The Philadelphia film festival can be, in a word - overwhelming to try and attend. It spans almost two weeks and runs in several theaters throughout the city. I have seen incredible films at this festival in the past. But rather than the random chance of picking a night at the movies and seeing if you can get tickets, the best way to enjoy this festival is to do a little research and plan a few purposeful days of film. To help with your quest to find some films worth scheduling your life around seeing - I have a few recommendations.
My first choice for a night at the movies would definitely be "The Brothers Bloom." This film, directed by Rian Johnson (director of Brick, 2005), stars Rachel Weisz, Adrien Brody, Mark Ruffalo... but in my opinion the real star of this film - is cinematographer Steve Yedlin. I am a dorky huge fan of Yedlin's work. He also worked on Brick with Johnson, but it was his brilliant work on the film "Conversations with Other Women" that really caught my attention. (The entire film was shot in split screen!) I had the privilege of working with Yedlin on the upcoming film Tenure - and my dorky fan-hood is only more solidified. I know that this film will be absolutely beautiful, but after talking with Steve on set about the making of this film - I have every expectation that it will be a fun and entertaining story to watch as well.
"The Brothers Bloom" is showing at the Ritz 5 on Monday, March 30, 2:15 PM ($8), as well as at the Prince Music Theater on Tuesday, March 31, 9:15 PM ($10).
For a true film festival experience, my next recommendation is a film called "Goodbye Solo." I first heard about this film from a producer I worked with on Dare, Jason Orans, and it looks like it's going to be a fantastic story. Award-winning Iranian-American director Ramin Bahrani’s (Man Push Cart, Chop Shop) will be in attendance for both showings. Getting to meet and talk with the filmmakers themselves is the quintessential film festival excitement. It makes a film so much more to know in some way the people who made that story come to life.
"Goodbye Solo" is playing at the Ritz East 2 Monday, March 30, 7:00 PM ($10) and Tuesday, March 31, 2:15 PM ($8).
Another film I have to mention is a love-story called "No Boundaries." This film, directed by Jake Willing & Violet Mendoza (who will be in attendance at the March 28th screening along with cast members), stars Dani Garza (pictured above). Garza is an incredibly talented actress who I've had the chance to work with several times in commercials produced in the area. I am looking forward to seeing her career blossom. This is a first film for Garza as well as for the films directors, but already it has sold out it's Saturday showing and has added a Sunday viewing for the rest of us who haven't had a chance to get tickets.
"No Boundaries" is playing at the International House on both Saturday, March 28, 7:00 PM (sold out) and Sunday, March 29, 2:00 PM.
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2 comments:
Just watched "Conversations with Other Women" again the other night. Loved it. Definitely want to go see the new film!
Neeka, thanks for the tips! And I adore your writing style, in your own voice, "Dorky Huge," indeed.
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