The 25th Annual San Luis Obispo Film Festival (March 12-17) has revealed its full slate of films which will begin with the previously announced special Opening Night performance by Katharine Ross followed by a 50th Anniversary screening of the classic BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID. Along with the films competing in the George Sidney Independent Films Competition, SLO is bringing back several festival favorites from years past for encore presentations. The line-up includes 147 films (23 narrative features, 38 documentary features, and 86 short films) representing 25 countries.
Everyone’s favorite bike companion in the late 60s was Etta Place (Katharine Ross) (BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID)
“It’s always exciting for a film festival to celebrate an anniversary, and this is a big one for us. 25 Years! So along with another great lineup up of competition films, especially on the documentary side where our cup runneth over, as they say, we have brought back a number of favorites from years past here at SLO. There are award winners and films that truly affected our audiences, as well as classics that speak to the film festival’s history or literally started traditions that we continue to follow today. A wonderful mix of the old with the new to cap a quarter century here at the SLO Film Fest!”
Kicking off the film festival will be the special Opening Night event, “An Evening with Katharine Ross” will take place on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at the Fremont Theatre, The acclaimed five-piece Malibu Coast Silent Film Orchestra will accompany Ross as she recounts the true story from Margaret K Wetterer’s “Kate Shelley and the Midnight Express,” of Kate Shelley followed by a special introduction to one of her classic films, BUTCH CASSIDY & THE SUNDANCE KID.
AFTER EVERYTHING
Closing Night will feature the presentation of San Luis Obispo native 25-year-old Hannah Marks’ directorial debut, AFTER EVERYTHING to local audiences. Co-directed with Joey Power, AFTER EVERYTHING premiered at SXSW in 2018 to rave reviews and Marks was named one of the Rolling Stone’s 25 under 25 Artists Changing the World. In the film, a young couple’s relationship develops quickly when one of them is diagnosed with a life-changing illness.
DELICATE BALANCE
MAYBE A LOVE STORY
THE SOCIAL SHIFT
Making its world premiere will be Dina Mande’s TIN CITY about the wine region in Paso Robles wine country that has grown into a mecca for food and wine travelers from around the world. Guillermo García López’s thought provoking DELICATE BALANCE, which looks at stories on three continents that touch on questions regarding our humanity, makes its North American premiere. Rodrigo Bernardo’s MAYBE A LOVE STORY, about a man seeking to find out who the woman that just broke up with him actually is, since he has no recollection of her, and Meaghan and Marie Wright’s documentary THE SOCIAL SHIFT, which captures the stories of change makers who use business as a tool for social good, will both be making their U.S. premieres at the SLO Film Fest this year.
TIN CITY
WEINER TAKES ALL
PLAGUES AND PLEASURES ON THE SALTON SEA
The 25 Years of Memorable Movies series of special screenings will include memorable films from the film festival’s past, including; Sky Bergman’s LIVES WELL LIVED (2016), a multiple award-winning filmed survey of forty people, aged 75-100, sharing their stories of how to lead a meaningful life; Laura Davis and Tjardus Greidanus’ THE SHOT FELT AROUND THE WORLD (2012), the dramatic story of the development of the polio vaccine; Shane McDougall’s WEINER TAKES ALL (2009), a tongue-in-cheek “dogumentary” about the surprisingly cutthroat world of dachshund races, Chris Metzler’s PLAGUES AND PLEASURES ON THE SALTON SEA (2004), the award-wining look at a blue jewel sitting in he harsh desert valley in California’s southeast corner; and Tom Walters’ BOTSO (2014), another award-winner, about Wachtung “Botso” Korisheli – musician, sculptor, and beloved teacher to generations.
A STAR IS BORN
THE BIGAMIST
CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON
Among the classics brought back for an encore are; William Wellman’s A STAR IS BORN (1937) and William Wellman Jr’s documentary about his legendary father, WILD BILL: HOLLYWOOD MAVERICK (1996). Wellman Jr. will be on hand for both screenings to discuss his father’s amazing career. Other classics to be seen on the big screens will include; King Vidor’s HALLELUJAH (1929), the first “sound” film directed by the festival’s career achievement award namesake; Ida Lupino’s THE BIGAMIST (1953), with film critic and journalist Elizabeth Weitzman attending to discuss the film in relation to her latest book, “Renegade Women in Film and TV” in which Lupino certainly has a prominent place; Anthony Mann’s epic EL CID (1962) starring Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren; John Ford’s THE QUIET MAN (1952), screening appropriately enough, on St. Patrick’s Day; a 3-D presentation of CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON (1954), and a MARY POPPINS (1964) Sing-along, continuing a SLO tradition that started in 2000.
SATORI
The San Luis Obispo International Film Festival’s hugely popular “Surf Nite,” celebrating the surfing culture and community via films featuring the gigantic waves and the people that seek to conquer them captured on the big screen will be back at the Fremont Theatre on Friday, March 15. The focus is on South Africa this year with the California premiere of SATORI, with director Rick Wall and surfer Rod Torr coming from Cape Town to attend the fest. The evening will begin with the short film CAN’T STEAL OUR VIBE, directed by Graham Nash for Van’s, about a program to inspire disadvantaged youth in South Africa, Additionally, “Surf’s Up at the Bay Theatre” the following day will include; Anna Moore’s THE ESSENCE, featuring archival footage by Bud Browne, a pioneer in surf cinematography; Elizabeth Pepin Silva’s SUPER STOKED SURF MAMAS OF PLEASURE POINT, a film celebrating mothers who surf; and Aaron Lieber’s UNSTOPPABLE: BETHANY HAMILTON, about the charismatic young surfer who lost her arm to a tiger shark at age 13 – all of which will be screened at the Bay Theater in Morro Bay (464 Morro Bay Blvd.) on Saturday, March 16.
