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indie film

Virtual Cinema – Watching New Indie Films at Home

April 23, 2020 by Darrel Manson Leave a Comment

Independent and foreign films can often be hard to find unless you live in a big city or college town that has an art house. But with theaters closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are lots of new indie films that are available for streaming.

Distributers and art houses have teamed up to release independent films that were slated to be in theaters. Instead of having to track down where you can see such smaller films, now they will come to your computer. The films rent for $10-12. The rental fee goes to help the local cinema that has been closed for the pandemic.

My local art house is the Laemmle chain, which currently has 32 titles to choose from. But there is probably a theater near you that you can go to their website and find a list of films either available now or coming soon. (In fact, the Laemmle page people who aren’t in the area from using their site to rent the films. There is a place to help you locate a closer theater for you to help support.)

C’mon. You know you’ve seen just about everything that interests you on Netflix and Amazon Prime. Why don’t you expand your horizon? Take in some of those quirky films! Visit another country without leaving your house! Become an indie film aficionado! Now is your chance.

Filed Under: News, VOD Tagged With: indie film, Theaters

Building The Florida Project: 1on1 with Sean Baker

October 13, 2017 by Steve Norton 2 Comments

http://screenfish.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/1on1-wSean-Baker-director-THE-FLORIDA-PROJECT.mp3

Directed by Sean Baker, The Florida Project tells the story of 6-year-old Moonie (Brooklynn Prince) and her relationship with her young and impoverished mother Halley (Bria Vinaite). However, pulling back the camera, the film also shines a light on the lives of the ‘hidden homeless’ outside Orlando, Florida. Having no permanent address and residing in local motels, these homeless individuals and families struggle to survive from week to week. Because the issue is rarely spoken of in the public eye, Baker says that he was completely unaware of this problem.

“My co-screenwriter, Chris Bergoch, brought this issue to my attention [and] He knows what I’m looking for,” he recalls. “This is our third time collaborating together on a screenplay…  I had no idea about the issue of the hidden homeless. I hadn’t even heard that term before and he was showing me articles about how there were families living with children living in budget motels right outside the parks in the tourist capital of the world, Orlando, Florida. We started doing more research and realized it was a national problem:  Boston, San Bernadino, Boston, etc. These are basically families who are technically homeless because they can’t secure permanent housing… They’re literally one step away from being on the streets so I wanted to explore that in the area that Chris showed me, in Kissimmee in Orlando, because of that very sad juxtaposition of homeless children living outside the place that we associate most with children.  The happiest place on Earth.” 

“In that way, [we hope that] the audience will pick up on the fact that, if this could happen right here, it could happen anywhere.”

Having spent a great deal of time with the families that live in these Florida hotels, Baker feels strongly that many of them have been driven into these situations as a direct result of the financial crisis of nearly a decade ago.

“There’s a plethora of reasons why they’ve fallen into the situation that they’re in,” he argues. “Someone asked me who the villain is in the film. I think they were baiting me to point at the corporations or the new administration. But I was like, you know, there are two villains:  the recession of ‘08 followed by the housing crisis that continued right after it. It had an effect that continues to this day. The way that it affected families, individuals, local businesses, local governments and even corporations. People are still living in these situations so it’s something that I felt was an important enough issue that had not really had a light shined on it and this was my way of doing that.”

While hardly new to the independent film industry, Baker is perhaps best known for his previous directorial effort, Tangerine.  In fact, he acknowledges that it was the breakout success of Tangerine that helped pave the way for The Florida Project to become a reality.

“This actually came before Tangerine,” he says. “We’d been trying to get money to make this for a while, close to six years perhaps.  We were looking for money at the time Beasts of the Southern Wild came out so we thought it might be a little too close which might have been why it was so difficult to get funding.  And then, I made Tangerine and that opened doors for us.”

Though some might be frustrated by these delays, Baker believes that they actually benefitted Project by allowing all the proper elements to fall into place.

According to Baker, “Some people talk about serendipity or ‘things that are supposed to happen’ but, if we made this film six years ago when we initially wanted to, Brooklyn [Prince] was only 1 years old. Things happen for a reason and so I’m really happy it took this long. Over the years that we were thinking about it, I think my vision became stronger with it.”

Despite their vast differences, Baker also recognizes a relationship between both Tangerine and The Florida Project through their use of style and theme.

“Without having made Tangerine first, it would be a very different movie because of that style we used [in Tangerine] where we went with comedy first and foremost to deliver the message, that dictated the way we made this film,” he reflects. “I think we’re telling a universal story in a community that not many people know about or have been underrepresented in film and television. I think that might be the common thing and [of course], the stylistic approach is where the commonality is.”

