campaign

for real time (as talking heads)

john powhida (as todd rundgren)

preacher roe (as guided by voices)

@ tt the bears


friday, october 29th

frightened rabbit

plants and animals

the phantom band

@ the paradise


saturday, october 30th

hallelujah the hills

magic magic

boy without god

@ great scott


sunday, october 31st

florence and the machine

the smith westerns

@ the house of blues


monday, november 1st

blonde redhead

pantha du prince

@ the paradise


monday, november 1st

social distortion

lucero

frank turner

@ the house of blues boston


tuesday, november 2nd

junip (jose gonzales)

sharon van etten

@ the royale boston


tuesday, november 2nd

black mountain

the black angels

@ the paradise


wednesday, november 3rd

the dandy warhols

blue giant

@ tt the bears


wednesday, november 3rd

land of talk

suuns

little scream

@ tt the bears


thursday, november 4th

through sunday, november 7th

the international pop overthrow

4 nights @ pa's lounge


thursday, november 4th

matt + kim

javelin

@ the house of blues


thursday, november 4th

blitzen trapper

@ the paradise


friday, november 5th

guided by voices

blitzen trapper

@ the paradise


sunday, november 7th

drivin 'n cryin

@ tt the bears


monday, november 8th

clinic

the fresh & onlys

@ the paradise


tuesday, november 9th

the morning benders

@ the paradise


thursday + friday

november 11th + 12th

sufjan stevens

@ the orpheum


thursday, november 11th

shearwater

horse feathers

damien jurado

anais mitchell

@ the house of blues


thursday, november 11th

deer tick

@ the royale boston


thursday, november 11th

mumford & sons

cadillac sky

king charles

@ the house of blues


friday, november 12th

bottomless pit

black helicopter

chris brokaw

@ the middle east downstairs


saturday, november 13th

roky erickson

@ the royale boston


saturday, november 13th

grinderman

(nick cave, warren ellis, + more)

@ the house of blues


sunday, november 14th

elizabeth mitchell (of ida)

and friends

(a children's show!)

4:30pm @ club passim


sunday, november 14th

man or astro-man?

@ the middle east downstairs


monday, november 15th

la roux

@ the house of blues


tuesday, november 16th

a night of springsteen covers

with chris keene (mean creek),

corin ashley, dave aaronoff,

brendan little, hilken mancini,

the dirty truckers, drew o'doherty,

and more to be announced

marking the release of the new

6-disk 'darkness on the edge of town'

box set @ tt the bears


tuesday, november 16th

the posies

brendan benson

aqueduct

@ the royale boston


wednesday, november 17th

cornershop

@ the middle east downstairs


thursday, november 18th

kate nash

@ the paradise


thursday, november 18th

bear in heaven

@ the middle east downstairs


friday, november 19th

township

the lights out

the organ beats

@ tt the bears


saturday, november 20th

delorean

lemonade

@ the middle east downstairs


wednesday, november 24th

idlewild

happy hollows

@ the middle east downstairs


thursday, december 2nd

director/actor kevin smith

@ the house of blues


saturday, december 4th

peter hook + the light

play joy division's "unknown pleasures"

@ the royale boston


saturday, december 4th

killing joke

@ the paradise


visit tourfilter for more shows






Friday, April 17, 2009

Here It Comes: The 2009 Independent Film Festival of Boston
Cinema-loving ladies and gents, the 2009 Independent Film Festival of Boston is upon us. Without fail, I start to get excited about this sucker from the moment the dates are announced, moreso as the full lineup is unveiled, and I don't lose that feeling until the final frames of the closing-night film. From this coming Wednesday evening, April 22nd, through Tuesday night the 28th, I'll forego the rock shows and switch into all-movie mode, and I absolutely cannot wait.