MISHIMA: A LIFE IN FOUR CHAPTERS
The Special Presentations will also include the “Fighting Fascism” Film Series. The program will feature interactive talks, including one by Professor of Literature Larry Inchausti (“Hard to Be a Saint in the City”) about Henry Miller’s response to the brilliant Japanese monarchist and militarist author and playwright Yuko Mishima. Films include; Jen Senko’s documentary THE BRAINWASHING OF MY DAD (2016) about her father’s transformation and descent into angry right-wing fanaticism due to his daily diet of FOX News viewing; Gregory La Cava’s GABRIEL OVER THE WHITE HOUSE (1933) starring Walter Huston as a political hack who becomes President, yet undergoes a change of conscience and becomes an incorruptible statesman; and Paul Schrader’s MISHIMA: A LIFE IN FOUR CHAPTERS (1985) about the celebrated and controversial Japanese author.
GUEST ARTIST
WOMAN AT WAR
Films selected for the Narrative Competition, include; Leon Chambers’ ABOVE THE CLOUDS; Richard Levien’s COLLISIONS; Timothy Busfield’s GUEST ARTIST; Danish Renzu’s HALF WIDOW; Jesus del Cerro’s HAWAII; Rodrigo Bernardo’s MAYBE A LOVE STORY; William Dickerson’s NO ALTERNATIVE; and Benedikt Erlingsson’s WOMAN AT WAR.
The robust group of Documentary Competition selections include; Steven Oritt’s ACCCIDENTAL CLIMBER; Sarah Menzies’ AFGHAN CYCLES; Nick Kovacic and Matt Riggieri’s AGAVE: SPIRIT OF A NATION; Emily Kassie’s A GIRL NAMED C; Robin Hauser’s BIAS; Mia Tate’s CAMPESINO; Oliva Martin-McGuire’s CHINA LOVE; M.A. Taylor’s THE CREEPY LINE; Guillermo García López’s DELICATE BALANCE; Dina Khreino’s FINE LINES; Sarah Kerruish and Matt Maude’s GENERAL MAGIC; Bernardo Ruiz’s HARVEST SEASON; Susan Rivo’s LEFT ON PEARL; Lis Bartlett’s LIGHT IN THE WATER; Meigan and Lucas Bell’s LIVE THE STREAM: THE STORY OF JOE HUMPHREYS; Aube Giroux’s MODIFIED; Delila Vallot’s SATAN AND ADAM; Rob Stewart’s SHARKWATER EXTINCTION; Meaghan and Marie Wright’s THE SOCIAL SHIFT; Dina Mande’s TIN CITY; Collin Monda’s THE TROUBLE WITH WOLVES; Tyler Florence’s UNCRUSHABLE; and Rob Garver’s WHAT SHE SAID: THE ART OF PAULINE KAEL; and Zachary Stauffer’s WHO KILLED LT. VAN DORN?
Passes are now on sale and information on the film festival can be found at https://slofilmfest.org.
CHINA LOVE
FINE LINES
HARVEST SEASON
The 2019 San Luis Obispo Film Festival official selections include:
OPENING NIGHT GALA
BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID (1969)
Director: George Roy Hill
Country: USA, Running Time: 113 min
The true story of fast-draws and wild rides, battles with posses, train and bank robberies, a torrid love affair and a new lease on outlaw life in far away Bolivia. It is also a character study of a remarkable friendship between Butch – possibly the most likeable outlaw in frontier history – and his closest associate, the fabled, ever-dangerous Sundance Kid.
SURF NITE IN SLO
SATORI
Director: Rick Wall
Country: South Africa, Running Time: 54 min
The beautifully cinematic SATORI documents a close-knit group of Cape Town big wave surfers who have dedicated their lives to the ocean and riding the huge waves off their picturesque shore. “Satori” is a Japanese Buddhist word meaning a sudden moment of awakening or ‘glimpse of truth’ – the essence of surfing for many. Featuring the awe-inspiring waves at two surf breaks on the South Penisula, the film focuses on the infamous “Dungeons” and Sunset Reed off the small seaside village of Kommetjie.
Screening with
CAN’T STEAL OUR VIBE
Director: Graham Nash
Country: USA/South Africa, Running Time: 33 min
CLOSING NIGHT
AFTER EVERYTHING
Director: Hannah Marks, Joey Power
Country: USA, Running Time: 95 min.
San Luis Obispo native 25-year-old Hannah Marks presents her directorial debut, AFTER EVERYTHING to local audiences. Premiering at SXSW in 2018, Marks was named one of the Rolling Stone’s 25 under 25 Artists Changing the World. In the film, a young couple’s relationship develops quickly when one of them is diagnosed with a life-changing illness.
SURF’S UP AT THE BAY THEATRE
THE ESSENCE
Director: Anna Moore
Country: USA, Running Time: 43 min
Considered the “father” of the surf film genre, Bud Browne captured the early years of big wave surfing while pioneering his unique cinematography. In 2008, the SLO Film Fest honored the then 95-year-old Pismo Beach resident and world famous surfers paid tribute to him. Anna Moore helped coordinate that event, and is fortunate to be able to share his incredible, archival footage in her new film, THE ESSENCE.
SUPER STOKED SURF MAMAS OF PLEASURE POINT
Director: Elizabeth Pepin Silva
Country: USA, Running Time: 20 min
A film about women who surf – and they aren’t about to be slowed down by pregnancy or child-rearing either. This inspired community of fit young women in Santa Cruz embody the spirit of friendship and shared experience while doing what they love.
UNSTOPPABLE: BETHANY HAMILTON
Director: Aaron Lieber
County: USA, Running Time: 38 min
A recent audience award winner at the Palm Springs Film Festival, UNSTOPPABLE: BETHANY HAMILTON is about the surfer who lost her arm to a tiger shark at age 13. However, that didn’t stop her from pursuing her dream of becoming a professional surfer. It wasn’t just the competition that fueled her, but her deep love for the ocean. Not only has she conquered giant waves but also the challenges of being a mother – all with one arm. She continues to inspire and seems truly “unstoppable!”
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
A STAR IS BORN (1937)
Director: William Wellman
Country: USA, Running Time: 111 min
For 86 years, “A Star Is Born” has been the gift that just keeps on giving. Few films have been re-made successfully five times, which includes the most recent multi-Oscar nominated version starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. Based on an original story called “The Truth About Hollywood,” writer/director William Wellman went on to win an Oscar (with co-writer Robert Carson) for the screen version that starred Frederic March and Janet Gaynor in 1937. The story of a young woman who comes to Hollywood with dreams of stardom, but achieves them only with the help of an alcoholic leading man whose best days are behind him, is seemingly timeless.