Through his use of humour within the film, Baker manages to bring a sense of light to an otherwise dark situation. By focusing the narrative through Moonie’s eyes, he allows the characters in the film to reclaim a form of innocence that seems infectious.

“It is very bleak, especially for an adult in full consciousness,” he notes. “That’s one of the many reasons that we decided to focus on children because children are children, no matter where they are or what sort of situation they’re in.  There’s still trying.  There’s still that sense of wonderment.  They use their imagination to make the best of the situation they’re in and that’s what we were trying to show.  Even though this girl lived right outside of these parks and the Magic Kingdom and these amusement rides, they were inaccessible to her yet she was able to turn every day into that.  She was able to turn the parking lot into an nice little amusement park or visiting the cow pasture in the back of the motel was her way of going to the safari.”

Ultimately, however, Baker believes that Moonie’s relationship with her mother, Halley remains the foundation of hope for her in the midst of these painful situations.

“There was a way that this little girl was always able to make the best of things and it was with the help of her mother. Her mother, who comes across as… rough, aggressive, but there is a real love—a maternal love—but she is doing what she can do to always keep her child’s spirits up and make the most of it. Always keeping a smile on her daughter’s face and that’s what I saw on the faces of many of the residents there and I wanted to capture.”

As for the actual residents in these Florida motels, Baker feels that genuine hope exists. With an overwhelming response of support from businesses and local administration, he has noticed a difference in these communities in recent years.

“As far as hope in more realistic terms, all I can say is this:  I do see a change,” he states. “I do see agencies in the area, non-profits, philanthropists, the local government all working together to try to eradicate homelessness in that area.  Even Disney itself has contributed.  In one of the largest charitable contributions by the private sector to eradicated homelessness ever, they gave half a million dollars to the towards the Homeless Impact Fund in Central Florida. So, everyone is trying and that I see as hope.”

The Florida Project is in select theatres now.

Filed Under: Film, Interviews, Podcast, TIFF Tagged With: Beasts of the Southern Wild, Bria Vinaite, Brooklynn Prince, Chris Bergoch, Disney, Disney World, hidden homeless, homeless, Independent Film, indie film, Orlando, Oscars, Sean Baker, Tangerine, The Florida Project, Willem Dafoe

Elizabeth Blue: Loving on the Fringe

September 21, 2017 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

Elizabeth Blue tells the story of a young woman (Anna Schafter) struggling with tremendous mental health issues.  Living with her devoted fiancé Grant (Ryan Vincent), she is plagued by hallucinations and voices in her head to the extent of emotional paralysis.  Finally, with the help of her new therapist, Dr. Bowman (Adewale Akkinuoye-Agbaje), she begins to gradually face her inner turmoil in an attempt to find freedom from her deepest hurts and fears.

Based on the real-life events of writer/director Vincent Sabella’s journey with schizophrenia, Elizabeth Blue carries with it a deep sense of authenticity. While the pacing of the film can be slow at times, the strength of the performances keeps the film engaging and powerful, especially Schafer herself.  While she has been acting for some time, Elizabeth is Schafer’s first starring role. Taking on a character who struggles with such strong mental health issues would be a challenge to the most seasoned actresses but Schafer’s hard work and preparation shows as she imbues Elizabeth with humility, pain, and affection.  Roles like this carry with them a significant responsibility to a people group in unspoken pain and, thankfully, Schafer’s portrayal of Elizabeth appears both sensitive and honest.

The film itself is a reminder of the silent pain of so many others whose stories go unnoticed.  On the surface, Elizabeth appears quiet and inconspicuous yet, underneath, she is in constant emotional turmoil.  Her delusions range from the comfortable (including a poignant scene with a raccoon) to terrifying (such as her anxiety over train noises), pushing her sanity to the brink.  In many ways, she represents the unseen suffering. Her pain is immeasurable but completely contained within her, making it difficult for those around her to offer help.  Her mother is antagonistic and over-protective. Her previous therapist was unable to help. 

In fact, only Grant seems to be able to break through the bleakness of Elizabeth’s suffering, not by offering counsel but simply by accepting and loving her as she is.  Through his acts of unconditional grace, Grant offers her a safe space from herself.  The love he exhibits provides stability by listening to and standing with her in the midst of her inner turmoil.  By modeling God-like devotion, he provides an example of what it means to help those who struggle, remaining committed and supportive in the hardest of times.

Elizabeth Blue is a film that will surprise you, and not only through the story.  With strong performances from its leads, the film also serves as a cry on behalf of those screaming in silence.  While often ignored by the general public, Blue reminds us that there are many who require patience, grace and, most importantly, unconditional love in order to experience the freedom they so badly seek.