Each year the IFFB seems to get a little bit better, in a variety of ways (from the schedule to the guest list to the web site), and it's no different this time around. For this, the seventh edition, they've added the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston as a new venue, and if you check out the interactive schedule, you'll notice a vast improvement in its features. Filters, sorting, pop-ups for film info and theater locations - everything is easy to find, and being able to print out your own customized schedule is hugely appreciated. Head on over and check it out.

For past fests I've done both a highlights post and a full film list here on the 'Nac, with official site links and trailers - sometimes before the IFFB site was ready - as a way to make myself research every film and ensure I didn't miss out on anything. This year, though, their spiffy online schedule has made it so easy that my own link-gathering was a little redundant. Instead, I'm just sticking with my own anticipated highlights. So here's a list of the films that jump out at me, a few for each day of the fest, which includes (of course) some music-related movies alongside those with intriguing premises from notable creators.

Before I get to that, some things you should know...
  • One of the best parts of the fest is when actors and creators appear along with their work, and there are some excellent actors coming to town this year. One of my all-time faves, Mr. Brian Cox, will be here for a screening of "The Escapist" (details on that are below). Also appearing at screenings this year will be Kevin Corrigan (fresh off having a major impact on the Damages season finale), returning guest Chris Cooper (a fave since "Lone Star"), Hal Holbrook (!), Barry Corbin, Bobcat Goldthwait (as a director), Bobby & Peter Farrelly, and Red Sox pitching great Luis "El Tiante" Tiant.

  • Some of the best films I've caught at past IFFB's are due to recommendations from Program Director Adam Roffman, who usually points out a couple "don't miss" flicks that I might otherwise overlook. This year, he's taking his recommendations to the IFFB Blog, so keep an eye out there. His first pick, "Birdwatchers", wasn't even on my radar until reading his words, and it's now going on my own schedule. His second and third selections are now up as well.

  • While I attempt to tackle the narrative and documentary features below, time prohibits me from digging into the short film selections. So make sure you check out this easy link to all six of the Short Film Programs that are offered throughout the week, and dive into all of their deets. The packaged short categories are: Animation, Documentaries, Comedy, Twisted, Global, and Dramatic. There's also a program for Boston University's Center for Digital Imaging Arts on Saturday afternoon.

  • Check out the two panel discussions, as well: "Discussing the Documentary" and "Followers: How Filmmakers are Building Their Audiences Online in the 21st Century".

  • Links to this years participating theaters: The Somerville Theatre in Davis Square, Somerville; The Brattle Theatre in Harvard Square, Cambridge; The Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline; The Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston on the waterfront.

  • Check out the IFFB '09 Facebook Event page, follow them on Twitter, sign up for their mailing list, or befriend them on MySpace.

  • Buy tickets to individual screenings here, or full festival passes here.
  • And now, my personal picks for the 2009 IFFBoston. It was not easy to trim this down, believe me, so be sure to go over the full schedule with a fine-tooth comb on your own so you don't miss something I happen to skip here...


    Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009


  • The opening night film this year is from the man responsible for the brilliant "Brick", one of my favorites flicks of 2005. It took writer/director Rian Johnson three years to follow it up with "The Brothers Bloom", and he scored quite the killer cast: Rachel Weisz, Adrien Brody, Mark Ruffalo, "Babel"s Rinko Kikuchi, Robbie Coltrane, Maximilian Schell, and narrator Ricky Jay. Johnson will be in attendance to chat about the film, maybe the intervening years and, hopefully, what he's got ahead. After "Brick", he's got my loyalty for life. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at the Somerville at 7:30pm on 4/22)



    Thursday, April 23rd, 2009


    I tried to limit myself to picking a max of three per night, but failed utterly. The lack of cloning technology will prevent me from seeing all these, but I can't resist recommending them...