THE BIGAMIST (1953)
Director: Ida Lupino
Country: USA, Running Time: 80 min
THE BIGAMIST stars Edmond O’Brien, an ordinary salesman who through unusual circumstances finds himself in a complicated marital triangle. Joan Fontaine and Ida Lupino star as the two women in his life.
BOTSO (2014)
Director: Tom Walters
Countries: USA/The Republic of Georgia, Running Time: 82 min
The story of nonagenarian Wachtung “Botso” Korisheli – musician, sculptor, beloved teacher to generations – is an inspiring example of resilience. Escaping Stalinist Georgia into Nazi Poland and Germany, Botso eventually found his way to Morro Bay. Through interviews with him and many musicians and artists he has mentored, and in sequences filmed on a trip to his native Republic of Georgia, the picture of a uniquely warm, creative and gentle soul emerges.
THE BRAINWASHING OF MY DAD (2016)
Director: Jen Senko
Country: USA, Running Time: 90 min
In this fascinating personal story, Jen Senko examines her father’s transformation from a life-long, apolitical Democrat to an angry, right-wing fanatic. Her film isn’t just about one family slowly losing a loved one to ugly political extremism. It’s a densely packed examination of how shrewd strategists have engineered how right-wing think tanks, advocacy groups and media outlets together achieved what the left has refused, or been unable, to do: manipulate the minds of America.
CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON (1954)
Director: Jack Arnold
Country: USA, Running Time: 79 min
The last in the classic movie monster films developed by Universal, the story tells of a scientific expedition searching for fossils along the Amazon River, when they discover a prehistoric Gill-Man in the legendary Black Lagoon. The explorers capture the mysterious creature, but it breaks free, and the sexy Kay (Julie Adams) is quite worried because he’s smitten!
EL CID (1962)
Director: Anthony Mann
Countries: USA/Italy, Running Time: 184 min
The fabled Spanish hero Rodrigo Diaz (a.k.a. El Cid) overcomes a family vendetta and court intrigue to defend Christian Spain against the Moors.
GABRIEL OVER THE WHITE HOUSE (1933)
Director: Gregory La Cava
Country: USA, Running Time: 86 min
A political hack becomes President Judson Hammond (Walter Huston) during the height of the Great Depression, and is content to live out the next four years exercising a hands-off approach that leaves millions in need. But after a near fatal accident, he undergoes a metamorphosis into an incorruptible statesman and neither Congress, gangsters nor the nations of the world can stop him.
HALLELUJAH (1929)
Director: King Vidor
Country: USA, Running Time: 109 min
In a juke joint, sharecropper Zeke falls for a beautiful dancer, Chick. However, she’s only setting him up for a rigged craps game. He loses $100, all of the money he got for his family’s cotton crop, and his brother is mortally wounded in the shoot-out which follows. Later, he returns as a preacher with a huge following, including Chick. He has plans to marry Missy Rose, but now Chick has re-entered the picture.
LIVES WELL LIVED (2016)
Director: Sky Bergman
Country: USA, Running Time: 72 min
Through their intimate memories and inspiring personal histories encompassing over 3000 years of experience, forty people aged 75-100 share their secrets and insights to living a meaningful life. These men and women open the vault on their journey into old age through family histories, personal triumph and tragedies, loves and losses – seeing the best and worst of humanity along the way. Their stories will make you laugh, perhaps cry, but mostly inspire you.
LOVE AND BANANAS (2018)
Director: Ashley Bell
Country: USA, Running Time: 77 min
This incredibly moving documentary follows filmmaker Ashley Bell and a team of elephant rescuers led by world-renowned Asian elephant conservationist Lek Chailert. They embark on a daring 48-hour mission across Thailand to rescue a 70-year-old captive blind Asian elephant to bring her to freedom. This is an eye-opening look at what elephants endure as pawns in the “tourist trade” in Thailand and the struggles Chailert and other conservationists go through in a country where animals have no rights. Love often prevails! Inspiring, heart-wrenching and a must-see for animal lovers everywhere.
MARY POPPINS (1964)
Director: Robert Stevenson
Country: USA, Running Time: 139 min
In turn of the century London, a magical nanny employs music and adventure to help two neglected children become closer to their distracted father.
MISHIMA: A LIFE IN FOUR CHAPTERS (1985)
Director: Paul Schrader
Countries Japan/USA, Running Time: 120 min
Japan’s greatest author Yukio Mishima committed an act that shocked the world. This is the fictionalized account of the four chapters of the life of the celebrated writer. Three of the segments parallel events in Mishima’s life with his novels (The Temple of the Golden Pavilion, Kyoko’s House, and Runaway Horses) while the fourth depicts actual events of The Last Day. This sensational film, directed and written by American Paul Schrader, has never been officially released theatrically or on home video in Japan to this day because of the controversy over both Yukio Mishima’s politics and the film itself.
PICK OF THE LITTER (2018)
Directors: Don Hardy Jr., Dana Nachman
Country: USA, Running Time: 81 min
PICK OF THE LITTER follows a litter of puppies from the moment they’re born and begin their quest to become Guide Dogs for the Blind, the ultimate canine career. Cameras follow the adorable pups through a two-year odyssey as they train to become dogs whose ultimate responsibility is to protect their blind partners from harm. Along the way, the dogs meet a community of dedicated individuals who train them to do amazing, life-changing things in service of their human. The stakes are high and not every dog can make the cut. Only the best of the best – the pick of the litter!
PLAGUES AND PLEASURES ON THE SALTON SEA (2004)
Director: Chris Metzler
Country: USA, Running Time: 86 min
In the middle of a harsh desert valley in California’s southeast corner lies a glimmering blue jewel called the Salton Sea. Along its desolate shores stand boarded-up motels, dusty rural towns, half-flooded vacation homes and miles of sun-crisped fish carcasses. Amid this surreal and apocalyptic landscape survives a most unusual and unexpected group of eccentrics, who have carved out their own slice of paradise on the shores of this ecological disaster.