Elizabeth Blue will receive limited release on Friday, September 22nd and a wider release on September 29th.

Filed Under: Film, Reviews Tagged With: Adewale Akkinuoye-Agbaje, Anna Schafer, Elizabeth Blue, indie film, mental health issue, Ryan Vincent, schizophrenia, Vincent Sabella

I Do… Until I Don’t: Is Marriage Dead?

September 1, 2017 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

I Do… Until I Don’t follows a filmmaker named Vivian (played by Dolly Wells), as she’s making a documentary about marriage and its challenges.  She focuses her film on three dysfunctional couples – Lake Bell and Ed Helms, who are trying to have a baby, Amber Heard and Wyatt Cenac, who have more of an open relationship, and Paul Reiser and Mary Steenburgen, who have been married for a while, determined to prove that the concept of marriage is outdated. However, as their family struggles rise to the surface, each couple is forced to re-examine their relationships and challenge Vivian’s assumptions about the nature of marriage itself.

Written and directed by Lake Bell, the film has a solid cast (Where have you been, Paul Reiser?) and a unique tone.  By blending comedy and drama with documentary elements, the film seems to defy many of the normal conventions associated with any specific genre. What’s more, it also proves to be an interesting exploration of the nature of relationships.  Though the comedy and drama are obviously heightened circumstances (as they often are in such films), the dialogue between the couples still somehow feels authentic. In a credit to Bell’s writing, the arguments, mistrust, and even moments of grace that break in between couples manage to feel grounded in reality. In doing so, the film is able to effectively explore the complexities of relationships in a way that actually demonstrates the value of spending your life with another person.

While countless other films have looked at the ‘ups and downs’ of relationships, I Do… set itself apart by intentionally looks at marriage as a concept. Through Vivian, Bell focuses her lens on the question of whether or not marriage is an outdated idea or a remnant of an oppressive culture.  (After all, as Vivian would argue, shouldn’t all contracts have an expiry time?) As a pastor, I found it refreshing to see a film that reminds us the importance of honoring our commitments to one another, even when things get hard. While views on marriage have changed in recent decades, I Do… reminds us that there remains value in the concept itself, allowing for vulnerability and support between partners.

Without any spoilers, it was also interesting to see how Bell shows the value of marriage without pushing against those who choose to remain single.  Too often, rom-coms give the impression that ‘finding your soul mate’ is the only important thing in the world but Bell manages to avoid this trap by admitting that it isn’t for everyone as well. (Incidentally, this argument again points back to the seriousness of marriage itself.)

While the story for I Do… Until I Don’t can struggle at times, solid performances from the key cast and its unique structure help the film to remain entertaining. However, in the end, the real value of the film lies in its deliberate exploration relationships at a time when our culture takes it for granted.

I Do… Until I Don’t is in theaters now.

Filed Under: Film, Reviews Tagged With: Amber Heard, comedy, Ed Helms, I Do Until I Don't, indie film, Lake Bell, marriage, Mary Steenburgen, Paul Reiser, rom com, romance

3.24 Cruising with BABY DRIVER

July 10, 2017 by Steve Norton 2 Comments

This week, author Jeffrey Overstreet rolls in to talk with Steve about BABY DRIVER, Edgar Wright’s hit heist film!  This film has it all — action, romance and a fantastic playlist — but is there more to the story?  In a fun conversation, they talk about defining ourselves and what it means to be ‘good’.  Plus, the guys give their surprises of the year (so far) and most anticipated titles to come!

Want to continue to conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

3.24 Baby Driver

A special thanks to Jeffrey for coming on the show!

Filed Under: Film, Podcast Tagged With: action movie, Ansel Elgort, Baby Driver, car chase, Edgar Wright, indie film, Jamie Foxx, Jon Bernthal, Jon Hamm, Kevin Spacey, SXSW

Podcast: Ordering the [MIDNIGHT] SPECIAL

April 19, 2016 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

Midnight-Special-Movie

http://screenfish.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/2.13-Midnight-Special-Wade-Bearden.mp3

This week on the show, Steve Norton welcomes Seeing and Believing co-host Wade Bearden as they discuss Jeff Nichols’ MIDNIGHT SPECIAL. Plus, the guys offer up their Top 3 Sci-Fi films of the 21st Century!

Want to continue to conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

2.13 Midnight Special

Filed Under: Film, Podcast Tagged With: belief, Faith, film, indie film, Jeff Nichols, Joel Edgerton, Kirsten Dunst, Michael Shannon, Midnight Special, science fiction, SciFi

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