  • The second night brings a couple of distinctly local-flavored films, including the premiere of Amy Grill's techno music documentary "Speaking In Code", which connects the dots from the birth of techno music 20 years ago through it's state today. Local places and faces play a prominent part, including Boston-based DJ (and Weekly Dig A&E editor) David Day. Amy will be in attendance for a post-screening Q&A, and it's a safe bet that David will be there, too. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at the Somerville at 7pm on 4/23)

  • Shot in and around Boston, the drama "Children of Invention" makes its New England premiere on Thursday as well. Randolph, MA native Tze Chun wrote and directed this story of two children left to fend for themselves after the disappearance of their mother. It's already received critical acclaim after a strong Sundance showing, and will be screening twice during the IFFB. Tze Chun and producer Mynette Louie will be there both nights. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 7:15pm on 4/23 and 7:30pm on 4/24, both at the Somerville).

  • After nearly stealing 2007's "Into The Wild" with just a few scenes, veteran actor Hal Holbrook takes center stage in "That Evening Sun" as farmer Abner Meecham, returning to his homestead after an unwanted stay in a nursing facility. His return home is not an easy one, as he finds his farm leased to a contentious stranger by his son (the brilliant Walton Goggins, Shane from "The Shield"). While the film first screens on Thursday, Mr. Holbrook and co-star Barry Corbin will only be attending the Sunday screening with director Scott Teems (who will be at both). (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 7:30pm on 4/23 and 3pm on 4/26, both at the Somerville )

  • I'm a sucker for a good detective story, and I'm also a sucker for anything with Amy Ryan ("The Wire", "Gone Baby Gone", "The Office") in it. Throw in fellow Academy Award nominee Michael Shannon ("Revolutionary Road") and I'm so very there. Noah Buschel's "The Missing Person" puts an old-school, hard-drinkin', chain-smokin' private dick up on a modern-day shadowing case, and I expect a few twists and a couple of turns. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 9:45pm at the Somerville Theatre on 4/23)

  • True-crime character-study "Bronson" points the camera at Tom Hardy's powerful portrayal of real-life UK prison inmate Michael Peterson, who famously changed his name to 'Charles Bronson'. This is another of IFFB program director Adam Roffman's personal recommendations, and sounds like the perfect late-night capper for the fest's second (or fourth) day. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 10pm on 4/23 and 9:45pm on 4/25, both in Somerville)



    Friday, April 24th, 2009


  • Dubbed an "anti-rom-com", Mark Webb's directorial debut "500 Days Of Summer" stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt (one of my favorite actors, thanks to his work in both "Brick" and "The Lookout") and indie-darling Zooey Deschanel. As if that wasn't enough to get me there, the two trailers give us a peek at a choreographed, outdoor dance number, shows She & Him singer Zooey with a microphone, and throws in my favorite Smiths song ever. Hello! (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 7pm on 4/24 at the Somerville)

  • Bestor Cram's documentary "Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison" dives deep into the story surrounding Cash's legendary 1968 performance, interviewing his bandmates, inmates, and friends. Given the subject and the music he made, it won't surprise me if the film is great -- what's truly surprising is that it took this long for such a doc to get made. Director Cram will be attending the screening for a Cash-flavored Q&A. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 7:15pm on 4/24 at the Somerville)

  • Comedian Patton Oswalt takes center stage in Robert Siegel's "Big Fan" as an obsessive NY Giants fan whose encounter with one of their star players takes a distinctly nasty turn. If you're at all familiar with Kevin Corrigan or Michael Rappaport, you know they're perfectly cast as fellow football freaks. The film was nominated for this year's Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, and Oswalt just picked up the best actor award at CA's Method Fest. Writer/director Siegel (who also wrote "The Wrestler") and Kevin Corrigan will both be at the screening. (IFFB page / IMDB entry / Screening at 9:15pm on 4/24 at the Somerville)

  • It shouldn't be a shock that "Chip On My Shoulder", chronicling the 20-year history of Boston hardcore legends Slapshot, was one of the first of this year's films to sell right out of advance tickets. Their fans are legion, their influence on the local hardcore community can't be overstated, and most of the people involved in the doc's creation are from the area. This screening, marking the film's world premiere, promises to be one hell of a party. Directors Ian McFarland and Anthony Moreschi (themselves longtime local musicians) will of course be there, along with Slapshot themselves. (MySpace page / IFFB page / Screening at 7pm on 4/24 at the Brattle)