THE QUIET MAN
Director: John Ford
Country: USA, Running Time: 129 min
Sean Thorton (John Wayne) is an American who swears off boxing after accidentally killing an opponent. Returning to the Irish town of his birth, he finds happiness when he falls in love with the fiery Mary Kate (Maureen O’Hara.) Though he’s sorely tempted to pick up the gloves against her brother, the town bully, Sean is determined not to use his fists. But when push comes to shove, he decides to take matters into his own hands; the resulting fist fight erupts into the longest brawl ever filmed!
THE SHOT FELT AROUND THE WORLD (2012)
Directors: Laura Davis, Tjardus Greidanus
Country: USA, Running Time: 67 min
A mysterious disease strikes its young victims without warning each summer. Parents no longer allow their children to go to public pools or movie theatres for fear they might contract the potentially fatal disease. But Dr. Jonas Salk, an unknown 33-year-old scientist, would soon become a true American hero as he tirelessly led his brilliant team of scientists in a race against the clock, to develop a vaccine that would conquer the dreaded disease threatening the lives of millions.
TRYING TO GET GOOD: THE JAZZ ODYSSEY OF JACK SHELDON (2008)
Directors: Penny Peyser and Doug McIntrye
Country: USA, Running Time:
You may remember Jack Sheldon as Merv Griffin’s comedic trumpet-wielding sidekick, or the indelible voice on School House Rock, but musicians remember him as a jazz giant. Unlike his close friend and collaborator, Chet Baker, Sheldon survived the demons of drugs, alcohol and unspeakable personal tragedy. His signature sound continues to paint the landscape of American music. As friend Bill Crystal puts it, Sheldon is the “last cat standing” from the bebop generation. Featuring historic footage with Benny Goodman, Stan Kenton and other legends, and never before seen performances with the Jack Sheldon Orchestra, this in-depth documentary exposes the artist who’s just “trying to get good” on the trumpet, and at life as well.
WEINER TAKES ALL (2009)
Director: Shane McDougall
Country: USA/Canada, Running Time: 69 min
Welcome to the surprisingly cutthroat world of competitive wiener dogs, a world that boasts healthy dachshunds and rabid owners. Get the inside scoop on what drives these champion dogs and their colorful owners to compete, including an investigation into allegations of animal exploitation, cheating, doping and race rigging. With dachshund races, field trials, and candid interviews with the world’s top show dog personalities, this film offers a crash course in wiener dog politics – and a glimpse into the divisive controversies that have long dogged the dachshund community.
WILD BILL: HOLLYWOOD MAVERICK (1996)
Director: William Wellman Jr.
Country: USA, Running Time: 95 min
William “Wild Bill” Wellman forged a directing career spanning 35 years and 76 films, winning many nominations and awards including the Best Picture Oscar for WINGS in 1927. A daring fighter pilot seriously wounded in WWI, Wellman was not easily intimidated by the challenges of working in Hollywood and he built a reputation for his fiery, take-no-prisoners style. He worked with many of Hollywood’s legendary actors. Narrated by Alec Baldwin, there are interviews with many of the greats, including James Cagney, Clint Eastwood and Robert Mitchum.
GEORGE SIDNEY INDEPENDENT FILM COMPETITION
NARRATIVE FILM COMPETITION
ABOVE THE CLOUDS
Director: Leon Chambers
Country: UK, Running Time: 87 min
When headstrong Charlie discovers a biological father she didn’t know she had, she does what any 18-year old would do – she recruits a drifter to be her “responsible adult” and sets off for Scotland (with a learner’s permit) to try to find him. Gorgeous scenery and cinematography, wonderful writing and stellar acting make this a fun and unusual coming-of-age story.
COLLISIONS
Director: Richard Levien
Country: USA, Running Time: 82 min
When 12-year-old Itan Bautista’s mother is taken by ICE, she and her younger brother reluctantly lean on their unreliable uncle – a big-rig truck driver – as they embark on a cross-country journey to find her. This important timely story, told with heart, takes us behind the headlines and heated political debate. It’s well-paced, gritty and gut-wrenching, helping viewers better understand the angst of deportation and the impact the forced separations have on the entire family.
GUEST ARTIST
Director: Timothy Busfield
Country: USA, Running Time: 74 min
Jeff Daniels (The Newsroom, DUMB AND DUMBER) wrote, produced and starred in this film based on his play about a legendary but troubled playwright who arrives in a small Michigan town at Christmastime to mount his latest play. His jaded cynicism is challenged by the wide-eyed enthusiasm of the young writer who meets him at the train station. Great writing and first-class performances – a must-see for theatre buffs.
HALF WIDOW
Director: Danish Renzu
Country: India, Running Time: 91 min
Amid the backdrop of the Kashmiri conflict, a young woman must come to grips with the disappearance of her doting husband and embarks on a harrowing journey of self-discovery. UCLA-educated Kashmiri native, Danish Renzu, directed the film with passion, portraying the Kashmir culture, and instilling in the viewer the hope he has for justice and peace in the region.
HAWAII
Director: Jesus del Cerro
Country: Germany, Running Time: 116 min
The name of this film might evoke images of gorgeous beaches and luaus, but think again. This is the story of Andrei and his father Vasile, who live in communist Romania and can only dream of those images when they find out about an inheritance in Hawaii that they can’t accept since the concept of private property does not exist in communist Romania. But that doesn’t mean they are going to give up.
MAYBE A LOVE STORY U.S. PREMIERE
Director: Rodrigo Bernardo
Country: Brazil , Running Time: 100 min
Virgilio lives a controlled and organized routine until one day when he listens to a disturbing message on his answering machine. It’s Clara and she’s breaking up with him. But the problem is not the message so much as the fact that he has no idea who Clara is, or what happened! His friends call to try to cheer him up, his co-workers are worked up about him – oddly everyone seems to know about his relationship with Clara – except him.
NO ALTERNATIVE
Director: William Dickerson
Country: USA, Running Time: 97 min
William Dickerson offers up a personal coming-of-age drama based on his novel of the same name. He directed and co-wrote the screenplay based in the world of grunge-era teens in the early 1990s. Thomas Harrison (Conor Proft) is determined to start his own alternative band after the suicide of Kurt Cobain. It’s an obsession that blinds him to his sister’s worrisome, but exciting development as she takes on the persona of a ‘gangsta’ rapper. Their self-absorbed middle-class parents are equally blind to what’s really going on. Features music by Grunge-era standouts like Mudhoney, Failure, and Superdrag.
