Kurt GardnerTHE ONLINE MINI-FEST INCLUDES LIVE STREAM Q&As WITH FILMMAKERS
From Sept. 16-20, SAFILM will resume its mini-fest with a selection of features and short films from all over the world.
“Film lovers can now enjoy an incredible roster of global films for the rest of the year,” says Executive Director Adam Rocha. “All-Access pass holders can log on anytime during our Mini-Fest to stream new content — just like Netflix — every month from local, regional and international filmmakers.”
Over 150 films have been selected for the 2020 SAFILM program, including work from over 21 local San Antonio filmmakers, as well as international selections from Japan, Singapore, Jerusalem, France, Switzerland, Amsterdam, Spain, Bulgaria and more.
Here are highlights of this month’s line-up:
Features
SHOW ME WHAT YOU GOT (narrative feature — USA)
Director: Svetlana Cvetko
SAFILM Grand Jury Prize Feature Film
Richly lensed in black and white on the cityscape of Los Angeles, the film recalls the French nouvelle vague as it focuses on three twenty-somethings who come together.
LIVE STREAM Q+A with director Svetlana Cvetko (also Director of Photography); Cristina Rambaldi (Lead Actress); and David Scott Smith (Producer/Editor) on Thursday, Sept. 17 from 7:00-8:00 p.m.
ANDRE AND HIS OLIVE TREE (documentary — Singapore )
Official Food Film category feature, sanctioned by San Antonio’s World Heritage Office and the city’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, purposely designed to cross-link the arts of gastronomy and film.
This film explores our obsession with perfection through the eyes of a Taiwanese Michelin chef who is ready to give it all up. André and His Olive Tree tells the story of Chef André as he prepares to close his beloved Restaurant André on Valentine’s Day 2018 and return his beloved Michelin stars.
LIVE STREAM Q&A on Friday, Sept. 18 from 7:00=8:00 p.m. with Director Josiah Ng and Producer Caleb Quek, moderated by Angela Covo, editor-in-chief, Edible San Antonio.
TEENAGE GIRL: FIRST WHEELS (narrative feature — USA)
This film from local director Aaron Lee Lopez stars iconic 1980s actor Corey Feldman (Stand By Me) along with local actors Claire Tablizo and Jaeden Riley Juarez. When her family goes out of town, Alex and her fellow band geek friend Claire decide to take her brother’s red 1966 Mustang on weekend joyride in the hope of appearing cool.
LIVE STREAM Q&A. Cast & Crew scheduled for Live Zoom Talkback on Wednesday, Sept 16 from 7:00-8:00 p.m.
WOMAN OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS (narrative feature — Japan)
A misogynist photographer discovers for the first time in his life the joys of loving a woman — confused about her self-identity and self-esteem — by helping her perceptions of herself with his photographic retouching skills.
Short Film Blocks
BRILLIANT FUTURES: High School Shorts Block, sponsored by ARGO GROUP, featuring seven short films by high-school students, including four from Texas filmmakers from San Antonio, Austin and Dallas.
THE BREAKING POINT: We’ve reached it — now what?
SHE: Showcase of female-driven films.
WITH FRIENDS LIKE THESE: Stories of friendship.
Movie lovers can stream official selections by purchasing a all-access pass for $69; a monthly Mini-Fest Pass for $29; or individual movie tickets for $5.00. VIP Passes are also available for $99 and include a commemorative T-shirt, plus an all-access streaming pass. Tickets are available here.
The Festival continues throughout the year. Future Mini-Fests will stream October 14-18, November 11-15, and Dec 9-13. See the full schedule of films at SAFILM’s official website.
Feature photo: Show Me What You Got. All photos courtesy SAFILM.
Pauline Adamek