  • A small Canadian town, a fading shock-jock on the morning DJ shift, and... the walking dead? Perfect ingredients for a midnight screening, I'd say. Director Bruce McDonald's "Pontypool" promises suspense over gore, tension over torture, a zombie flick with brains. Mmmmm... brains. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at midnight on 4/24 at the Brattle)



    Saturday, April 25th, 2009


  • The name Dennis Lambert, the subject of son Jody Lambert's documentary "Of All The Things", might not be familiar to many, but the songs he wrote in the 70s probably are ("Baby Come Back", "Ain't No Woman [Like the One I Got]", "Rhinestone Cowboy"). More successful as a songwriter than a solo artist, his own 1972 album was ignored here, but unexpectedly became a massive hit in the Philippines. The doc chronicles Lambert's reluctant return to the spotlight as a Filipino promoter convinces him to visit for a tour, 30 years after the success he never got to experience. Jody Lambert will be at the screening to talk about his dad. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 5:15pm on 4/25 at the Somerville)

  • Adam Scott (who I'm totally digging in new TV comedy "Party Down") stars in writer/director Lee Toland Krieger's "The Vicious Kind", a tension-filled family drama that takes place over a New England Thanksgiving. Dark humor (much of which, I'd imagine, comes from the excellent J.K. Simmons, who plays the dad) and awkward moments should abound, particularly given the dramatic leanings of executive producer Neil LaBute. Krieger will be on hand for the screening. (IFFB page / IMDB entry / Screening at 6:45pm on 4/25 at the Somerville)

  • Ok, so if there was one documentary at this year's fest that was made just for me, it would be this one: "I Need That Record!", directed by 22 year-old Brendan Toller, takes a look at the decline (and as the subtitle says "Or Possible Survival") of the independent record store. I've spent a good chunk of my life (and my money) in these hangouts, worked at a few, and long-ago dreamed of someday opening one of my own. It's with equal parts nostalgia and selfishness that I hope for their success, and this film looks at the reasons behind their decline and the challenges they face. The many familiar talking heads (and one actual Talking Head) interviewed include Fugazi's Ian MacKaye, Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore, Minutemen/Stooges bassist Mike Watt, and even Newbury Comics' owner Mike Dreese, and a couple of CT-based stores are spotlighted. While director Toller isn't listed on the fest site as attending, he mentioned to me via email that he'd be there. It inspire (and unsettles?) me that someone who wasn't even born when I bought my first 7" has created a film about my favorite places. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 7pm on 4/25 at the Somerville)

  • A hometown hero is "The Lost Son Of Havana" in director Jonathan Hock's documentary about Boston Red Sox pitching great Luis "El Tiante" Tiant and his emotional return to his native Cuba, 46 years after having to choose baseball over his homeland following the Bay of Pigs invasion. Narrator Chris Cooper and producers Peter & Bobby Farrelly will join Hock at the screening, and if we're lucky, maybe we'll catch a glimpse of the man himself. (IFFB page / IMDB entry / Screening at 8pm on 4/25 at the Somerville)

  • When I first saw the description for "Grace", my reaction was equal parts revulsion and "Whoa, I need to see that!". Mission accomplished, synopsis. I'll keep my own summary to three words: Hungry. Zombie. Baby. Need more convincing? Well, a couple of audience members passed out at the Sundance screening. I'll be at the Brattle for the midnight creep-out, and so will director Paul Solet. It's a special sort of homecoming for former Emerson student Solet, who grew up near the theatre in Cambridge, and hopefully a packed and rowdy crowd will be on hand to welcome him and his, uh, undead baby, back to town. (IFFB page / IMDB listing / Screening at midnight on 4/25 at the Brattle)