WOMAN AT WAR
Director: Benedikt Erlingsson
Country: Iceland, Running Time: 100 min
“Is there anything rarer than an intelligent feel-good film that knows how to tackle urgent global issues with humor as well as a satisfying sense of justice? Look no further than Iceland filmmaker Benedikt Erlingsson’s gloriously Icelandic (for lack of a better adjective), near-perfect follow-up to OF HORSES AND MEN, featuring an environmental activist modestly taking on the world, one electric pylon at a time.” (The Hollywood Reporter, 5/13/18) Three musicians and Ukrainian singers whimsically accompany the action, and lead Halldóra Geirharðsdóttir’s performance is pitch perfect in this memorable adventure/comedy.
DOCUMENTARY FILM COMPETITION
ACCIDENTAL CLIMBER
Director: Steven Oritt
Countries: USA/Nepal, Running Time: 64 min
A retired forest ranger from Sacramento embarks on a quest intended to take him from weekend hiker to world class, record-breaking mountaineer. Follow Jim Geiger from California to Nepal’s Himalayas as he pursues the ultimate physical and mental test of his life. Driven by a desire to prove that age is just a number, Jim pushes his body to the limit in the quest to summit the world’s tallest mountain. What follows is an engaging story of self-discovery and the challenges he never expected to encounter.
AFGHAN CYCLES
Director: Sarah Menzies
Countries: USA/Afghanistan, Running Time: 90 min
From rural cycling clubs to a new National Cycling Team, a handful of women in Afghanistan are ushering in an exciting new era for a country slowly awakening to global influence and inevitable cultural change. Bravely challenging all the norms, these young women are breaking deep-seated gender taboos simply by learning to ride bicycles, to say nothing of the competitive world they are also entering. Sarah Menzie’s eye-opening and inspiring film beautifully documents the indomitable spirit of a small but powerful group of athletes who hope to make the journey easier for future generations.
AGAVE: SPIRIT OF A NATION
Directors: Nick Kovacic, Matt Riggieri
Countries: USA/Mexico, Running Time: 78 min
Exploring the phenomenon of the fastest trending alcohol spirit in the world, this documentary takes us on a journey to discover the roots of Tequila and Mezcal, in the world’s most bio-diverse landscape. In Mexico, families have been passing down the tradition of distilling agave for generations, at times, even clandestinely. From the alluring red highlands of Jalisco to the rugged mountains of Oaxaca, the film follows three producers – Carlos, Graciela, and Aquilino – in this burgeoning renaissance. Discover how one delicate plant can carry the weight of a nation and the people trying to protect it for the future.
A GIRL NAMED C
Director: Emily Kassie
Countries: USA/Canada, Running Time: 70 min
Bravely addressing one of the most pervasive and taboo subjects in this country, A GIRL NAMED C tackles child sexual assault head-on in this sensitive and touching documentary. C was raped in her New Jersey elementary school by another 11-year old student. After being denied justice and resolution and dealing with extreme PTSD, with the help of her very supportive family, C is determined to share her story. Her drawings and poetry beautifully illustrate and animate her inner life and what it means for a child to live through trauma.
BIAS
Director: Robin Hauser
Country: USA, Running Time: 88 min
SLO Film Fest alum and professional speaker, Robin Hauser (CODE: DEBUGGING THE GENDER GAP) is back with another thought-provoking documentary, and this one even features local resident Blake Irving. As humans we are biased, yet few of us are willing to acknowledge it. We confidently make snap judgments, but are shockingly unaware of the impact of our assumptions. This fascinating film takes us on a journey to uncover hidden biases and explore how unconscious bias affects relationships, workplaces, our justice system and technology. “Bias” contemplates whether it’s possible to de-bias our brains?
CAMPESINO
Director: Mia Tate
Countries: USA/Cuba, Running Time: 90 min
Two hours west of Havana, in the rust colored fields of Vinales, famous for growing the best tobacco in the world, Salt Lake City resident and amateur photographer Carl Oelerich introduces us to the Campesino life. For 15 years, sneaking into Cuba and photographing this culture has been his passion, returning to the same people year after year. Through his relationships and striking black and white images, we meet a cast of characters whose candid conversations overflow with insight, hardship, humor and gratitude.
CHINA LOVE
Director: Oliva Martin-McGuire
Country: Australia, Running Time: 86 min
Just over 40 years ago, marriage in China was arranged by the state. Romantic love was seen as a capitalist concept and was simply not allowed. Wedding photography (if there was any) consisted of one black and white passport photo of the couple (dressed in Mao-style outfits) as proof of the marriage. Now, China has fallen in love with love and its exploding wedding industry is worth $80 billion! Pre-wedding photography is one of the most significant and curious new fads. From underwater shoots to international backdrops, the possibilities are unlimited for soon-to-be, and long-wed couples.
THE CREEPY LINE
Director: M.A. Taylor
Country: USA, Running Time: 80 min
THE CREEPY LINE reveals the stunning degree to which society is manipulated by Google and Facebook, and blows the lid off the remarkably subtle – and powerful – manner in which they do it. The links you click, the websites you visit, the searches you’ve done for cars, vacations, clothing, and maybe most disconcerting, the Gmail address you use on a daily basis. All of this is recorded and stored by Google. Facebook? That’s a whole other matter!
DELICATE BALANCE NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE
Director: Guillermo García López
Country: Spain, Running Time: 83 min
Set on three continents, this thought-provoking movie explores several issues that threaten humanity. African residents risk their lives trying to cross the Melilla border to freedom in Europe. Japanese executives are caught in a vicious cycle of corporate jobs and consumerism, without time to enjoy life. Families in Spain live on the streets, due to their nation’s economic downturn. The stories are engagingly woven together by José Mujica, former president of Uruguay. He poses profound questions for all of us yet offers hope for those who never give up.
