Sundance is over, and it’s kind of a kick in the butt to get back into reality. I loved this false world I was living in, at the same time that it was real life. It was one man’s livelyhood on the line for his film, and another woman’s family backing her entire production costs. Real life and great worlds blended together to create a phenominal experience, and I want to share it with you now.

Friday Jan 16th

“Before Tomorrow” Sundance

Probably one of the most amazing films I have ever seen, it told the story of a family, and later a grandson and his grandmother. It definitely was amazing as my first film, and so beautifully shot. It had me and my seat neighbors in tears at the finale. (more…)

Mississippi Damned

Lizzie and I had the chance to see the excellent Mississippi Damned at the Slamdance Film Festival, and while waiting in line we met the director and the editor of the film. We were both impressed by the story, cinematography, and the editing - the film immediately gives a strong impression of place, and the mood of the film alternates between a poetic and recollective style and an intense immediacy. The performances throughout the film were quite strong and the characters were utterly convincing.

Here’s a brief interview with the director, Tina Mabry. For more about the film, check out Lizzie’s review, and the film’s website.

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The importance of family: Sammy, his mother, and sister

“Coming out of Sundance is probably one of the greatest films ever,” a common line you hear often enough. But rare is a film heard of picked up out of Slamdance. In this case, I am recommending that any film company that wants a great film should be checking out Mississippi Damned. Based on director Tina Mabry’s young life story, the family and friends followed have difficulties, including deaths and murders, rapes, and general fights as well as parties. The film also explores sexual differences including connecting with a young lesbian couple, and adultery, as well as boyfriends and girlfriends, and wives and their husbands. (more…)