    Sunday, April 26th, 2009



  • As a relatively new dad who's spent time with his little guy at the Boston Children's Museum, I'm very much looking forward to Laura Longsworth's documentary "Luckey". The film doesn't just chronicle the creation of the wonderful three-story climbing structure in the museum's center, but tells the tale of designer and sculptor Tom Luckey, who suffered a tragic fall at home before his structure could be built, and who vows to finish it. It's a story of art, expression, perseverance, and most of all, family. Director Longsworth will be in attendance at this Sunday afternoon screening. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 2:45pm on 4/26 at the Somerville)

  • Alex Karpovksy's "Trust Us, This Is All Made Up" is a study of the art of improvisation between two seasoned Second City pros: TJ Jagodowski and David Pasquesi. The film documents the creation and performance of a special one-night show (but really, they're all one-night shows), and should appeal not just to those who want to examine the process and unique experience of comedic improv, but those who are just lookin' to laugh. Karpovsky will be in attendance, improvising answers during a post-screening Q&A. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 5:15pm on 4/26 at the Somerville)

  • As the tragedy of hurricane Katrina unfolded, one of my first and foremost thoughts was of all those domesticated animals left behind by the thousands of evacuees. I remember the first interview I saw with someone who was devastated because of the pet they were forced to abandon, and my heart sank. Then came footage of lonely pets perched on barely-visible rooftops. Geralyn Pezanoski's documentary "Mine" follows animal rescue workers as they dive in to save every creature they can, and the aftermath of finding either their original owners or happy new homes. Guaranteed to be an emotional rollercoaster ride for animal-lovers, but hopefully the joy outweighs the heartbreak. Director Perzanoski will be on hand at both screenings to discuss the film, which received the Audience Award for Best Documentary at this year's South by Southwest. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 1:45pm on 4/25 and at 5:30pm on 4/26, both at the Somerville)

  • In the presence of greatness: Brian Cox comes to Boston for "The Escapist", directed and co-written (specifically for Cox) by Rupert Wyatt. The cast is absolutely top-notch, as Cox is joined by Damian Lewis (who will always be "Band of Brothers" Major Winters to me), Joseph Fiennes, and Seu Jorge for this gritty prison-escape drama. If the fact that Mr. Cox will be in the room doesn't guarantee your attendance, then the trailer surely should. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 8:15pm on 4/26 at the Somerville)



    Monday, April 27th, 2009


    Monday night is ICA Night for IFFB09, as both screenings take place, for the first time in the fest's seven-year history, on the Boston waterfront at the Institute of Contemporary Arts/Boston.

  • First things get a little meta for a movie about the movies, or more specifically, a movie about those who write about the movies. Gerald Peary's documentary "For The Love Of Movies" is an unashamed ode to the professional film critic, an in-depth history of movie criticism that tackles the first 100 years of cinema-fueled opinion, and examines the impact of the internet now that every movie blogger's a critic. Director Gerald Peary will be on hand, and may or may not welcome your in-person criticisms. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 7pm on 4/27 at the ICA/Boston)

  • Thematically perfect for an ICA showing, director Doug Pray's "Art & Copy" takes a look at the place where culture and commerce collide: Modern day advertising. He profiles the creative minds behind some of the most ubiquitous ad campaigns of our time, and examines the often blurry line between business and art. The director will be in attendance for a post-film Q&A. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 9:15pm on 4/27 at the ICA/Boston)



    Tuesday, April 28th, 2009


    The film that brings the 7th edition of the Independent Film Festival of Boston to a close is directed by... Bobcat Goldthwait? I'll admit that I was clueless about the comedian's directorial work since 1991's "Shakes The Clown", but he's built up a healthy (mostly tv) resume since 2000. His latest film work is "World's Greatest Dad", starring Robin Williams, Daryl Sabara, and the damn-funny Morgan Murphy, and Goldthwait will be present on Tuesday night to take questions. And probably not do his amazing Bono impression. (IFFB page / IMDB entry / Screening at 8pm on 4/28 at the Coolidge)
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