FINE LINES
Director: Dina Khreino
Country: United Emirates, Running Time: 96 min
What could compel us to abandon our most basic instinct for self-preservation? It’s not about adrenaline or thrill-seeking. There is something far deeper that drives the world’s most elite group of mountain adventurers to take life threatening risks. For nearly three years, filmmaker Dina Khreino followed 20 world-class athletes to learn what compels them to leave behind families, friends and every day comforts to risk everything for a fleeting glimpse into the unknown.
GENERAL MAGIC
Directors: Sarah Kerruish and Matt Maude
Country: USA, Running Time: 93 min
Before the Web, before Google, before 3G, General Magic shipped the first handheld wireless personal communicator in 1994. Spun out from Apple in 1990 to create the “next big thing,” its employees gave birth to ideas that now dominate the tech industry and our daily lives – from that first smartphone to social media, e-commerce and emoji. Although the company didn’t survive – right idea, wrong time – it’s one of the legends that define Silicon Valley. This entertaining documentary combines rare archive footage with employees’ contemporary stories. It’s an inspiring reminder on why failure isn’t the end, but actually the beginning.
HARVEST SEASON
Director: Bernardo Ruiz
Country: USA, Running Time: 100 min
This behind-the-scenes documentary chronicles the lives of Mexican-American wine producers and migrant workers in California – their hard work, artistry and the struggles they face both economically and politically to survive. Their poignant stories are intimate and emotional, heightened by unpredictable weather, labor shortages, immigration crackdowns and the devastating 2017 wildfires in the Napa and Sonoma Valleys that ravaged vineyards and killed 43. The film opens your eyes to the lives behind the bottles of wine we enjoy – and sets the stage for much larger stories about migration, politics and the American Dream.
LEFT ON PEARL
Director: Susan Rivo
Country: USA, Running Time: 55 min
In 1971, we were a long way from gender equality! Abortion was illegal, women’s shelters did not exist and married women couldn’t open a bank account without their husbands’ permission. This documentary is about the movement that changed all that. Focusing on a highly significant but little-known event in the history of women’s liberation, this is about the takeover and occupation of a Harvard University-owned building by hundreds of Boston area women. For 10 days, the women demanded a Women’s Center and low-income housing; their passionate stand brought about important and lasting change.
LIGHT IN THE WATER
Director: Lis Bartlett
Country: USA, Running Time: 75 min
In 1982, the inaugural Gay Games made headlines and became the inspiration for a small group of gay men in Hollywood to create the first openly gay masters swim team in the world. Lis Bartlett’s exceptional film documents this lesser known slice of history, from the founding of the West Hollywood Aquatics, through the AIDS epidemic, to the wedding of two members soon after marriage equality became legal. LIGHT IN THE WATER profiles the athletic powerhouse that fought injustice in the world of competitive sports and ultimately became a family, as they set new records in more ways than one.
LIVE THE STREAM: THE STORY OF JOE HUMPHREYS
Directors: Meigan and Lucas Bell
Country: USA, Running Time: 92 min
The film follows 86-year-old Joe Humphreys, the charming teacher, author, mentor, athlete and environmental activist for one year both on and off the water as Joe shares the sport he loves – fly fishing – with others. From teaching youth to helping veterans, going after personal records, and spearheading a conservation dream – this character story will have the audience in laughter and tears. Far more than a fly fishing film, it’s an emotional and powerful narrative about aging, family, friendships and the power of positive influence, told by a man who has followed his calling for an entire lifetime.
MODIFIED
Director: Aube Giroux
Country: Canada, Running Time: 87 min
An official selection at over 60 international film festivals, and the winner of 13 awards to date, Canadian Aube Giroux’s first-person documentary takes us on a quest to find out what’s in the food we eat. Why are genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) still not labelled on food products in North America, even though it’s the norm in 64 countries? Anchored in Giroux’s loving relationship with her mother, a passionate gardener and food activist, the filmmaker weaves together a touching, entertaining, artistic, and well-researched investigation that reveals a strong case for a more transparent and sustainable food system.
SATAN AND ADAM
Director: Delila Vallot
Country: USA, Running Time: 79 min
In 1986, when harmonica player Adam Gussow asked if he could jam with one-man band Sterling “Mr. Satan” Magee, it was the beginning of an unforgettable collaboration – dubbed Satan & Adam. Amidst the racial tension in New York City, this Jewish Ivy League grad and black Mississippi blues man made an unlikely pair, but their musical stylings perfectly aligned. The result is an odyssey 23 years in the making that captures a miraculous journey of friendship, heartbreak and the transformative power of music. Premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.
SHARKWATER EXTINCTION
Director: Rob Stewart
Country: Canada, Running Time: 87 min
In this thrilling and action-packed journey from West Africa, to Spain, Panama, Costa Rica, France and back to California, filmmaker Rob Stewart exposes the massive illegal shark fin industry and political corruption that is leading to the extinction of sharks. Stewart’s gripping third film dives into the often violent underworld of the pirate fishing trade to expose a multi-billion-dollar industry. Thanks to his passion for conservation, more than 90 countries have banned shark finning but the battle is far from over.
THE SOCIAL SHIFT U.S. PREMIERE
Directors: Meaghan and Marie Wright
Country: Canada, Running Time: 75 min
Twin sisters and first-time filmmakers Meaghan and Marie Wright, join forces with indigenous social activist Joseph Huyer and set out in a motor home on a journey across Canada to capture the stories of changemakers who use business as a tool for social good. As they drive from British Columbia to Nova Scotia, they interview 50 people in 14 cities and nine provinces in six weeks, in their newly purchased 1991 Chevy RV. Hilarious, informative, engaging and heartfelt, their energetic journey will leave you feeling inspired and hopeful as you meet a lot of forward-thinking business owners who are not just in it for the money, but for the common good.
TIN CITY WORLD PREMIERE
Director: Dina Mande
Country: USA, Running Time: 80 min
In the heart of Paso Robles Wine Country there is a concentrated village – a wine region within a wine region – populated by rebellious, creative winemakers, brew and cider masters and distillers working at the razor’s edge of their craft. Upstarts and industry veterans work side by side to thrive together and make history. Welcome to Tin City, an industrial epicurean playground that has grown into a mecca for food and wine travelers from around the world. Paso Robles filmmaker Dina Mande profiles the creative souls who introduce us to their unique world of boutique wine, cider and craft beer.
