AFI Fest this year screened 137 films (93 features, 44 shorts) representing 53 countries. The program included 14 official Best Foreign Language Film Oscar??submissions. I managed to make it to 18 films (17 features) during my time at the festival. My top films for the festival were (in the order I saw them): What Will…
The final day at AFI Fest gave me a chance to finish off with two more films before I made my way home to a more reasonable schedule and eating habits. Both films played before good sized crowds for a Thursday afternoon. Claire Denis?s Bright Sunshine In (aka Let the Sunshine In) (World Cinema section)…
Before each screening at the festival there is a short promo for AFI which is celebrating its 50th year. It features its three purposes: to preserve film?s history, to honor those who have achieved high levels of artistry, and to educate. The promo has three brief clips: Robert Altman talking about his vision (preserve), Sidney…
1971 was a year of turmoil in many places. But most of that seemed far away from a village in Switzerland. Life just goes on there. But there is to be an election about giving women the right to vote. (Of course, only the men will be voting on this issue.) In The Divine Order an unassuming housewife must take on a leadership role in the women?s suffrage movement in her locale.
There comes a time at a festival when you?re standing in line and someone asks what you?ve seen that?s good. You know you?ve seen a lot of movies when you can?t remember the titles anymore. It?s a good thing I take a notebook with me. Claire?s Camera (World Cinema section) from South Korean director Hong…
Dickens?s A Christmas Carol is a well-loved story that has had various screen and stage versions and has become as much a part of Christmas as a cr?che. The Man Who Invented Christmas is the story behind the story. It is a combination of a look at Dickens, his creative process, and enough of the…
When I arrived at Hollywood and Highland on Sunday morning, there were some people on the street organizing a march about sexual assault and harassment in the entertainment industry. News in recent weeks has been full of stories about the issue and social media filled up with ?me too? comments. It is indeed a serious…
The first full day for the festival took me on a trip around the world. That?s one of the values of film festivals, we get to see other lands and cultures without the expense and time of travel. (Not that I wouldn?t love being able to go to so many places.)
Hannah is something of a masters acting demonstration by Charlotte Rampling.
AFI Fest 2017 Presented by Audi runs November 9-17 in and around the Hollywood and Highland complex (also home to the Academy Awards). For those in the L.A. area, tickets for the festival are free, but you must go online to get the tickets. Besides bringing a variety of films from both established and new filmmakers, AFI Fest is a celebration of the history of film