THE TROUBLE WITH WOLVES
Director: Collin Monda
Country: USA, Running Tine: 56 min
Death threats, court battles and an iconic endangered species future balancing precariously on the tightrope of humans vs. nature. Collin Monda’s informative, well researched and beautifully filmed documentary takes an up-close look at the most heated and controversial wildlife conservation debate of our time. We hear from both sides – those passionate and mindful of the wolves and their natural habitat, and those equally passionate about their livelihoods challenged by the wolves’ predator instincts.
UNCRUSHABLE
Director: Tyler Florence
Country: USA, Running Time: 70 min
Late in the evening of Sunday, Oct. 8th, 2017, a series of wildfires ignited Northern California’s beloved wine country. Shocked residents who lost homes and businesses, first responders, chefs and winemakers share their harrowing accounts while the fallen community begins to rebuild. On Nov. 21, one very long table was set in a vineyard, on the Napa-Sonoma border, to bring together 500 community members, first responders and fire victims for a harvest lunch and fundraiser, spearheaded by UNCRUSHABLE director, Chef Tyler Florence, event coordinators and caterers. The spirit of community and healing is palpable in this inspiring story of loss and recovery.
WHAT SHE SAID: THE ART OF PAULINE KAEL
Director: Rob Garver
Country: USA, Running Time: 95 min
Pauline Kael (1919-2001) was likely the most powerful, and persona, movie critic of the 20th century. Writing for The New Yorker and publishing a dozen best-selling books, she ruthlessly pursued what made a movie or an actor’s performance work, or not, and why. She was both admired and despised amongst her readers. Her career began as the Hollywood studio system ended, and finished just as the digital age was born. The movies of the 1960s and ‘70s are the focus of this film that asks the question: What made Pauline Kael’s work so individual, so influential – and so damned good?
WHO KILLED LT. VAN DORN?
Director: Zachary Stauffer
Country: USA, Running Time: 80 min
This is the fascinating inside story of Lt. Wes Van Dorn, a 29-year old U.S. Naval Academy graduate who died when the helicopter he was piloting crashed off the coast of Virginia during a 2014 training exercise. Motivated by grief, his wife Nicole sought an explanation for the cause of the crash and in doing so, began to uncover the murky inner-workings of the American defense establishment. Through incisive reporting and interviews with Van Dorn’s colleagues and family, this is at once a poignant picture of one family’s tragedy, as well as a frightening expose of negligence and denial.
Additional Narrative Features
LOQUEESHA
Director: Jeremy Saville
Country: USA, Running Time: 103 min
World Premiere
When a white man applies for a job as a black female radio talk show host, we aren’t the only ones surprised that he lands the job. But can he keep it while his real identity threatens to reveal itself? Carmel resident Jeremy Saville stars as the outspoken and lovable “Loqueesha” as well as directing, writing and producing.
MISTY BUTTON
Director:: Seanie Sugrue
Country: USA, Running Time: 87 min
After being asked to place a $10,000 bet on a racehorse by an old friend in New York, James and Eoin make the fatal mistake of finding other ways to use the money. But when the two hapless Irish emigres find out that Misty Button is a winner against extreme odds, they have some explaining to do.
Additional Documentary Features
RODENTS OF UNUSUAL SIZE
Directors: Chris Metzler, Jeff Springer, Quinn Costello
Country: USA, Running Time: 71 min
The residents of Louisiana never know what will attack them next: floods, hurricanes or monstrous swamp rats! Gigantic orange-toothed nutria are breeding out of control in the Gulf area and it’s become a serious threat to local residents. In this man vs. rodent battle, bounty hunters defend their land, culture and way of life. Warning: Animals are harmed in this film.
SOBRIETY ROAD
Director: Jody Belsher
Country: USA, Running Time: 74 min
Featuring many San Luis Obispo County residents, this documentary explores the world of addiction and the challenges on the road to recovery. Offering insights, experience and hope, individuals bravely share their stories and take us on a journey filled with possibilities.
SHORT FILMS
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
BYE BYE NOW (2009)
Directors: Aideen O’Sullivan, Ross Whitaker
Country: Ireland, Running Time: 14 min
CHOCOLATE (2017)
Director: Chao Li
Country: USA, Rnning Time: 21 min
THE FRANK ANDERSON (2006)
Director: Dave Perkal
Country: USA, Running Time: 13 min
GOD OF LOVE (2010)
Director: Luke Metheny
Country: USA, Running Time: 18 min
LAMBING SEASON (2015)
Director: Jeannie Donohoe
Countries: USA/Ireland, Running Time: 15 min
MISS SHADE IS MISSING (2009)
Director: Eddie Rosenstein
Country: USA, Running Time: 13 min
TANDEM (2013)
Directors: Matthew Douglas Helfgott, Jared Hillman
Country: USA, Running Time: 10 min
URBAN FOREST (2013)
Director: Lauren Schwartzman
Country: USA, Running Time: 21 min
NARRATIVE SHORTS
#TTYL
Director: Allyson Wegner
Country: USA, Running Time: 5 min
40 MINUTES OVER MAUI
Directors: Michael Feld, Josh Covitt
Country: USA, Running Time: 13 min
THE BEACON
Director: Chris Staehler
Country: USA, Running Time: 27 min
THE DINNER GUEST
Director: Dale Griffiths Stamos
Country: USA, Running Time: 13 min
A DOOR CLOSED
Director: Teri Bayus
Country: USA, Running Time: 14 min
THE DRINK
Director: Cosima Spender
Country: UK, Running Time: 12 min
DUCK DUCK GOOSE
Director: Shelley Thompson
Country: Canada, Running Time: 7 min
DUKE
Director: Thiago Dadalt
Country: USA, Running Time: 16 min
EVERY OTHER WEEKEND
Director: Josh Victor Rothstein
Country: USA, Running Time: 18 min
THE INTERVIEW
Director: Nate Duncan
Country: USA, Running Time: 14 min
JAMES JOYCE’S THE SISTERS
Director/Writer: Matthew Eberle
Country: USA, Running Time: 18 min
KING OF COMFORT COURT
Director: Freddy Gaitan
Country: USA, Running Time: 7 min
THE LITTLE PRINCESS
Director: Jason Maza
Country: UK, Running Time: 9 min
THE MATCHMAKER
Director: Leonora Pitts
Country: USA, Running Time: 11 min
MEN OF VISION NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE
Director: Frank Todaro
Country: USA, Running Time: 19 min
THE MODERN LIVES
Director: Bill Plympton
Country: USA, Running Time: 30 min
MORE MILK
Director: Johnee Gange
Country: USA, Running Time: 40 min
NIKKI
Director: Kyle Plummer
Country: USA, Running Time: 7 min
THE PHARAOHS
Director: David Malouf
Country: USA, Running Time: 18 min
POZOLE
Director: Jessica Mendez Siqueiros
Country: USA, Running Time: 10 min
PRIZEFIGHTER
Director: Lyndon Barrois
Country: USA, Running Time: 6 min
RANI
Director/Writer: Hammad Rizvi
Country: USA/Pakistan, Running Time: 14 min
REBOOT
Director: Ellen Osborne
Country: USA, Running Time: 4 min
ROCKSTAR
Director: Tane McClure
Country: USA, Running Time: 6 minutes
THE SILENCE OF OTHERS
Director: Lisa J. Dooley
Country: USA, Running Time: 16 min
SOPHIE’S QUINCEAÑERA WORLD PREMIERE
Director: Keith Powell
Country: USA, Running Time: 12 min
TRUMP BITES
Directors: Bill Plympton, David C. Roberts, Billy Shebar
Country: USA, Running Time: 5 min
TWO BALLOONS
Director: Mark C. Smith
Country: USA, Running Time: 9 min
UNORGANIZED CRIME
Director: Nick Vallelonga
Country: USA, Running Time: 30 min
WATCHTOWER
Director: Noel Braham
Country: USA, Running Time: 13 min
DOCUMENTARY SHORTS
A RACING HEART
Director: Andrew Dickhout
Country: Canada, Running Time: 15 min
BAND GEEKS WORLD PREMIERE
Director: Morgan Elliott
Country: Canada, Running Time: 44 min
BECOMING RICH
Director: Carlos Plummer
Country: USA, Running Time: 24 min
CASCARON
Director: Casey McGarry
Country: USA, Running Time: 16 min
DUST RISING
Director: Lauren Schwartman
Country: USA, Running Time: 25 min
GAMBATTE KIMASHITA: JAPANESE FLOWER GROWERS OF THE SALINAS VALLEY
Director: Eric Palmer
Country: USA, Running Time: 25 min
IN THE PATH
Director: Neal Rabin
Country: USA, Running Time: 9 min
THE LAST HARVEST: YOU CAN’T GROW WITHOUT CHANGE WORLD PREMIERE
Director: Alexis Spraic
Country: USA, Running Time: 20 min
MIMI VANG OLSEN: PET PORTRAITIST WORLD PREMIERE
Director: Anthony Maranville
Country: USA, Running Time: 33 min
RECLAMATION: THE RISE AT STANDING ROCK
Director: Michele Noble
Country: USA, Running Time: 22 min.
THE ROMANCE AND REAPING OF RIVEN ROCK
Director: Tina Love
Country: USA, Running Time: 32 min
RUNNING MAN OF PASADENA
Director: Brett Nicoletti
Country: USA, Running Time: 11 min
SELLING LIES
Director: Leslie Iwerks
Country: USA, Running Time: 31 min
TAKE THE HILL
Director: David Holbrooke
Country: USA, Running Time: 24 min
TINO
Director: Robin Hauser
Country: USA, Running Time: 16 min
THE TRAFFIC SEPARATING DEVICE
Director: Johan Palmgren
Country: Sweden, Running Time: 15 min
TRANSFORM U.S. PREMIERE
Director: Marie Wright
Country: Canada, Running Time: 25 min
TRANSFORMATIONS
Director: Alonso Mayo
Country: USA, Running Time: 39 min
TRIAL BY FIRE
Director: Alex Astrella
Country: USA, Running Time: 14 min
FILMMAKERS OF TOMORROW SHOWCASE
Elementary School
HI! SIRI – OH NO – IT’S MOM
Directors: Bo-Yu LIN, Shuo-Heng LI
Country: Taiwan, Running Time: 9 min
THE MAN BEHIND THE MACHINE
Director: Kai Monge
Country: USA, Running Time: 3 min
MR. ORANGE AND BABY SNOT
Director: Kana Hutchens
Country: USA, Running Time: 2 min
SUNSHINE
Director: Donghai Su
Country: Taiwan, Running Time: 2 min
Middle School
NEVER ENOUGH
Director: Isabella Masrouga
Country: USA, Running Time: 2 min
SINGLE PLAYER
Director: Isabella Masrouga
Country: USA, Running Time: 3 min
SOUND OF SILENCE
Director: Per Johnson
Country: USA, Running Time: 3 min
High School
BACKYARD WILDLIFE
Director: Emmet Arries
Country: USA, Running Time: 9 min
THE COMPLEX
Director: Riley Stewart
Country: USA, Running Time: 2 min
DETOUR
Director: Grant Kaufman
Country: USA, Running Time: 6 min
THE DOCTOR
Director: Morgane Guérin
Country: France, Running Time: 2 min
GROWTH
Director: Nina Rafique
Country: Canada, Running Time: 1 min
HEARTH
Director: Max Shoham
Country: Canada, Running Time: 1 min
HOURGLASS
Director: Izabela Vidovic
Country: USA, Running Time: 5 min
OUR PLACE
Director: Justin Castillo
Country: USA, Running Time: 5 min
RUPAYEE
Director: Bala Sai Karthik Ch
Country: India, Running Time: 9 min
SATSUMA
Director: Alex Matthew
Country: Scotland, Running Time: 4 min
THE SIGHT YOU GAVE
Director: KyliaLaMure
Country: USA, Running Time: 9 min
TAKEOUT
Directors: Brendan Hickey, Rachel Warshaw, Claire Kilkenny
Country: USA, Running Time: 5 min
WAVY HEAD
Director: Max Shoham
Country: Canada, Running Time: 5 min
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